Let me state the most inhumane and disgusting experience you can imagine in a shop. Have a minute to read it.
I am honestly disgusted and heartbroken by the way I was treated at Frank Autos.I initially went there for a full service, and they gave me a large quote for several suspension repairs. Because my car is old and the quote was expensive, I decided to think about it and compare prices elsewhere.
Later, my alternator failed and my battery went flat. I decided to give Frank Autos another chance and booked an appointment with them. Unfortunately, I missed that appointment because my father had suffered a stroke overseas. I had a mental breakdown, completely froze, and did not have the emotional strength to call anyone. I understand that missing the appointment was my mistake, and I was prepared to apologise for it.
I later called Frank Autos again and was given another appointment with Peter's approval. My car would only start after being jump-started, so I drove it to the shop and kept the engine running because I knew it might not start again if I turned it off.
When I arrived, Peter immediately pointed towards the exit and told me to leave. I was confused because the shop had given me another appointment. He said that I had missed my previous appointment, that he had ordered parts, and that I had disrespected his business.
I tried repeatedly to apologise and explain what had happened. I told him that my father had suffered a stroke and that I had been mentally overwhelmed. I also explained that if I turned the engine off, the car might not start again. I asked him to please repair it.
Instead, he told me to "go and beg another mechanic."
I was standing there with tears in my eyes, asking him to please help me. He then threatened to call the police, even though I was only trying to explain the situation and apologise. His tone and voice made me cry as I was already suffering. I was weeping when I got back in my car.
This all happened in front of his workers and other customers. I felt completely humiliated. Some people were watching and smirking while I was visibly distressed. Peter continued speaking loudly about the situation instead of taking me aside and handling it privately.
I accept responsibility for missing my first appointment. However, if Frank Autos did not want to work on my car anymore, they should not have given me another appointment and allowed me to bring a barely functioning car to their workshop. They could have simply told me over the phone that they would not accept the job.
A mechanic has the right to refuse service, but nobody deserves to be publicly humiliated, told to beg elsewhere, and threatened with the police while they are crying and trying to apologise.
I had to leave with a failing alternator and search urgently for another mechanic while the car was running on a nearly flat battery. This was one of the most cruel, humiliating and upsetting customer-service experiences I have ever had.
Based on the way I was treated, no one should go to him. You treat a human being like that? read more
