I called yesterday to bring my car in for an inspection. I've used this place for years mainly because I'm in their database, so I felt it's easier on both of us that way. I wanted to come at noon the next day. The person I spoke with (I presume the owner) started yelling at me that they eat lunch at noon, and accused me of not knowing that. So I asked what time, he said 1:30.
So I arrive at 1:40, the office is closed because of the pandemic. There is a sign to call the office number. I call. Get disconnected. I call a second time. Get disconnected. I walk around back and see a mechanic walking out from the bays. I tell him I'm there for an inspection. He says call again. I call. Eventually I'm talking to the same man (owner). He can't find me in the database. Then he can.
He yells at me again, saying they are having lunch. I only say I'm here at the time he scheduled (not even attempting humor at how absurd it is to eat lunch at that time of day).
Then he goes on a rant for at least 3 minutes that I only come for inspections. He paints himself as an American hero, keeping every vehicle on the road and I am some sort of unpatriotic, horrible person for not letting him do repairs and maintenance on my car. I don't say a word.
He says he'll inspect my car, only because I made the appointment, but he'll never do it again.
A few minutes later, a nice, polite young man comes to get my car. He sprays the inside of the car door and steering wheel with disinfectant (after asking my permission). A few minutes later, he returns the car with a new inspection sticker, and politely gets me my change.
I don't go where I'm not wanted, and although I'm barred from this place, I don't consider it a punishment. Like I said, I felt it was a convenience to both of us since I'm in their computer system. I pass several shops that do inspections to get there. I won't be put out in the least next year, and I expect to get better treatment from his many competitors. read more
