October 26, 2009
Meineke Car Care Center
Ms. Margaret Cochran, Manager Customer Service
128 South Tryon Street, Suite 900
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Ms. Cochran:
I received a flyer in the mail in October of 2009 for discount automobile services from Meineke Car Care Center. On October 26, 2009 I took my car to Center #182, located at 35 East 162nd Street, South Holland, Illinois 60473. Their phone number is 708-339-9180. Mr. Sandy was the person I spoke to, and who delivered my services. Upon entry into this Meineke Car Care Center I presented the flyer requesting the “basic oil change” option for $19.99, which includes a filter, checking fluids, free tire rotation, and 7-point courtesy check. Sandy asked me why I did not want the $29.99 or $39.99 offer. I informed Sandy that I only needed the “basic” oil change and other offers that came with it because I had just finished with an inspection of my vehicle and services with Orland Park Nissan. I informed Sandy that I complained to Nissan of North America about my car, and they decided to give it a full inspection. I informed Sandy that their full inspection noted a need for an oil change, which was not provided by them because it was not part my complaint. Sandy told me that he did not provide service to people who might want to “nick-pick” his services, raising his hand pointing at his door. I asked Sandy was he refusing me service.
Sandy said his Meineke Car Care Center had an option to participate in the advertisement. I informed Sandy that the advertisement states “…valid at participating locations…” and that their address was listed on the flyer. Sandy stated that he would do it this time. Sandy said his shop did not make any money on the “corporate” $19.99 advertisement. I informed Sandy that my Ph.D. is in Social Policy Analysis, that I analyze policies of companies, and Meineke’s advertisement did not exclude his company from it. After this conversation with Sandy, he was very belligerent, offensive with his language (not cursing, but demeaning), and discriminatory. I talked to Sandy about his discriminatory speech. Sandy said he could talk as he pleases. Sandy acknowledged he has a 1st amendment right to freedom of speech. I informed Sandy that everyone enjoys that freedom. I informed Sandy that a “professional” business person would refrain from speech that alienates the consumers. Sandy stated that he could talk as he pleases. I informed Sandy that I would write this letter to his corporate office, and post it on the Internet. I informed Sandy that customers need to know how a “Meineke” representative presents himself to the consumers. What is your response? Please respond.
Fred Nance Jr., Ph.D.
Human Services/Social Policy Analyst
cc: http://clickforjusticeandequality.blogspot.com/
