Had a small scrap in the bumper of my car. An auto body shop suggested I try having it buffed out and if that didn't work they could repair for $500.
I visited Route 41 Car Wash and was charged $30 to buff out the scratch. It did not take the scratch completely out. Counter clerk suggested I utilize Dalton's Mobile Auto Body, as he was good, they had his flyers (which gave a free car wash with their service). I was also told many employers utlized this service and were very satisfied.
I phoned "Dalton", he said he would come right over and give me an estimate. He showed up in a white van with Florida license plates. After estimating two hours and $365 to fix the bumper completely, I agreed and off he went with my car. I then noticed he had bought his girlfriend along and she to left in my car (first sign of unprofessionalism-but i try and give people the benefit of the doubt).
After 2.5 hours, Dalton phoned. I had left for an appointment after he did not return in the 2 hours promised. A friend at my home took his call. He advised my friend that two clips were missing from the bumper and he could fix them if I would like. He could obtain the parts at a fabricated price and it would be $50/hr for the extra labor. My friend agreed (not knowing anything about cars).
Three hours later Dalton returned and charged my friend $800 dollars for the full job. He stated the clips were expense parts, he also stated that the paint would need to dry and he would return within two weeks to buff out the dryed paint.
I returned home learned of Dalton's story and immediately took my car to the dealership and had the clips/parts he replaced estimated. The retail price was $7.65. So two clips at a whopping $15.30 plus $25 for the extra half hour in labor - $800 NOT! I phoned numerous times, visited Route 41 car wash (who advised me that even though their logo appeared on his flyers and that they suggested this service with a free car; it was not their company. Futhermore, they had no address, last name or additional contact information. They were promiting a non-legitimate business.
After numerous phone calls, Dalton answered and promised that he would make me very happy the next day with the solution he had. Dalton never called, never answered the phone. A month later, I have a bumper that looks worse than before he took it, as he used the wrong color. I need to have the car repainted, he stole my $800 and Route 41 has only offered to forward his tax id number IF they can locate it.
So, to say the least, Maple Shade is a small town, I will drive down every street until I find his white van and serve him with civil court papers. If not, I would think that Route 41 has some liability, as they allowed him to utilize their logo (presenting this as business of theirs?) suggested, validated and praised his services. Are they in business to rip people off together? Beware!
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