I am reviewing this location based on my experience with the General Manager, Mikael, on 1/31 and 2/1/16. I called the location to inquire about an alignment for my truck. I asked Mikael if they accepted competitor coupons. he said that he would honor the particular coupon I referenced. I also asked about an inspection for my other car and an oil change. I asked for pricing for both and was quoted $49.95 + fees for inspection and $32.99 for LOF, synthetic blend. I asked about competitor coupons, and there own for this, and was told that they would not honor some coupons, due to corporate restrictions. Fine, I booked the appointment for that after noon and took my truck to them.
Upon arrival I was met by Chris, tire manager, told him I spoke to Mikael. Mikael came into the conversation and I asked him why he told me a higher price than their own coupon. He told me it was a fake by someone at Acme Supermarket across the street. when i tried to show it to him, along with a few competitor coupons he got very rude and belittling. He tried to tell me that all the coupons that i got, from competitor websites, were fake. Then started talking to me like i didn't know a gas cap from a steering wheel. Surprise, I been a mechanic for 30 years. I've owned my Automotive Speed and Hot Rod shop, been a Store Manager for competitors and I am currently a Regional Operations manager for "the largest transmission repair shop in the world" aa "beep beep" mco.
When I showed him the coupons he stated that they would not accept a competitor coupon for less than their posted prices. By this time I was thoroughly frustrated, but since i had installed a new front suspension on my truck the day before, i really needed the alignment, so I left the vehicle.
Upon returning home I called every other Firestone in the surrounding counties and found out that they DO accept competitor coupons for face value. having learned this I got even more upset at how disrespectful Mikael was to me.
I called another location, Montgomery Mall, and set up inspections and LOF for the next morning for my wife's car.
I picked up my truck on Monday morning, having had to take the day off to run around for the other repairs, since I now knew that i could not trust Mikael. I paid for the LTA (lifetime alignment) $191.00, on my truck and headed for North Wales, Within 2 blocks I realized that the alignment was worst than when I dropped it off on Sunday. It was trying to change lanes on it's own, pulling hard to the right. I called Mikael and his response was "that's why it has a warranty". When i asked how long it would take to correct the problem responded "Like I tried to tell you yesterday at least 2-3 hours. Do you want to bring it back?" At this point I was livid! I was able to keep my composure and then asked him about the lying, disrespect and total lack of Customer Service that he provided. He got made and told me "I'm done with this and I'm done with you", and said to come get my money back and take it somewhere else to fix.
I called the corporate offices and spoke to Chris, District Manager for Firestone. he truly sounded embarrassed by how I was treated. He told me to keep the appointment at Montgomery Mall, if i wanted to. Boy am I glad I did! However, that's a different review.
From my perspective, the problem is simple, the manager does not value his customers, nor does he respect them. He fails to understand that customers are not as loyal as they were 30-40 years ago. If your Grandpa went to a particular shop, usually the son/daughter went there as well. Nowadays, you have to fight for every customer. I know this from where I work.
just so you know when Montgomery Mall performed their alignment check, they found that the alignment was out .15 degrees, which on an alignment is huge. It will make your vehicle change lanes by itself rather quickly.
I will not ever recommend this location to anyone. Nor will I return. Such a pity, I have a lot of family and friends in the area, that need the services that my center do not offer. read more