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.