How should I complain? What do I really want?
Asked by
majorrich (
14741
)
December 9th, 2015
I took my 1978 Mercedes to a local shop to have the windshield and rear window gaskets replaced. It took him almost a month to do and he did a very poor job of it. He completely failed to install the metal trim on the windshield and it must be removed for me to install it. He also used window sealer around the gaskets on the paint. If I take it back for him to do again, I fear he will do a worse job and mess things up worse. Almost afraid to complain. I think I can fix things to look right, but they wont BE right. Even if I take it back, what do I want? I can’t do without a car for another month, and parts cost would be prohibitive. Aaugh!
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6 Answers
I would go back to this shop and be frank and honest and express your disappointment over the workmanship and be specific as to where you feel he failed to meet your expectations which to me do not seem overly demanding. Tell him directly you expect he could correct his workmanship in a timely fashion or refund you your money. If he balks, do file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and tell him face to face to go eat a Poinsettia for the holidays.
Contact Mercedes. Complain about your guy and ask about reputable servicers. Gush a little about the cars. You can do that on-line for free, and the venting will help lower your blood pressure.
What I think you want is a full refund of your money.
I would take the car back to him and calmly point out the faults. “If this was your car, would you be happy with this?”
If he’s worth his salt, he’ll come up with at plan to make you happy.
If not, file with the BBB. If you have Angie’s List there, badmouth him there, too.
I went back to the shop this morning and noticed also the headliner (an actual upholstered one) wasn’t even tucked back under the seal really frosted my cookies. I think you guys would be proud of how I didn’t swear, nor did I raise my voice. I just showed what was done to the service manager and asked if the glass man ever did that to other cars, or if it was acceptable to him. I had previously told him to tell the glass man to take his time and do the job right. Obviously he did not. The service manager did say ‘Well it is a 1978’ and I completed his sentence ‘Mercedes’. Even if it is just a driver car, I still have to look at it every day and what was done is not satisfactory. Anyway. It’s going back to the shop Monday, and I plan on lurking around until the Glass man comes in so I can lay out my expectations. I offered to talk the glass man through anything he didn’t know how to do. LOL
Sounds like you handled it well @majorrich let us know how the second attempt goes.
Bravo, @majorrich!
I bet you’re on your was to satisfaction. Certainly not 100%, as that time has passed, but satisfaction nevertheless.
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