E270 Owner
MB Enthusiast
I thought it might be fun to share some funnies, scams or horror stories from the trade sides perspective, not sure if others will join in though. !!
So recently, before xmas this came in.
After nearly 9 months a customer proudly returned to us their car stating the clutch had gone "again" and implied we fitted an inferior part (OEM).
After the AA had recovered the vehicle to us stating "clutch cable failure" on the job sheet, I proceeded to remove the gear box and see what was going on inside there.
The customer had also been delivered to us by the AA and was expecting a "courtesy car" to be provided as it was obviously "our fault" the car had broken down, according to them.
I told them there wasn't one available.
Some time had passed and after much arguing and cursing unpleasantness and plain old fashioned rudeness from them, I had removed the gear box, the pushy person was now telephoning her friend on their mobile, (because we refused to allow them to use the company telephone), who is a solicitor and wanted to instruct us on the error of our ways in handling the situation.
I asked them who had been driving the car or had they lent it to anyone, the terse reply was to inform me that they were the only driver and no one else had driven the vehicle and what was I implying by saying that, I told them I was curious as to how in such a short time the new 3 piece clutch we fitted had stopped working, as the removal of the gearbox revealed a little problem.
After refusing to speak to the solicitor on the phone, as my hands were dirty, I offered them to come have a look at the "problem" where I was told they were not interested they wanted it fixed under warranty and a courtesy car provided.
So I bought the parts to reception for them to have a look at.
Here's what I showed them I had found.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/alpha1/IMG_0726_zps2zoabjqz.jpg
Their face didn't change too much and I thought they would have showed more expression or reaction but instead a hardened Vegas poker faced professional stare was my clue something else was wrong with this apparent problem.
I pulled the original work sheet from the companies new highly efficient computer system, no really its all brand new after the last one was sabotaged with tea accidentally poured in it and a pop tart shoved in the cd tray, the complaining and highly erratic customer was now questioning my actions as I showed her the work sheet and my intentions to check the vehicle and works done, after a brief check I ordered the vehicle to be removed form the post ramps and pushed out side with the gearbox and other parts carefully wrapped and stored in the boot, I then informed the customer that they had better call their solicitor.
I always make sure the vehicle chassis numbers are recorded as well as the vehicle registration marks, simply swapping the number plates on their friends car, same colour etc, wasn't going to get a free clutch out of me.
They quietly left.
The car is still at our premises awaiting collection
So recently, before xmas this came in.
After nearly 9 months a customer proudly returned to us their car stating the clutch had gone "again" and implied we fitted an inferior part (OEM).
After the AA had recovered the vehicle to us stating "clutch cable failure" on the job sheet, I proceeded to remove the gear box and see what was going on inside there.
The customer had also been delivered to us by the AA and was expecting a "courtesy car" to be provided as it was obviously "our fault" the car had broken down, according to them.
I told them there wasn't one available.
Some time had passed and after much arguing and cursing unpleasantness and plain old fashioned rudeness from them, I had removed the gear box, the pushy person was now telephoning her friend on their mobile, (because we refused to allow them to use the company telephone), who is a solicitor and wanted to instruct us on the error of our ways in handling the situation.
I asked them who had been driving the car or had they lent it to anyone, the terse reply was to inform me that they were the only driver and no one else had driven the vehicle and what was I implying by saying that, I told them I was curious as to how in such a short time the new 3 piece clutch we fitted had stopped working, as the removal of the gearbox revealed a little problem.
After refusing to speak to the solicitor on the phone, as my hands were dirty, I offered them to come have a look at the "problem" where I was told they were not interested they wanted it fixed under warranty and a courtesy car provided.
So I bought the parts to reception for them to have a look at.
Here's what I showed them I had found.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/alpha1/IMG_0726_zps2zoabjqz.jpg
Their face didn't change too much and I thought they would have showed more expression or reaction but instead a hardened Vegas poker faced professional stare was my clue something else was wrong with this apparent problem.
I pulled the original work sheet from the companies new highly efficient computer system, no really its all brand new after the last one was sabotaged with tea accidentally poured in it and a pop tart shoved in the cd tray, the complaining and highly erratic customer was now questioning my actions as I showed her the work sheet and my intentions to check the vehicle and works done, after a brief check I ordered the vehicle to be removed form the post ramps and pushed out side with the gearbox and other parts carefully wrapped and stored in the boot, I then informed the customer that they had better call their solicitor.
I always make sure the vehicle chassis numbers are recorded as well as the vehicle registration marks, simply swapping the number plates on their friends car, same colour etc, wasn't going to get a free clutch out of me.
They quietly left.
The car is still at our premises awaiting collection
