NEVER AGAIN! Stopped in to Firestone in Maryville a few weeks ago and asked them to just check the tires on a 'new to us' car we bought from my little sister. They did that - for free. Awesome, right? Asked them about tire rotation, as those new tires (when we bought it) now had about 4 to 5,000 miles on them' the tires all said 'FireStone' on them. The service guy looked... and said 'yes, free rotation... no problem.' We left happy - would have given a great review that day, if asked.
However, TODAY... a couple weeks later, my nearly 60 year old wife took the car in, by herself, to get the 'free' tire rotation they told us about. A different guy, same location, today told her there would be a $20 charge (just to rotate the FIRESTONE name brand tires) because 'we' didn't buy the tires there... and my sister's phone number wasn't in 'their system' (she bought them at the Navy base in Washington just a few months ago - because my wife flew out to Washington to drive the car back here (to E. TN)). $20 to JUST ROTATE (plus tax, minus a veteran's discount; my wife & I were in the AirForce). They did nothing else... but tried to up sell her for a LIFETIME ROTATION (as long as 'we' owned the vehicle) for $63+ tax). Also tried to TALK HER INTO an alignment 94.99, or a LIFE TIME FRONT END ALIGNMENT ($199.99)... and also tried to sell her ONE NEW TIRE, because he claimed that one tire was 'worn' more on 'one side.' Mind you, these tires have about 6,000 miles on them. Guess they are heavy on commission now, because he was sure busy trying to sell... and apparently the guy thought MY polite, nearly 60 year old, wife would be a good target. I've NEVER EVER been treated like that... and am appalled they treated my wife (and our money) that way!
There are MANY GOOD TO GREAT tire businesses that do FREE ROTATION... especially when the tires are THEIR BRAND. How much more obvious is four newish tires, less than 10k miles, with FIRESTONE written on the sides, needing a quick rotation? Apparently, the Maryville Firestone feels they are the only option in town? Seriously, within 20 minutes of them I can think of at least 6 competitors... and one of those will be getting our business in the future. NEVER FIRESTONE! Not again! BLEW IT BIG TIME by trying to take advantage of my wife! Clearly, I can't trust them to be right - fair - or aware, without pushing upselling - my wife, sisters, daughters, or apparently many others!
Hey Firestone, how's the $20 of FREE ADVERTISING YOU'RE GETTING? SMH ~ If I can't trust you and your employee's with my wife, I sure can't trust you with my money! Seriously, Firestone - especially those people at the Maryville Auto Center ('care' is in name only)... will NEVER see a dime of my money EVER AGAIN! I have 6 vehicles and 4 trailers (boat, jet ski, utility, 42' 5th wheel) on my property right now; we have three small businesses, and kids... and know a few thousand people... and THE RESULT OF THEIR OVER CHARGING & OVER SELLING TODAY COST THEM! Free Rotation, as told to us a couple weeks ago, for Firestone branded tires, and your business would have EARNED A CUSTOMER (which, btw, I had done business at a few times over the last decade). Charging for a simple rotation for YOUR OWN BRAND OF TIRES cost you trust, respect, and business. Sure hope it was worth it!
I'm not amused or happy with the way they treated her like 'just the little woman!' Nor did they bother to ask if she were a veteran; AND apparently can't read well as they put down the wrong license plate number on the receipt.
Walk-ins are easy customer's... a business can earn to keep, or quickly lose. Today was your loss, and a damn expensive (to you) $20 charge. read more