Tri-state (NY NJ CN) (relatively small) chain auto parts store. Those who live aroound here will know exactly who I am talking about. This is a copy of the letter sent to their customer service department today:
Hello
Yesterday afternoon just prior to the blizzard getting underway I visited the XXXX Auto Store on Route 46 Dover NJ and dealt with an older man (50's-60 years old) at the service counter. The service I was requesting was to mount and balance 2 snow tires on regular steel wheels, as well as install 2 new valve stems. The gentleman handed me a printout from the computer for $101.43. Having 4 cars on the road, mounting and balancing tires is a service I have performed at other locations several times a year, so I am aware of the approximate prices charged for these services.
My reaction to the price he presented was, "you just really do not want to do the service, do you?" His response was, this was the regular price, and this is what happens when you purchase tires from Tire Rack and want them mounted and balanced here.
Today, I took the tires to the local Shell station and the total price for mounting/balancing/new valve stems, out the door, including tax was $ 47.44
Let me tell you my thoughts:
Either the gentleman was price gouging because a large snowstorm was eminent, or he really has a problem with installing tires not purchased at his store.
Because of these actions, I will let you know, I will not be shopping at any XXX Auto stores in the future-you have lost my business for a lifetime, with the one simple action of this individual employee.
I will however, look for rock botom sale prices in your circular where I know I cannot find the product any cheaper, anywhere, but will NOT purchase anything else but what was on sale at that low price. I'll load up on buying the motor oil that is on sale at a really great price, pay for it using American Express, but will NOT buy the oil filters, wiper blades, or anything you count on people buying because they are in the store buying something on sale.
I have shared my experience will neighbors and friends at work as well.
I think XXX Auto should rexamine it's pricing policies and perhaps offer customer service training on a regular basis.
Steve
Hello
Yesterday afternoon just prior to the blizzard getting underway I visited the XXXX Auto Store on Route 46 Dover NJ and dealt with an older man (50's-60 years old) at the service counter. The service I was requesting was to mount and balance 2 snow tires on regular steel wheels, as well as install 2 new valve stems. The gentleman handed me a printout from the computer for $101.43. Having 4 cars on the road, mounting and balancing tires is a service I have performed at other locations several times a year, so I am aware of the approximate prices charged for these services.
My reaction to the price he presented was, "you just really do not want to do the service, do you?" His response was, this was the regular price, and this is what happens when you purchase tires from Tire Rack and want them mounted and balanced here.
Today, I took the tires to the local Shell station and the total price for mounting/balancing/new valve stems, out the door, including tax was $ 47.44
Let me tell you my thoughts:
Either the gentleman was price gouging because a large snowstorm was eminent, or he really has a problem with installing tires not purchased at his store.
Because of these actions, I will let you know, I will not be shopping at any XXX Auto stores in the future-you have lost my business for a lifetime, with the one simple action of this individual employee.
I will however, look for rock botom sale prices in your circular where I know I cannot find the product any cheaper, anywhere, but will NOT purchase anything else but what was on sale at that low price. I'll load up on buying the motor oil that is on sale at a really great price, pay for it using American Express, but will NOT buy the oil filters, wiper blades, or anything you count on people buying because they are in the store buying something on sale.
I have shared my experience will neighbors and friends at work as well.
I think XXX Auto should rexamine it's pricing policies and perhaps offer customer service training on a regular basis.
Steve
