I would not recommend Williston/Essex Safe Lock & Key to anyone. When I called, the man I spoke to was incredibly disrespectful, out of line, and, I believe, tried to take advantage of the young woman he had on the phone. Here's my story...
I am a twenty-six year old female with a 2002 Ford Focus which is on its last legs to say the least. I received my MBA (graduating with a 3.8 gpa) last spring. I am, it is safe to say, a relatively competent person.
I bought the car used in 2005 and it came with one key and when I tried to get the key copied, I found out it had a chip in it and that the copy would cost $100+. Because of this, I opted to take my chances with just one key. Irresponsible? Yeah, maybe ... but would you reprimand me for it?
Well, the gentleman at Williston/Essex Safe Lock & Key who picked up the phone mid-afternoon on Thursday June 9th 2011 certainly did. Apparently, the most common problem in Ford Focuses from 2000-2003 are broken ignition locks. I had finally hit the point where the tricks Ben with AAA had shared with me no longer worked. When I Googled my predicament it seemed that every Ford Focus owner was having the same problem and a locksmith was the solution. The trick was that some of these Focuses had chips in their car (a glass chip if you care to know), like mine, and sometimes it meant waiting for the right ignition lock to be ordered and delivered. Alright, fine. I'd done my research, understood what I was reading, and was ready to call a locksmith and take care of the problem.
I called Williston/Essex Safe Lock & Key because they happened to be located the closest to Hannaford. A gentleman answered the phone and I explained my situation - that my 2002 Ford Focus was stuck in the Hannaford's parking lot, that I'd read this was a very common problem, the key did have a glass chip in it, and then asked if he thought he could fix it. As if I had never proven my understanding of the situation, the man I spoke to proceeded to tell me that this was a very common problem, that he fixed these all the time, asked what year my car was because some keys had chips in them and some didn't, and then asked where my car was. Despite my distain for having to repeat myself, I was at this guy's mercy and answered all of his questions. I was then told that it would cost $250 and all off-site service jobs had to be paid in cash. I told him I didn't have that money available today but could call him in the morning. "Well, you have bank card or a credit card don't you? Just go to an ATM." Shocked, that he had attempted to become my financial advisor I told him I'd have to transfer money and would call him in the morning; all the while thinking, "Use my credit card at an ATM? Sir, are you insane!?"
Unfortunately, that was only the beginning...He then asked if I have a spare key. I said no, the car only came with one key. "Well it came with one key but you should have gotten another one." "Well," I said, "it has a chip in it" and before I could finish he interrupted with "it has a chip in it, yeah, and it's expensive but it's less expensive than losing the only key you have. You could have at least gotten a copy without a chip to open the doors." I then, very politely, disgusted with his mannerism, told him I did have a spare non-chip key. He then continued to lecture me on how gentle I should be while trying to get my car started and when I got it home keep it in the ignition turned but to disconnect the battery so it was easier to get it going in the morning. I know the basics of cars, but really just the basics. So while leaving the key turned in the ignition (which would mean the car is running) and disconnecting the battery may be a totally fine thing to do, I'm going to put it out there and say I don't think it's a good idea.
We had finally hit the point where he continued to repeat himself in his sexist, egotistical, demeaning tone, I just I said "I'll figure it out and call you in the morning. Thank you for your time" and hung up. I then called Dion's in Burlington, rattled my same speech, and the gentleman that I spoke to immediately treated me as an equal. My competency was clear and it was time to talk towing logistics and business. It cost me $100 with Dion to get this done and they were the most professional, fair, and pleasant individuals.
I do not appreciate being spoken down to because I sound like some dumb girl who doesn't know better. I do know better - chances are I know better than you do. So do not treat me like you're better than me, do not take advantage of me because I am a woman, and do not lecture me in your condescending tone on how I conduct my life because it is absolutely none of your business.
If you run a business, you should be professional enough to understand that you need to sell your services. You should be experienced enough to understand that the customer makes the ultimate decision if they'll go with what you have to offer or look elsewhere. read more
