Where do I begin. Perhaps I should grab a tissue, and tend to my tears. Had an unfortunate accident back in November. Having just moved back to Cincinnati, I had no point of reference of where to even begin to find a body shop. Luckily, I was referred by a lady named Jane. My family works in the textile business and has done upholstering and textile work with Jane for years. Now, I guess my biggest mistake was assuming Jane's husband, John, handled his business similarly to his spouse.
Boy was I wrong.
Took my car in to his shop the second week of December. December 9th, I do believe. Was quoted to have it done around Christmas. Called them the week before Christmas and they apologized and said it would be done by the New Year. Unfortunate, but not unheard of. Kept my patience.
Now if I must remind you-- It's nearing the last week of FEBRUARY as I write this post..
Every week since the "it'll be done by the new year" quote, we have called to inquire on the status of this vehicle. And every week before we pick up the phone we look at each other and cringe saying "hopefully not 'one more week;"
This is absolutely ridiculous behavior from any business. To be able to tell me how much my repairs and damage will cost and tentatively tell me when it will be ready is simple business 101. Being in business myself, I understand that things happen from staffing to shipments to just all around bumps in the road. But with every week that we call, whoever is speaking to us on the other line, is more and more defensive and full of excuses. He even had the audacity to try and "level" with my mother when she called and said "sorry we're just having problems with staffing and people showing up" I'm just failing to realize where that is the customers problem or even our business to know about your employees.
Anyway. Our original finish date was the week of Christmas. It's now been 8 weeks since Christmas. and 7/8 we were told "It will be done next week"
My only questions at this point are.. Do you know how many days are in a "week".
And where is John Hall, the business owner. Why is it that we've tried calling on different days, different times of day and different approaches to expressing our concern and frustrations with this company and never once has he been "available to speak at the moment"..
I sure hope he's been too busy personally putting my vehicle back together.
At this point, I've had to apply for my auto loan.. and it expired.. as loans expire after 30 days if they aren't used.. and reapplied for a personal loan just so I have the money whenever they decide to finally finish my car.. So in the mean time.. I'm paying double the amount of interest on a loan for a car I don't actually have yet.. and paying the expenses for a rental and it's maintenence for 2 MONTHS STRAIGHT while this terrible joke of a company holds my car hostage.
I'm even tempted to finally call and just take the car half done. Cut my losses.
I may just not understand how the auto repair business works.. but I know that when I'm spending $5,000 on anything, I deserve ANYTHING in return other than headaches and children whining their employees don't show up. .. Mind you, they've never called us.. we always have to call them.
Worst $5k I've ever invested so far. :/
Don't get your auto body work done by John.
and don't believe all these high recommendations. This was the first time I've ever brought a car into a new shop with such high hopes. The referrals and references were outstanding. Makes this blow extremely personal and upsetting. read more