Big O Tires

Big O Tires
3 little lights
http://www.bigotires.com/Location/WA/Kirkland/98034/047108

I had a pretty bad day, with multiple issues and got stopped by police informing me that several rear lights in my car went out ( #whoknew  right?) and needed to get it fixed.  My first stop the next morning was at my buddies at Les Schwab, but they informed me that they don't do this, so I went to another trusted place - BigOTires, since they always do a great job with my oil changes, are more reasonably priced than just about anyone else.  They told me that they can take care of this for me.

I was in a hurry, expecting another long day of variety of tasks that needed to be done, so I asked how long it'll be and not surprisingly told that it would take about an hour.  I explained that I'm in a hurry and they said they'll do what they can.  I sat down with my phone and 15 min later was told that they were done.  

I got charged a bit of $10 and that was that.  Great job, clearly done with my time constraints in mind, which makes these guys someone I could very much recommend for service and, when the time comes, buying new tires.

Network Solutions/1and1 Inc.

Network Solutions/1and1 Inc.
Extra Charges, Customer Service
www.networksolutions.com www.1and1.com

I've written in the past regarding terrible experience I've had with Network Solutions.  Yesterday was no different.  One of my domains was still registered with them and they sent me an invoice for renewal.  When I looked at the price - it was $37 for a year!  I'm used to paying $10-$15/yr, but not double that, so I decided that I'm going to move the domain to another provider.  I used their web site to attempt such move, but saw no options, other than moving another domain to them.  The status showed that my domain was unlocked (ie it could be moved), but the unlock code (something mandatory for the move) wasn't shown.

So, I had to pick up the phone and call them.  After about a 5-min wait - I was asked some security questions and explained that I need that code.  The person asked me, politely, why I'm moving the domain.  So, I politely responded that it's due to them charging me twice what the normal rate was, which was simply unacceptable.

Then the rep proceeded to tell me that from time to time they have sales going on and guess what, now they actually have such sale going on and I can register the domain for $14.99. 

At that point bells of recognition rang in my head and I realized we've been here before, a year ago, where I fell to their ploy because I didn't want to deal with it then and that's where the domain was unlocked, but it was never moved.  In any case, I told him that I think it's a lousy policy to charge people double, unless they call and bitch and then they pay a normal rate.  NOT how I like to see business conducted.

So, I asked to get the code.  He told me that they've sent me the code last year and I should be able to find it.  I proceeded to tell him that NO, I don't have that email or the code, so please just GIVE ME the damn code now!  He, seeing how unhappy my demeanor was by this time, told me that he'll be sending me email to the designated email address... Finally, I got my code.

I went through the normal hoops of confirming, approving etc., so the process started and hopefully they'll get it done shortly.  Then I got another email from them, giving me options if I the transfer request was in error or if I want to change my mind etc., for several paragraphs... and finally we get to this:

If you do still wish to transfer your domain name registration, we hope that you will reconsider and choose to stay with Network Solutions. We value your business and would like to keep you as a customer.

Seriously, if after all of the above, I still want to - you want me to 'reconsider'?   #unreal  

Then I made a call to 1&1 Internet, Inc., because I got an invoice from them, charging me $7.21 per month for PHP Extended Support.  I don't need Extended or any other kind of support, not from them anyway.  I know they've switched to a higher version of PHP and for those that wanted to run a prior version - they were charging extra.  Fair enough, I can understand the need.

However, in my case, I went to check and saw that I've switched to running version 5.5 and they required this 'extended' support for 5.2 and prior.  The switch occurred a while back, so I was perplexed as to why they're doing it.

Even though their web site indicated that I can cancel the service online, I finally went through their maze of what to do and when I saw I couldn't complete it - I called them.  To give them some credit - I did get an email to verify the cancellation, but that credit quickly evaporated, when I clicked on the verification link in the email it sent (which was 1 minute after I received it) and the resulting screen told me that my session timed out and I'll have to start from the beginning again ()

I spent about 45 minutes on hold!  Let me repeat that in case the boldness didn't sink it - I wasted 45 minutes waiting for someone to assist me.  They looked into the situation, and cancelled the offending charges.  I inquired of prior charges for the same unused, unwanted and unneeded service could be reversed.  The answer was 'NO', although they did give me a $15 credit to make me go away with something.

I asked some very basic, common sense questions, such as 'why are you charging me for something I don't need or use, especially when I'm NOT running a version that requires this extended support?'.  As you can imagine such questions weren't answered and I was given a number of useless "I'm sorry" in return.

These kinds of companies make me wonder how they stay in business.  How many people don't do what I do and blindly pay them month after month for something they don't want or need or use?  How much time is utterly wasted with these horrid phone calls, causing nothing but waste of time, money and sanity?

Anyway, today I got the email you see below.  Apparently they do 'care' and are inviting me to a complimentary business consultation and evaluation.  Goody!  I'm so thrilled ... that reminds me, I need to change my SPAM filters in Gmail,  so that anything coming from Network Solutions goes directly there, without taking even a single byte in my Inbox...  It's these kinds of companies that need to get business consultations, not offer them, since their Customer Service and Policies are completely and totally useless and unacceptable!

Les Schwab Tires

Les Schwab Tires
Dead battery or is it?
http://lesschwab.com/store/wa/kirkland/372

I was waiting for a store to open and was in my car, listening to my audio book, while checking some stuff on my phone.  All of a sudden the audio stopped, the stereo started blinking on and off a bit and I realized that my lights were on for about 20 minutes... I immediately turned them off, but the radio continued to blink.  I tried starting the car - the starter wouldn't even turn at all, no sound at all, totally dead.

I took the keys out, turned the lights off and went outside the car.  The headlights were flickering on and off, when I tried to put the key back into ignition - the windshield wipers started creeping up, with some delays and stop, even though nothing was turned on... I had a possessed car ;)

Luckily there was a car place around and they used jumper cables to restart my car, but recommended that I get a battery ASAP or it'll likely die again.

15 min later I was at my local Les Schwab in Kirkland, explained the situation and asked if they had a battery for my car.  They did and told me the total with installation etc. would be $191.  Considering the fact that they fixed my flat tires on about 3 occasions in the past few years and charged me absolutely nothing - I was more than willing to pay a bit more to show my appreciation.

There were lots of people in front of me that morning, but in about half an hour they called my name.  I talk with one of their folks and she tells me that they were done, they looked at the battery, tested it and even though it wasn't perfect - they didn't feel that it needed to be replaced.

I felt like a heel, thinking, I just blew $200 on something I didn't have to buy, but at least I'd get a new battery... So, I take out my credit card and she looks at me quizzically and I ask "how much do I owe you?" and I got the answer I've heard a number of times from Les Schwab before "_NOTHING_".  

They didn't charge me one red cent!

How many companies would do something like that?  Not many, that's for sure.  That's why I'm never buying tires from any other company in the future and giving them as much business as I can... hopefully, at some point, they'll actually charge me :)
http://lesschwab.com/store/wa/kirkland/372

Ford/Hyundai of Kirkland

Ford/Hyundai of Kirkland
Car charger fuse saga
www.fordofkirkland.com

My car charger died. Simple enough, I ordered a new one, one with faster charging time.  My phone will not die now! :)  Well, not exactly.

After plugging it in, I noticed that it wasn't charging.  I tried 2 plug-ins in my car - same result.  I then tried another charger - still no go... then I knew, it wasn't the charger - it was car-related.

So, I go to my dealer, Ford of Kirkland, and schedule for them to look at this.  My Hyundai was suppose to have warranty still.  The service rep told me that it's likely the fuse and it would take about an hour and a half to fix.  I was thinking that it shouldn't taken 90-min to replace a fuse, but that's what I was told.  I asked them to call me if they get done sooner and left.  Oh and no, this wasn't covered by warranty.

I went for a walk, figured they'd call soon... no such luck.  90 minutes passed and I went back to the dealer.  I walk in, the guy's on the phone, so after waiting for a few minutes, then taking care of another customer, the rep finally looks at me and informs me that they're "finishing up".  You'd think he could've uttered those 2 words a bit sooner, instead of having me stand there for 10 minutes, but I guess not.

Finally, he calls me back and tells me that the fuses were blown by using this higher capacity charger.  Me, being my inquisitive logical self, asked a simple question - "_Why would CostCo be selling chargers for cars that can't work in cars?_".  The answer was that he doesn't know.  The 2nd guy came and said that he's done and told the rep not to forget about the "rear light".  So, the guy tells him he won't.  The mechanic tried to help with the story, but didn't help much at all, although he did remind him again about that "rear light".  And I knew that one of my rear lights was out, I was going to fix it myself, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Then we continued this for a few more minutes where the guy didn't make any sense in trying to explain it... so I figured it's a waste of time and started signing the paperwork.  It came to $10.88.  

So, I paid the entire $10.88 and left.  When I got into my car - my high capacity charger was still plugged in to one receptacle, that receptacle still didn't work, but I plugged in a regular charger into the 2nd receptacle and it did work.  This, of course, also begs the question - if you are fixing the fuse, which was blown by a charger, why would you leave that charger still plugged in?  But, perhaps that's way too logical.

My high capacity charger works fine in my van, no issues, so clearly it's not the charger that's to blame.  These clowns in the service department were not only useless, but unbelievably inept, making me wait almost 2 hours to replace a few little fuses. 

And in the end... NO, the rear light was NOT mentioned at all.  This makes it my last trip to that dealership for service - they don't deserve my business.

Loretta Green LLC

Loretta Green LLC
Shaving Soap
www.LorettaGreenLLC.com

I know what you're thinking, who gives a second thought to shaving soap, but this company is something else.

I wanted to buy some shaving stuff with my birthday money and went to Amazon etc.  No big deal, bought the essential items, including shaving soap.  It was ok, nothing special, did the job... end of story here.

Well, once I ran out, I was looking to buy soap again and saw that this one was highly rated, so I bought it.  The soap was very good, lathered much nicer than my prior buy from another company, in other words performed really well, was delivered quickly... nice.

What makes Loretta Green LLC extraordinary is the follow-up to the sale.  Shortly after getting the soap - I got a very nice email from them, thanking me for my purchase and wanting to make sure I'm thoroughly satisfied and inviting me to contact them if I have any questions or needs.  I could expect such thoughtful follow-up after spending tens of thousands on a new Lexus or such, but shaving soap?  They certainly got my attention with this email.

About a month later I got another email, and I quote:

" _Hello Oleg,

It has been about 3 weeks since you placed your order numbered
102-3909806-8920211.

We want to ensure you are still happy with your Henry Cavendish Shave Soap! 

We appreciate every customer and want you to be happy with your
purchase. We want to assure you that this shave soap has been
manufactured with commitment to use only all natural non toxic
ingredients. We know your health is important to you and so it is to us! 

We also have a small favor to ask you. Could you take just a couple of
seconds to provide feedback on your buying experience with us? 
It would be greatly appreciated. We take all feedback seriously and 
want to ensure orders are processed promptly and shipments arrived as promised. You can provide feedback by going to Product Review

Remember we are dedicated to your complete satisfaction and will
work with you through any issues related to receiving and using this 
great product._
"
These folks know what they're doing, both product-wise and marketing-wise and they're certainly hitting all the right buttons here. Every company ought to do what they're doing, unfortunately - that's far less common.  So, my big kudos to Loretta Green LLC for taking care of their customers the way it should be done.

And yes, I would definitely be buying my next shaving soap from them.  They are doing things right and thus deserve the business!

This community is meant to provide value to people, to help them steer towards good and trustworthy companies and...

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