Well, the whole thing with the car wash was, well, a wash. We got a letter:
Our investigation into this incident indicates that there was no negligence on the part of Circle K or its employees. The car wash equipment is under a preventative maintenance service contract with regularly scheduled service and inspections. There were no equipment malfunctions or problems before or after your use.
It is our position that the damage to your vehicle is due to operator error. The type of damage you allege is inconsistent with our car wash's operation. For these reasons, we must respectfully deny your claim.
We don't know what the hell "operator error" could have been. We basically drove into it, put the car in Park once the light turned green, and just sat there. I mean, it aint rocket science.
Of course, I am not happy, but there doesn't seem to be much to do. I doubt I'll go small claims court because we're talking about 1700.00 of damage plus rental. I'll bet court fees will be a lot more.
And folks are telling me that one does give implied consent when you enter an automatic carwash. Which I think is reasonable for the occasional light scratch or other minor damage. But I really think this level of damage goes way beyond what a consumer would consider acceptable risk.
So this is my reply:
I am of course not satisfied with the judgement regarding our case. I feel that the damage is too major to be covered by the implied consent that a customer gives when using an automatic car wash.I am sending a copy of your response, copies of my photographs, and copies of our original written communication with you to the State Attorney General's office at the following address:OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERALConsumer Information and Complaints1275 W. WashingtonPhoenix, AZ 85007- 2926I am listing a Consumer Complaint against the following business and addresses:CIRCLE K STORES INC.RISK MANAGEMENT -DC30PO Box 52085Phoenix, AZ 85072Respectfully,Eric
Wow, what ***holes. I'd also call any news org that has the whole "on your side" kind of thing like they do at Channel 12 here in Richmond. If anything for the bad press for them.
I can't believe that's their response.
Posted by: Karen | November 12, 2007 at 09:04 AM
Make 'em proud.
That's a lot of damage.
Posted by: shrimplate | November 11, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Holy guacamole--that's impressive. (Both the dent and your response.)
Posted by: Maria | November 11, 2007 at 06:31 PM