On Dec 23, I went to Tires Plus Store #2050652 in Duluth Ga. To have my vehicle aligned. I had just replaced the upper and lower ball joints (I did the work) and knew the alignment was out. When I returned later, the manager, Mr. Deric Nagle said that I needed outer tie-rod ends and presented me with an estimate of $426.50 to replace the tie-rod ends and align the vehicle.
I bought the new ends and when I pulled the first end, it was evident that they were not bad at all. I already had both wheels off and it's no big deal to change ends and I intend to keep the vehicle, so I installed them anyway. The entire job took 1/2 hour. It is no big deal if you have the tools, and I do.
I took it back to Mr. Nagle and told him that I had installed them and also showed him the old tie-rod end and commented that I was not happy about spending $90.00 unnecessarily. They are only $45.00 each not the $99.74 each as in his estimate.By the way, my price was with a lifetime warranty.
He never checked the old tie rod end but immediately informed me that the alignment would be $74.99 instead of the $54.99 stated as standard alignment charge. Because, and I quote" I installed my own parts". I was being penalized because I did my own work. The parts totaled $90.00, not $199.48 and it only took 1/2 hour to install. At $202.19 for 1/2 hour of work, thats $404.28 per hr that I made.
When I picked up the vehicle, I explained my situation to the man who seemed to be in charge (Mr. Nagle was not there). I related my story to him (name unknown) and to his credit he reduced the price to the standard alighment charge.
In the lobby, there is a sign that says " 50% off on alignment upon APPLICATION for a Tires Plus credit card ". Note: the word application. It was very close to closing time but I said to give me an application. I was told that it only applied upon ACCEPTANCE. I said, so call and I will wait. This did not go over well, but he did call and I was accepted for a credit line of $1,800.00.
So he reduced the price to $29.99. That price from $426.50. No thanks to Mr. Nagle. Also, the sign needs to be changed. I went to a web site called consumer complaintss. Out of 425 complaints on tire companies that also do mechanical work, Tires Plus was # 1 with 91 complaints with is 21%. Of these 91 complaints, 42% were for services or parts that were not needed. (yes, I read them all).
This location has had a different manager every few months so it seams. This manager is not starting out well. I can't blame him for not checking everyones work, but charging me expressly for me doing my own work ($90.00 not necessary, but on his recommendation.) is inexcusable.
The tech should be fired. One of my sons is an ASE Master Tech so I know the game. I am 78 years old and probably look like an easy mark. But as a mechanic, a machinist, engineer and General Mgr. Of a machine shop, I am the wrong person to try to con on mechanical repairs.
As I was leaving, a man who appreaed to be "low man on the totum pole ", told me" I found a nail in one of your tires and fixed it at no charge". Now that is customer relations! He will probabloy be fired for not charging the usual $25.00, but if he is, I will know about it and stir the pot again.
Across the street, Kauffman Tires fixes flats for free. When I receive my credit card, I will cut it up as I will never return. I only used it to get the discount. You have not only lost a 5 year customer with two vehicles, but also my brother-in-law who has been doing business with that store since it opened. He has three vehicles and was told that he needed spark plugs for a tune-up on his diesel truck!!!
Bad management starts at the top!!! All because you tried to rip me off for a couple of hundred dollars. Should my claim be contested, I will be glad to supply a copy of the original estimate and I still have the original tir-rod end.
Copies are be sent to the following:
Derek Nagle
usacomplaints.com
Tires Plus consumer affairs office
Bridgestone Investors Relations
Better Business Bureau (Gwinnett County)
Duluth Chamber of Commerce
Clark Howard
Upshur
Duluth, Georgia
U.S.A.
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