Monday, November 29, 2010

Leaky

About six weeks ago I had to have the radiator in my car replaced. It was expensive. When I picked up my car I lifted the hood and noticed two valve covers missing. I showed the technician and he quickly replaced the valves covers. Mistakes happen.

Last week on three separate occasions I noticed a small puddle forming under my car. I checked the fluid on the ground which was odorless and tasteless (like Iocaine powder). I figured that maybe when the radiator was replaced there was a hose or clamp or something that was loose, kind of like the valve covers. I called the dealer, explained the entire situation and scheduled the appointment for Black Friday. I was off from work and I could wait for the mechanics to inspect it. If the car needed more work, Lauren would be able to pick me up.

Black Friday morning Lauren decided to go shopping. We were both up early due to Jackson and Wyatt both having colds/sinus infections and it made sense for her to get out and shop. I told her I would take the boys to the car dealer. I didn’t expect it to take too long for the dealer to check the possible leak. I would call Lauren if we needed a ride.

When we pulled into the dealer lot I noticed that all the parking spaces reserved for “service” were full. Actually there was only one space on the entire lot for me to park. I had no idea that Black Friday was also a busy day for mechanics. I escorted a grumpy Maxfield, a snot covered Jackson, and drippy nosed Wyatt out of the car, through the car show room, past several leery eyed sales guys, to the service desk.

When I take my car in for service I usually deal with a really nice guy named Scott. But someone else was behind the service desk when we walked in. I gave him my information and he told me that it may take a while for them to get to look at it. I explained that I made an appointment. He told me they were really busy. I asked him how long and he told me maybe an hour just to look at it. I started to question their definition of appointment when Scott walked in.

“Hey, you brought the whole crew today, huh?” Scott said smiling at the kids.

“Yes. I figured I made an appointment and you guys could take a quick look.”

“We’re pretty backed up back there.” Scott said. “Do you have someone picking you all up?”

“No.” I kind of lied.

“No?” questioned the other guy behind the counter. “This may take a while, so, you know…” He did not finish his thought which I am sure involved something about the kids not wanting to be there.

“I made an appointment.” I said somewhat annoyed. The other guy could tell.

“I know.” said the other guy. “But we are busy.”

“Seriously”, I questioned, “an hour?”

“It could be longer.” He replied, indifferent to the fact that I made an appointment and he was almost acting like he was doing me a favor.

“You can take as long as you like. “ I said smiling. I pointed to my kids. “I am going to take these guys out to the showroom and let them look at all the new cars. I can pretty much guarantee that one, maybe more of the sales guys out there will be coming back here to ask you guys to hurry up with my car because they are tired of cleaning the snot off of all the new cars.”

The other guy behind the counter looked at Scott and asked him if I was joking.

“I don’t think he is.” Scott said.

The other guy behind the counter said. “Uhmm we have a waiting area where you can go.”

“No thank you.” I said. “We’ll go to the showroom. We’ll look around.” Which, we did.

My car was done in 20 minutes.

15 comments:

Melissa said...

nicely played!

i may be calling to borrow your boys someday...LOL

Anonymous said...

I hate places that take appointments and then really don't honor them at all. What's the point of an appointment then? Great idea. I usually let my diaper soaked kids run and scream as close to the sales guys or receptionist as much as they want. We get done much faster and even if we don't, I am used to it. They are not.

Anonymous said...

Brilliant!
I am going to keep this ploy handy. Of course, since my youngest is 11yo, I'll probably have to borrow some kids...

Anonymous said...

I love green pinstripes

Melinda said...

Those snotty nosed kids do come in handy. Brilliant move.
(but I happen to think your kids are adorable so don't try this ploy with me. Wait in line, Buddy!)

SciFi Dad said...

That kind of shit really pisses me off. Like you said, what's the point of an appointment?

I would have done the same thing with the kids, btw. Except I'd probably have let one of them pee in the back of an upscale SUV.

for a different kind of girl said...

Well done! Our service center offers free pop and snacks to those of us waiting. Next time I make an appointment, I'm going to take the kids, fill them up with delicious treats, and then employ your move. Seems like the best plan since I probably won't be able to afford groceries after a service stop!

Cole said...

Gotta respect your style, amigo. OK, one more thing to tick off in the "Yes, do have kids column."

catdoggg said...

Hahahahahaaaaaa! I love it- very well played.

Tamara said...

The snotty wheel gets the grease...

Tela said...

Love it! I've got a newborn and a five year old...will be implementing this as needed!

Sandy said...

I tip my hat to you sir...

James (SeattleDad) said...

Haha, nice move man. And I agree with Scifi Dad, that really gets me ticked off. Anyway, the squeaky wheel usually works if you can pull it off.

Jess said...

Dude! Just pulled that move myself with a two year old and a four year old. Super fast service!

Anonymous said...

I am so going to have kids now! I would have loved to see that smile when you said you were going to the showroom, I love it!
On a kinda related thought but not, I called a restaurant to make reservations they told me they didn't take reservations. But, when I got there, they asked me if I called in a reservation. What?! I told them I was told I couldn't. They said, we don't. So why are you asking me if I did?!! We'll teach them one way or another to honor an appointment.