Bravo, Mr Oxroad, bravo!

On 2/9/06, Jeff Oxroad <Oxroad@aol.com> wrote:
>
> In a message dated 2/9/2006 7:58:20 AM Pacific Standard Time,
> MrNegNRG@AOL.COM writes:
>
> Like I  said, man do I feel stupid!
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "Meineke Discount Mufflers Shatters Prices!" Remember those low-budget TV
> ads from the 70s with some model with a deep southern accent in a bikini
> with a
> sledge hammer busting a plate glass window out of the front of the store?
>
> Maybe that would be fair recourse. Do you have a bikini?
>
> Much to our demise our culture loves to blame the victim. It culminates in
> us putting bars on our windows because otherwise we're shamed as
> being  stupid.
> It's not much of a plan in my opinion. The blame is always on the
> perpetrator.
>
> The point being there's no reason to feel stupid because you got  robbed.
>
> Call the state division of consumer affairs and call the better business
> bureau armed with the dealer prices for the parts. There's no reason a
> discount
> shop should be charging you double what the dealer charges.  Find out from
> these agencies how to proceed and/or file a complaint.
>
> I went through this with my Vanagon when I dealt with the schiesters
> at  Fast
> German Auto in Santa Ana, CA. I got the appropriate information form the
> consumer agencies and Fast German very reluctantly agreed that I may have
> had a
> point. They were not happy with me and were rude, but I wasn't looking to
> become  friends with them. I have friends. I treat them well. I also treat
> scheisters  well, but I wasn't content with them ripping me off.
>
> I called Fast German and told them my problem. I heard their side of the
> debate and let them talk and talk and let them dig their own hole. When
> people
> are ripping you off they love to talk on and on about how their not rippin
> gyou
> off. That's a sure sign they are. After they were all talked out--prompted
> only  by one sentance from me-- I said, "I hear what your saying and I
> have to
> disagree. When I spoke with the Division of Consumer Affairs they  advised
> me...."
>
> These rip off places take advantage of people because customers come in
> and
> are civilized and polite. Then they hope the customer will feel shamed and
> quietly take the criminal activity they're doling out.
>
> You merely trusted a mechanic with your car which is the way it's set up.
> For them to rip you off is on them.
>
> So again, my advice call the appropriate consumer agencies, then call the
> guy with a polite and civilized list of questions. "I think there must
> have been
> a mistake on my bill. I'm probably wrong, so maybe you can explain how it
> works  to me. Vw charges half of what you charge for brake pads, brand new
> drums
> from  an aftermarket supplier cost $26 each, and I called a couple of
> shops
> which  charge X for all the labor you did, yet you charged triple."
>
> Meineke "A lot and I mean a lot of double-speak." If there's on thing
> criminals like more than ripping you off, it's explaining to you how
> they're not
> ripping you off.
>
> Then you calmly and professionally drop the, (do your best not to get
> angry
> and not to raise your voice. You are explaining the situation like you are
> the
> teacher.) "I hear your position. But naturally I am not satisfied. I spoke
> with  the divison of consumer affairs and the BBB and they advised me...."
> Then
> explain WHEN you go to small claims court you will be armed with estimates
> from  other mechanics in the area and a price list from VW and a local
> parts
> store  which will speak to a more reasonable cost for the work and parts
> supplied. Tell  the guy normally you'd let it go, but as the father of a
> young
> daughter soon to  be out on her own I have an obligation to teach her how
> the world
> sometimes  works and how this will be an intersting experience for both
> you
> and your  daughter since neither of you have ever been inside a
> courthouse.
>
> The mechanic will be a little angry but my guess is you'll never have to
> go
> to small claims court. He'll probably call you a so-and-so and say he'd
> rather
> give you some money back rather then lose a day going to court. He'll talk
> about  the problem with "people like you." And he'll never be your friend.
> But
> you  don't need friends like him. You need the situation to end in a way
> that's satisfying to you.
>
> So, if the guy decides to hold his position on ripping you off, you
> then  can
> decide on your own (after you're off the phone) whether to go through with
> the small claims court. In the meantime it's just cost you the time of two
> phone  calls to the consumer agencies and the call to "mechanic." Maybe
> just
> making the  call will be enough satisfaction. Maybe you'll wanna go to
> court. Or
> maybe he'll  refund some of your hard earned money that he was so
> determined to
> rid you  of.
>
> I say do it all as an experiement to see what happens and how you
> feel  after
> the task. We all already know what it feels like to get ripped off. This
> might feel better.
>
> That's my two cents.
> Best,
> Jeff
> 83.5 Westy
> LA,CA
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com