I took my car in for a pre-inspection in July, admittedly a little early, because I was trying to…read morebe prepared while switching everything over from another state, including getting my car registered and inspected. The staff was very friendly at first, and I specifically brought my car in for a pre-inspection so I would know exactly what needed to be addressed before the actual inspection.
I was given a list of items that needed to be fixed, including the windshield wipers. I took care of everything on that list, and when I went back for the inspection, I was called and told that the car would pass -- except that I now needed a new driver's-side windshield wiper and an entirely new windshield.
I was honestly speechless. I had paid them specifically for a pre-inspection and followed the information they gave me so I could avoid this exact situation. The pre-inspection itself only cost $15, but the principle of the situation was much bigger than the cost.
When I started asking questions, the woman at the counter became very defensive. I eventually asked if I could receive a refund for the $15 since the information I had been given during the pre-inspection was inaccurate. She immediately started yelling at me and said, "If you went to the doctor and they misdiagnosed you, would you ask them for a refund?" My response was simply, "You're not a doctor."
If they had simply acknowledged the mistake, refunded the $15, and handled the situation professionally, I would have been more than willing to move past it and continue giving them my business. Instead, the way the situation was handled left me feeling completely dismissed and disappointed.
What made the situation even more frustrating was that after my phone conversation with the woman at the counter, her husband -- I assume -- called my boyfriend's parents to discuss the situation. I am a grown adult, and my name and phone number were both provided on my paperwork. I found it extremely inappropriate that they chose to contact someone else about an issue involving me as a customer.
When I eventually went into the shop, I waited while they were helping another customer. While I was waiting, I overheard them discussing that they don't really care about inspecting the rear windshield wiper. That was particularly frustrating because my boyfriend had previously been told that he needed to replace his rear windshield wiper in order to pass inspection. I had also just heard them tell another customer that the rear wiper wasn't required and that they don't check it.
I did ultimately pay for my service, and I apologized for becoming frustrated because I understand that everyone has bad days. I also explained that, for me, this was about the principle of how the situation was handled. Unfortunately, this also wasn't the first time I've heard of similar situations involving people I know or am affiliated with.
I don't expect a business to be perfect, but I do expect accurate information, consistency, and basic customer service when something goes wrong. A simple acknowledgment of the mistake and a little professionalism would have made a huge difference.
Unfortunately, based on my experience, I will not be returning, and I would not recommend this business to others.
