Wednesday, January 04, 2006

I am not a good "bad cop"

While I was up in Pennsylvania, my father in-law took his car into the dealer for an oil change. When they brought his car out there was a good size dent in the front bumper that was not there when he brought it in. The car was not damaged enough that he could not drive it but I went over to pick him up in case they were going to fix it and he would need a ride. The dealer’s mechanics claim they did not do the damage.

When I got there my father in-law was pretty ticked and was trying to figure out how they could have dented the front bumper. I went to talk to the General Manager to find out what he could do to repair the car. He was a nice enough guy but he kind of blew off my father-in law as well as myself. I was now getting kind of pissed. I realized that they would not admit to the damage unless one us got tough. I figured we would do the whole “good cop/bad-cop” routine. Since I lived out of town I would be the bad cop.

I tried to be tough. I asked all the important questions. I demanded answers. I wanted to know what bay door the car was serviced in. Who drove it? Where did they take it? I would not take “No” for an answer. I was arguing with the manager for 20 minutes or so and he would not take me seriously. I couldn't figure out why. I talked to the service manager, the body shop manager, and the guy who drove the car. None of them, not one, took me seriously. We were waiting to talk to someone else when I realized I was wearing a bright yellow sweatshirt that I just got for Christmas. No wonder they treated me the way they did. I looked like Big Bird. How can a guy look tough when he is wearing canary yellow?

We decided it was best to call the police to file a report for the insurance company. While we were waiting (about a half hour or so) I went into the GM’s office to try to get him to admit to the mistake. I was standing in front of his desk as he sat there listening to me, nodding, smiling, giving me the old “I understand, but….”, but still he would not budge in his position. I was frustrated.

My father in law was outside waiting for the police and I went into the bathroom. It was in the men’s room that I realized WHY no one was taking me seriously.

My fly was down.

It was down the whole time I was stating our case to all the managers. Big Bird and little bird making an argument.

Needless to say I lost all energy to discuss the matter anymore. I was too embarrassed.

19 comments:

Kate Giovinco Photography said...

LOL that is so funny. Next time I guess you will make sure the fly is zipped up/

That sucks about the FIL's car.

Kate Giovinco Photography said...

woo hoo I am first

The Q said...

Heh, that's pretty funny. Well not the dent, that just sucks.

The Hubs is constantly forgetting to zip his fly. And he wonders why I laugh at him when he's trying to play the tough guy? I'll send him here to read your post :-)

Nature Girl said...

OMG! I just don't even know what to say to that. I thought the big bird comment was funny till I read your fly was down. I'm dying here! Sorry about FIL's car! I hope they repaired it! Stacie

Kami said...

OH NO!!!!

Kari said...

LMAO!

You never cease to amaze me! LOL

LizzieDaisy said...

Why the heck is it so hard to find a decent car place? We finally looked on the back of our church bulletin... so far so good. Sorry about the car. And the fly. :)

Jay said...

Yikes. Good sense of humour about it though. Next time, just call me. I make a VERY good bad cop.

Mathieu said...

The fly thing sucks. And the car. Good luck finding an honest garage. I swear, one actually try to sell me a carburator. My car works on fuel injection...

Tammy said...

Holy crap that is funny!

Anonymous said...

So in the yellow, you looked like big bird, then when your fly was down they realized you were little bird. Yeah that sucks

ieatcrayonz said...

Man, I can't tell what would be more aggravating. I'm sure you smiled though when you realized what good blog fodder it would be!

Cat said...

Hee! And aaaaw.

I LOATHE mechanics.

Judypatooote said...

Oh my God, that is too funny....a Big Yellow Bird with his fly open...Hummmmmmmm...... I do hope your father in law can fight this. How do you prove something like that...? It's good you called the police, it shows you weren't trying to pull something over on them.....You a Big Yellow Bird, with his fly open......still LOL...

kimmyk said...

Next time stay in the car.

Sorry about your FIL's car..and I'm even more sorrier you're fly was down.....cause you know they're still talking aboutcha.

Unknown said...

Lucky for you you don't live in that town, huh? :)

Susie said...

Ooooh sorry about your FIL's car! And sorry you have a little bird.

;-)

Lois Lane said...

You might make a bad, bad cop but ya make a funny story! Sorry you guys had to deal with that crap. Good louck to your father inlaw.
Lois Lane

Kate Giovinco Photography said...

Hey lawnwhisperer wheres your blog?