SATURDAY, NOV 1
Called and the first thing I asked was whether he carries OEM keys. I got a quote from the dealership ($140), and was shopping around for something more affordable. He said they carry the OEM key and we can inspect it before he cuts and programs, and he'll do it for $105.
Excited about the prospect of saving $35, I headed over to Pasadena. Once we get there, he explained that the spare that I had was the valet key, and that to cut a program a master key he would need to get the serial number, which would cost $130. Fine, whatever, let's do it. He opened up a package, had us inspect that it was an OEM key, and we agreed to have it made. 20 minutes, he said.
Once we agreed to cut the key, he walked us over to a Persian restaurant he owns next door, and lets us wait there (***SHADY***). He asked what nationality we are, and that Chinese people absolutely love Persian food. Yes, I do, but I don't like the feeling of being forced to eat at your restaurant.
About an hour later, he comes to the restaurant to get us, and show us the key is functioning properly. We pay $130 + tax, which ends up being the exact same price as the dealership (should have gone there instead!).
SUNDAY, NOV 2
The next morning, I took the key, and noticed that it was NOT and OEM Honda key. It was some generic, logo-less key. Flabbergasted, I called them on Sunday and the son said his dad was not available. I asked him to have him call me back, and he said okay.
TUESDAY, NOV 4
Me: Why haven't I heard back from your dad?
Good Key (Mike): He cannot communicate over the phone, so there is no point in him calling you.
Me (silently): Why didn't you say that in the first place?
Mike: I spoke to my dad, and he said what happened was he messed up when cutting the key, and had to switch the case out, but the parts inside are still OEM. You can open it up and take a look if you want. ***SHADY***
Me: Why didn't you tell me that on Saturday instead of letting me walk out with something I didn't pay for? I specifically requested an OEM key.
Mike: The key works fine, just like an OEM would.
Me: No, it will affect me when I sell the car.
Mike: I'm willing to work with you. We can refund $20 to your original payment method or you can come in and we'll switch out the case.
Me: Okay, I want to come in and switch out the case. How are you going to compensate me for my time and gas?
Mike: We cannot compensate you for that. You just want a discount.
Me: No, I do not want a discount. I want and paid for an OEM key, you gave me a non-OEM key, and now I have to spend time and money to correct your mistake. Is that fair?
Mike: You can mail in the key, and we'll pay for it.
Me: Mail gets lost all the time. Are you going to compensate me for the time spent mailing it?
Mike: No, we cannot do that.
Me: I paid for an OEM key. You deceived me and gave me something else. If you don't want to right the wrong, I will have to request a charge back from the credit card company.
Mike: We deal with charge backs all the time. We have your signature. You will not win. ***SHADY***
Me: Oh, so you're quite familiar with the business of deceiving people?
Mike: We run a restaurant. We have your signature.
Me: Well if that is how you want to proceed, then that's fine.
(Click)
TLDR
1. He charged more than agreed to over the phone.
2. He switched out the key deviously without letting us know.
3. Even though he agreed that it was his mistake, he did not offer compensation for time and money we needed to correct the mistake.
CONCLUSION: Honestly, the whole thing feels shady. read more