Who likes to play dumb?

[garfunkle24]

Another thread that referred to dishonest techs got me thinking.

I'm one of the many people that has a job title that's way fancier than the actual job (I'm a glorified mechanic).

I like when a vehicle salesman or mechanic tries to bulls#$t me. I wait and let them go on with the whole and complete line of BS. Upon leaving I hand them my business card that says 'Technical Service Manager - Canada'. Quite a few red faces have occured at this moment.

My question is am I the only one who enjoys this ever-so slightly childish guilty pleasure, or are some of you other experts or tradesmen in on the game too?

 

[krusty the clown]

it's not just the auto trade. my sons furnace went out so he calls a HVAC company........they tell him it can't be fixed and it will cost $3000 to replace it.


i replaced the blower control........it cost him $40.



i hate a crook.......

 

[Paladin]

Yeah, I love to go into gunshops and have salesmen talk down to me...

 

[orangeastre]

For years I was the shop foreman/senior installer......

I was the only guy in the shop.

It did come in handy when Toyota was trying to avoid covering warranty on an alternator.They asked who installed the remote starter and when I told them I did it they basically told me that those item's unless professionally installed voided the electrical warranty,I proceeded to mention the magnus-moss act and hand him my business card,problem solved.

 

[krusty the clown]

Yeah, I love to go into gunshops and have salesmen talk down to me...

i took a really nice remington 30express into a gun shop wanting to trade it off. the guy tells me it's worthless because it's just a sporterized enfield.............i knew he knew better. i learned a valuable lesson that day

 

[Paladin]

Yeah, doesn't surprise me a bit. Most folks aren't educated when it comes to the value of their firearms and get raped when they sell used. Unlike most things in life, quality guns and tools hold their value very well. Most folks don't know this and get taken advantage of. I had a friend try to sell a pre-Series 70 Colt National Match 1911 at a gun shop in Vegas. Fortunately he called me from the shop. They were going to give him $200 and he thought that sounded a little low. Even in the mid-90's that was a $800-$900 pistol.

 

[nissan_crawler]

it's not just the auto trade. my sons furnace went out so he calls a HVAC company........they tell him it can't be fixed and it will cost $3000 to replace it.


i replaced the blower control........it cost him $40.



i hate a crook.......

By far, the worst industry for that. No offense to rickairmedic on here, he's one hell of a guy, but he's a rarity in his field.

My a/c ***** (what I was on the phone with rick about, when I'm too far to even be a customer ). I called around and EVERY shop in town had the same line:

"How much do you charge for freon and to service, my evaporator is freezing?"
"Well, that depends on how many hours it takes."
"How many HOURS?"
"Well, we have to replace the furnace filter first."
"I just put a new one in a few days ago."
"Well, we have to do it."
"Ok, that still doesn't take hours."
"Well, then we have to clean your condenser and evaporator."
"Yeah, that was the first thing I did when it acted like that."
"We have to clean it ourselves."
"Then what?"
"We have to make sure the expansion valve is adjusted properly."
"It's been that way for 28 years, I'm pretty sure the adjustment is fine."
"Well, it could have came out of adjustment."
"What am I looking at for a total charge here?"
"$350-500 to get it service."
That was the standard answer for 30 shops.

Igniter went out midnight on a Friday night. I finally found a mobile tech that was out...
"I should be done here in 5-6 hours and can put it in."
"Yeah, the furnace has been off all day while I was at work apparently, it's cold in here. I already have the old one out, I can just pick up the new one and pay you for it."
"Well, I have to install it."
"What?"
"It's policy."
"How much for that?"
"Well, it's $75 for the igniter, but it's a minimum one hour charge, but since it's after hours, it's double time, so it'll be about $250."
I lit the damn furnace with wood matches and long needlenoses that weekend, found a part on Monday for $60.

The recent one was the furnace combustion fan...

"How much for a combustion fan for ******?"
"Well, the fan is $200, but we have to install it, that will be at least one hour labor."
"What? It's 4 screws and 3 wires. I already have the old one out, it took me 5 minutes, I'm not giving you $80 for that!"

I finally found out who supplies them with parts, woke up at 10 am, went there and got a fan for $145, and had the furnace running by 11:30am.

I REALLY hate (most of) the HVAC industry.

 

[krusty the clown]

it's sad that honesty and integrity are the exception not the rule.........

 

[LoneGunman]

I don't know of any service company (HVAC,plumber, electrician) that does not charge an hour minimum unless they are "flat rate" companies, deal with a flat rate company and then youll really be screaming "thief". It's also standard to charge 1 1/2 times the hourly rate for overtime and weekend work. I'm glad we do, it gets me out of 99% of service calls when I am on call. Once they hear $127.50 to come out for up to one hour and $127.50 for every portion of an additional hour after that they usually decide to wait until Monday.

Saying a whole furnace HAS to be replaced rather than replace a part should be considered theft, or attempted theft.

 

[Rigmaster]

Once again proving that knowledge is power.

I only wish I had the time/patience to learn about all the different mechanical things in the world. Hell, not being able to trust repair shops is what made me start working on my own cars (well, that and being a broke-*** high school kid)...


I now know a couple of very knowledgeable and trustworthy auto techs, and a really good and trustworthy HVAC mechanic. If these guys tell me something, I take them at their word. Last time I had an HVAC problem, I just called my guy and asked him to take a look at it when he could, fix it if it was fairly minor or let me know if it was major. He got to my house about 3 hours later and fixed the problem for $150 parts + labor. Can't remember exactly what the problem was, but I feel it was money well spent.



I get calls/emails on a regular basis from friends and family asking for advice on their car repairs- it makes me mad how often a shop is obviously trying to shaft them, sometimes on purpose but just as often out of ignorance or stupidity.

A couple of years ago I got a call from an old family friend about his old BMW 320i. He bought the car new in '78 and handed it down to his son to drive. He called to ask if I would consider replacing the clutch, or at least looking at the car for him. Seems that the son took it to a local tire shop/repair chain when the clutch "went out". They told him it needed a new clutch (disc/pressure plate + throwout bearing), so they paid them ~$1200 to do that. Then when he went to pick the car up, it still would not go into gear. So they told him that the clutch master cylinder must have gone out on them- they replaced the master cyl and the clutch STILL would not work, so they told them they needed a slave cyl. They went along with it and paid another $600 for the slave cyl and master cyl.

I checked the repair records on the car, and it had just had a new clutch about 10k miles before, so there was no way the clutch needed to be replaced. I told the guy this and he asked me to type up a statement to that effect and he was going to send them a letter asking for their $$ back on the original clutch replacement.


They ended up getting $1200 back for the bogus clutch replacement and I made them promise to NEVER go back to one of those shady places again.


It baffles me that a "mechanic" would suggest that a new clutch was needed when the complaint was that the clutch would not disengage!! It's basic auto shop 101, it's not the cluth it's the clutch hydraulics!!!!!



EWWW, I'm mad just thinking about this ****!!

 

[Brad54]

When we were dating, I was out of town and called my fiance. She was in tears, because her car died ('88 Firebird) and had it towed to a shop. They told her it was the rotor in the distributor, and that she'd need a new cap, rotor, plugs and wires, and it would be a tick over $800.

When I got back in town, I went to the shop and asked to speak to the mechanic who wrote her the estimate--the young, single mom with the car that died and needed to be towed in. He gets all cocky, thinking I came in there to make points with the girl and he'd be able to shut me down. He starts talking down to me, I'm keeping up with him, and finally he says "Sir, do you even know anything about cars?"
At that point I'm irritated, so I pull out my wallet, and hand him the business card that says "Mopar Muscle Magazine, Technical Editor" and say "Yeah, I know enough about them to be the technical editor of a nationally distributed car magazine." He reads the card, and then says "Well okay. But do you actually work on any cars yourself, or do you just write about other people doing it?"
At that point I blew a head gasket. Slamming my open hand on his counter, I yelled "Get me your F'ing manager NOW." When he came out, I made sure everyone in the waiting room was crystal clear on the fact that the shop had tried to take advantage of a single mom.
I felt better.
-Brad

 

[Abodyracer]

Reminds me of when the transfer case on my brothers duramax would not shift into 4x4. Its electronically shifted, so we thought it might be computer controlled so we took it to Sid Dillion in Freemont, Ne. They take a look at it and said that the shift motor was fine but that the t-case was shot and would need to be replaced. Somthing inside went **** up and wore a pencil sized hole in the top of the case. The sevice mgr said that a new one would be cheaper than rebuilding. When we asked how much a new one cost he told us $2500. He even had a loaner car already set up and was trying to stuff the keys in my brothers hand. "Whoa hold a minuit, I need to get the money first. I'll let you know" my brother told him. We immediatly went to a mechanic freind of ours in Omaha and told him what the sevice mgr said. His responce was " Thats BS, I can rebuild it for about $700. Thats everything new but the case." He rebuild it and just used JB Weld on the hole.

 

[krusty the clown]

i wouldn't jb weld a case in a shop..........too much liability.

 

[autoace]

When we were dating, I was out of town and called my fiance. She was in tears, because her car died ('88 Firebird) and had it towed to a shop. They told her it was the rotor in the distributor, and that she'd need a new cap, rotor, plugs and wires, and it would be a tick over $800.

When I got back in town, I went to the shop and asked to speak to the mechanic who wrote her the estimate--the young, single mom with the car that died and needed to be towed in. He gets all cocky, thinking I came in there to make points with the girl and he'd be able to shut me down. He starts talking down to me, I'm keeping up with him, and finally he says "Sir, do you even know anything about cars?"
At that point I'm irritated, so I pull out my wallet, and hand him the business card that says "Mopar Muscle Magazine, Technical Editor" and say "Yeah, I know enough about them to be the technical editor of a nationally distributed car magazine." He reads the card, and then says "Well okay. But do you actually work on any cars yourself, or do you just write about other people doing it?"
At that point I blew a head gasket. Slamming my open hand on his counter, I yelled "Get me your F'ing manager NOW." When he came out, I made sure everyone in the waiting room was crystal clear on the fact that the shop had tried to take advantage of a single mom.
I felt better.
-Brad

It's real unfortunate some techs/garages are like that. I've seen many cases like that. Hell for 800 bucks you could overhaul the top end of a Firebird! I just shrunk my business. I'll be able to offer top notch work, at very reasonable prices. It doesn't pay to be dishonest and lose customers over greed. I like the mag you work for.

 

[dirtball]

I am an HVAC tech here in California and I go on calls all the time when people are trying to get a second opinion when they feel something isn't right with the first one.

I went on a call today where a lady was told by a tech from another company that all her ducts needed to be replaced (~$2000 she said) because she had rats in the attic and they destroyed them. True, there were rats in the attic but the only damage they had done was make a nest with some insulation from the plenum. I took my shop vac up there to clean up and replaced some insulation and everything was as good as new 30 minutes later.

It's funny how we have a couple of companies that are notorious for doing this around my area. Honestly I think they are great for my company. They try to rip people off, we take care of them and we get customers for life.

Edit: I just realized what my name is on this board. It has been a nickname since grade school and has nothing to do with my profession

 

[autoace]

I am an HVAC tech here in California and I go on calls all the time when people are trying to get a second opinion when they feel something isn't right with the first one.

I went on a call today where a lady was told by a tech from another company that all her ducts needed to be replaced (~$2000 she said) because she had rats in the attic and they destroyed them. True, there were rats in the attic but the only damage they had done was make a nest with some insulation from the plenum. I took my shop vac up there to clean up and replaced some insulation and everything was as good as new 30 minutes later.

It's funny how we have a couple of companies that are notorious for doing this around my area. Honestly I think they are great for my company. They try to rip people off, we take care of them and we get customers for life.

Edit: I just realized what my name is on this board. It has been a nickname since grade school and has nothing to do with my profession

But you vacuumed out the dirtball from the duct, so Mr. dirtball is a good thing in this case, right Welcome to the GJ

 

[Vinko]

They told her it was the rotor in the distributor, and that she'd need a new cap, rotor, plugs and wires, and it would be a tick over $800.

That shop had brass ones to give her that price.

Like you, I raised a stink in front of everyone when I found out that a shop right across the street from my parent's shop had charged my insuracne company for genuine honda parts for my car and and used knock-off parts.

I said: we've been letting you use our forklifts for years, and we're your neighbors you and you rip us off? I wonder what you do to people you don't know. Anyway, I reported him to teh insurance company, and a few years later, I suppose other people had done the same, he got arrested and indicted for insurance fraud. There was a lot more to the story that I wasn't privy to, but apparently, the guy lost his business and the building went up for sale.

Can't say I shed many tears for him.

 

[Vinko]

I just shrunk my business. I'll be able to offer top notch work, at very reasonable prices.

That's key I think. Low overhead if you can. Right now, we've delayed so many "improvements" that we've had to spend some money to get the stuff we need, but I'm a firm believer in charging a fair and reasonable price.

I know enough to know that I don't know that much about cars, but I've been forced to learn certain specifics (some engine, some cooling, some ****** work, some under carriage), and like to think that I can at least make an informed decision about repair work.

 

[Danglerb]

I don't need to pretend I'm dumb on plenty of subjects, but I do know a bit about BS, and what it smells like.

OTOH a bit of knowledge and you won't be happy with anything very often, and you get a pretty long honey do list going.

I've gotten so I tolerate paying for skilled labor ok, but I still have a REAL hard time paying a fair rate for labor AND premium prices for some pet brand the person insists on using.

I used to think that the internet would eventually close down the scammers, word would get around on the lousy people and nobody would use them. A year on Angie's list cured me of that notion. Problem is the average person doesn't have a CLUE about the quality or value of service they receive. Scammers are in business because they know how to convince people of whatever silly *** thing they are trying to sell.

 

[fatfillup]

For years had an auto mechanic next door who I trusted and did all my work. He went out of business sadly and I haven't found anyone to trust yet. I've been forced to repair most stuff myself because every time I take a vechile to a shop they try to hit a homerun. I have 6 vehicles (all older with high mileage) and don't mind you getting singles and doubles, but don't be greedy. I own a business and understand overhead and profit but the shops need to understand repeat steady customers need to be treated fairly. That said, anyone know a shop northwest of Baltimore MD that can be trusted, please PM me. Thanks fat

 

[superfish]

A little off topic but just to show that there are still some good shops around.
I moved from NY state to Vermont about 5 years ago. Unknown to me at the time I bought a house in the country next to the best mechanic's shop in the area. He never advertises, has no sign, he is reasonable priced and always scheduled full up. It took me about 2 months to realize that what looked like a bigger than average garage was really a full 6 bay shop.

BTW: I only do all my motorcycle work.

bob
"Live while you're alive"

1983 V65 Magna
1984 700cc Magna
1982 V45 Sabre (project)

 

[jerry j]

Reminds me of the time..........

I took my BMW into the dealer, because the A/C wasn't working...
Got a call later in the day from the "CERTIFIED TECH" saying that the compressor is shot and needs to be replaced.. Cost: $ 1,800.00..
Thanks, but no thanks...
Day or two later I took it to an independent foreign car repair shop for some other, minor work.. I mentioned to them that the A/C wasn't working..
Got a call back saying the car was ready to be picked up.. Noticed on the bill, A/C check --- No Charge.. Mechanic said he just plugged the compressor back in.... It was unplugged.....

 

[rsanter]

I do not like to tell people how to do their jobs (at first) and I do not like to brag to a stranger about what I know.
I will ask specific questions about what they think the problem is and what the fix is and if they cannot figure out from there that I know what I am doing then I really dont want them touching my stuff anyway

bob

 

[dxdexter]

I usually am aware of what may be in need of repair, or at least the general area, prior to asking for others opinions and price quotes. If they BS me then I just go elsewhere. I don't tell them off. I just say Thanks for your time and leave the premises.

 

[fireguy]

My girlfriend had a Datsun P-U, she took it to the dealership 100 miles away for service. She told them the transmission did not shift properly. They adjusted the linkage and she left. She got home and told me the transmission still did not shift properly. I looked at the work order and made a phone call to the local Datsun shop. the shop forman told me that model had a hydraulic clutch. Dee got her money back

I was Parts Mgr in a Chevy dealership. An older couple bought a used car, no warrenty. the car quit runing and the salesman (bosses kid)sold them a new engine. The old folks had to borrow more money for the repairs. When the mechanic started to remove parts, he pulled the distributor. the distributor had a broken shaft. I told the boss's kid about the distributor shaft. I was told we sold an engine, the distributor would be added to the bill. That was the last time I ever recomended the sales department to anyone.

When you find a service department that does a good job, and is honest, don't change service providers.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Yes, I've played dumb plenty of times, usually to the service managers at car dealerships. They love to try to sell you things the vehicle "needs" that are not under warranty when you bring it in for a repair that is covered.

 

[Defender Chassis]

Who's playin?

 

[speed bump]

I never really have to play dumb, I know the best AC guys, the best sheet metal guys, the best plumbers, the best electricians, the best transmission guys and the best mechanics in town so I save myself some time and annoyance.

 

[Vinko]

I usually am aware of what may be in need of repair, or at least the general area, prior to asking for others opinions and price quotes. If they BS me then I just go elsewhere. I don't tell them off. I just say Thanks for your time and leave the premises.

This seems to me the best way to do it. I'd say that I don't always know what's wrong, but if I don't have an idea, I can usually ask an uncle or my father and they'll listen or look and make a educated guess or just know, and I'll read the Bentley's about it. I won't go in spouting the manual, but it makes me feel more educated about the situation or at least able to discuss it with mechanic if I need to -- to follow his train of thought. Kind of like a doctor or lawyer -- they often speak as if you understand all their jargon. I don't, so I try to figure it out before hand or just ask.

But if I know or have good reason to know someone's full of ****, I go elsewhere.

 

[wrenchr]

A shop told my Wifes Aunt her car had a bad starter and it would cost $300.00 to fix!!
It was a loose ground wire plus a good cleaning on the cables.
That was the adventure for me today!!

 

[Stuey]

I tend to play dumb sometimes too, but only when I know for certain that I have the upper hand.

You would be surprised as to how much computer repair shops try to get away with as well. It really frustrates me when friends and family members go to a PC repair shop before first giving me a call. And when there's a software problem, the shop will often do a complete reformat to cut corners.

 

[jay50]

Friend called me a while back, said his Chevy truck ac had crapped out and it was going to cost him over $1000 to get it fixed at the dealer. He was enroute to the dealer to drop the truck off for repair and I convinced him to drive the 25 miles out of his way to my shop.
Within a few minutes, he was back to have cold ac after replacing a $10 Low pressure/cycling switch at the accumulator.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I played dumb just the other day. I'm a county tax assessor, but work full time for a living as an airline mechanic. Someone called the Assessor/appraiser office wanting to lower the value on a house they own. Listening to the conversation, and seeing the pic of it in the computer, I realized that I drive by the house every day. They told us the house was in bad shape (inherited place they have for sale) and that their "real estate agent said it wasn't worth much, not a dime over $??K (I'll leave that up to your imagination, never know who reads this board). Anyhow, I stopped by on the way home from work. I asked about the house and was told they turned down "low ball" offers that turns out, were equal to and several thousand more, than the "it isn't worth a dime over" figure. Never did get a hard price from them.

Kinda interesting to see how much a place is worth when its for sale, vs when the assessor is appraising it, in the owners eyes.

I've discovered, don't talk too much, you never know who you are talking to, and stick to the facts. Facts are indisputable (generally) and leave little to argue.

Charles