My son has just moved to the Laurel area and wouldn't you know it, the car he borrowed from us let him down. He used his roadside assistance on his cell to have the car towed for service. He asked that the car be taken to the nearest garage due to distance limitations on his roadside assistance plan.
Well it turns out that Starting Gate owns the towing service so guess where the car was taken. Being new to the area, my son figured that place was as good as any. BOY WAS HE WRONG.
Starting Gate did their diagnostic tests and determined that the starter and battery cable were bad. He asked them to give a quote of the repair costs.
The quote came back at $600.00. I had replaced the starter my self just last year so I had an idea of the cost of parts and the time involved.
I advised my son to have someone else do the work or to do it himself. He asked if I would make the arrangements to have the work done for a lower cost and to settle up with Starting Gate by payment over the phone.
I then called another local car repair shop (a major national chain) located nearby. They quoted the cost for the replacement of the stater at $170.00.
My suspicions were confirmed.
I then spoke to Mr. Ken Ruehl the General Manager at S.G. And tried to negotiate a lower price. He gave me a long sermon about the quality of parts and workmanship he offered. When told him I was aware of all parts costs, labor time involved and his competitor's price, he graciously came down $100.00. Not good enough.
After receiving some lengthy advice on the economics of having the car taken to the reasonably priced competitor vs having his miraculous service, I suggested we settle the bill and have the car towed to the other shop.
I asked what he would charge to tow the car 3.4 miles to the competitor. Apparently his towing is also superior as he wanted $185.00. I had already checked with another towing company and they wanted only $85.00.
I advised Mr Ruehl that his prices were just a little out of line and I would just have the $85.00 guy tow the car. I then asked to proceed with payment and close our dealings. THAT'S WHEN THE REAL FUN STARTED.
Being ever the savvy businessman, Mr Ruehl told me he was not going to accept my credit card payment over the phone unless he got to do the towing. Furthermore, if the car was not off his lot by 6:00 pm he would charge storage. This was Friday and they were to be closed for the weekend.
My son's job is of a nature that he can not simply up and leave it when his car is held hostage. So the payment was not made and the car is stored for the weekend. KA-CHING!!! Mr Ruehl maximizes his profits.
I have checked with the B.B.B. And this company has earned their unsatisfactory rating. Mr Ruehl seems to have no problem with taking advatage of those who become involved with him. Worse yet, if you use your roadside assistance in his area you may helplessly fall into his web.
Avoid at all cost
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