When I needed some work done to my convertable top, I went to an auto upolstry shop that I was told did great work on convertable mechanicals, too.
I went in on my lunch break, so I’ve got a really nice skirt on, knee high boots, nice shirt, jewelry, the whole girly works, instead of my typical jeans and a car shirt that I would have normally walked in there with.
After about 20 minutes of run around they told me they refused to diagnose the problem and give me an estimate unless I authorize them to go ahead and do the repair as well. They wont give me an estimate unless I authorize them to do the work. Excuse me? They then proceeded to tell me that my normal mechanic (Craig’s Autometric in Rochester, which I deal with all the time) must be trying to rip me off if they were able to give me a rough quote (even though I paid them their labor rate to remove the top, decide the new parts I needed, priced them out, and gave me the estimate).
They literally said to me “They are just trying to get you in the door. If you trust someplace shady like that, then take your business there.”
I walked right out the door.
Many businesses, whether it’s a car-related or not, will try to rip you off. It’s your responsibilty to be confident enough to do some research before you sign on the dotted line. I know people who have ended up buying compact cars for more than I bought my Boxster, and think they got great deals… It sucks, but that’s the way it is.