I am starting to see more and more of these threads, and I see them dealt with the same way. OP writes about a legitimate issue, Some people empathise, and some people reveal their true nutswinging talent.

There is always one or a few people who will defend the shop no matter what the wrong doing may have been. It could be a botched LSx engine swap or unprofessional spring ordering tactics. Everybody always wants to bring up supporting your local speed shop, but shit like this makes me shop online. I get less bullshit, better customer service, and lower prices online. The only places I have been happy shopping are Automotive Engineering and Coastal Dyno. If shops want to get my business, they have to earn it. When prices are cheaper online, local shops better give me convenience, knowledgable and friendly staff, and great customer service.

I have got a list of shops I wont go back to and would even tell people to stay away from:

1. Buzz-Off window tinting: I would never go back there, and I tell everyone I know not to go there. Having a 20 minute conversation with a cocky sales person and observing an installer recognize a problem and then decide not to fix it was enough for me to make sure they don't screw over innocent customers.

2. The Tint man in lakeland: He did a decent tint job, but wanted nothing to do with me when I wasn't totally satisfied with his work. I would not go back , and have better places I will recommend to friends.

Then there are the good shops, and they get my praise 24/7.

1. Coastal Dyno: Sam is knowledgeable and was always able to accomodate my lsat minute need for a couple pulls on his dyno. I would recommend his shop to anybody

2. Automotive engineering: They have had competitive prices on the products I have ordered, and their staff are really nice.

3. Auto Safe and Sound Tinting: They get lots of praise from me. Their tint guy listened to my concerns, and I felt like he treated my car as if it were his own. There is an older guy there who is friendly offers great customer service. I recommend these guys to anybody seeking tint for their car.

4. Driven Concepts: Every time I have been there those guys have been very helpful and willing to take a look at my car issues.


In summary: A shop does not have to kiss my ass or abide by the "customer is always right" motto, but you need to be professional and curteous. A shop should not treat me like I am lucky to have them, because they are lucky to have my business.

Good service gets you repeat customers and referrals, and by the looks of what has been posted these guys don't get it. This shop has lost way more than the $30 they ripped off the OP for.