Originally Posted By: leftlane
In the past Ive seen some people say they refuse to pay for the rags, hand cleaner ect. expenses, and that those are actually negotiable charges. Anyone here refuse to pay them, and if so do the dealers usually readily accept your refusal without any attitude or do you usually have to get hostile to get them to cancel the charges?
Couple years or so ago, went to a Midas for a cheapie, as advertised brake job. Wasn't in the mood to do it myself. Gal behind the counter soon advised me that the mechanic recommended that additional work needed to be done at additional cost.
Since I had already inspected the brakes before going in, I politely declined the mechanics recommendations, stating that if he would show me why he recommended it, I would consider it.
She stated that insurance regulations prohibited customers from going into the work area. So I steadfastly declined.
When I was later given the total charges, it was noticeably above their advertised price. even allowing for sales tax. I asked for a breakdown of the charges. Yep, a hefty fee was added for "shop charges".
Again, I respectfully declined. She informed me that they charge that on all services as a matter of policy to help defray incidental expenses.
I asked where thay had posted their policy so customers could know in advance they were being charged for things in addition to the advertised prices for the work performed.
She said they didn't. So I said I wasn't paying for it. She said the bill had already been rung-up and approved (credit card). I said I wouldn't sign it, cancel the charges, correct the billing, or get the manager. She said she was the manager. I asked if she wanted to be paid for the work or not.
She did. I signed the corrected bill. She thought I was an a$$. I thought much the same of their sneaky "policy".
Had it been posted in a conspicuous place at the service counter, I would have paid it.
