Nothing says “cheapskate” like trying to use a coupon to get your brakes fixed. This is the last purchase you want to use a coupon for, especially deals from GroupOn. Don’t get me wrong, GroupOn is great for restaurants, massages and maybe a haircut. But, do you really want to use a coupon for the most critical safety system on your vehicle?
Recently, when one consumer tried to use a GroupOn deal at a brake specialty shop, the person behind the counter played the rude card to get the guy out of the shop. He said he would not accept the GroupOn deal. He even accused the customer of trying to pull a scam. Well played.
What happens next? The GroupOn leach goes to the local news station to complain about the incident:
I can tell you this from working behind the service counter, coupon customers are a nightmare. They are some of the most needy customers in the world. I have seen GroupOn customers abuse waiters and barely offer a tip if they even wince while accepting the coupon. I can only imagine how bad GroupOn customers must be on the other side of the service counter.
Most shops want to have a relationship with you and your vehicle. A shop wants to be your trusty automotive repair facility for years and not for just for one coupon. They do it through quality service and part, not just price.
Brakes need to be inspected and serviced regularly, not just when there is a coupon. I am willing to bet there are drivers waiting to see if there is a coupon or deal for their grinding brakes. When they do get a coupon, they complain that the shop was performing a “bait and switch” scam when they get an estimate to replace not only the pads, but the rotors and calipers because they have waited too long.