Edith, The Illuminati and Me make 3
I ran a Craig’s List add looking for an office manager, Edith sent in a resume that looked promising. She showed up a few minutes early for the interview. Good driver (she drove me around the Mission in our loaner car). I introduced her to the crew, turned out she and one of my techs both take their motor cycles to the same weekend track. She’s a woman gearhead, asked if she might one day become a tech (currently taking online technician training). After 4 days I told her she showed promise and mentioned I needed proof of vaccination. Big oops.
- no, I don’t have vax proof
- no worries, you can go get covid-19 vaccination at the nearest Walgreen’s
- no, won’t do it
- why not?
- she heard it makes some women sterile
- well, maybe 1 in 10 million, but still safer than getting Covid
- no, doesn’t believe it’s safe
- well, President Biden says it’s safe
- Doesn’t believe President Biden
- why would Biden lie to us?
- he’s being controlled
- controlled by who?
- the Illuminati. Have you heard of The Illuminati ?
(me, getting nervous, and with a straight face) Yes, their a comic book
- no, their very real
- OK, this conversation has to stop now.
The next day, by text, I still offered her the job, if you could show proof of vax. She very politely declined. When I mailed her final check it was to a PO Box, as it turned out she was living in her van parked on Fulton. Ug.
Carvana (+) & Vroom (-)
New customer had just purchased a late model used Volvo C30 PoleStar through Carvana. Beautiful car. Wanted a pre-purchase inspection (came with a 7 day cooling off period)
Turned out windshield was debonding, software was out of date, and tail gate latch had a small crack. One phone call to 800 #, and windshield and software approved. Adjuster declined tail gate latch because it wasn’t broken, just pulling away. Got credit card payment from Carvana via email the next day
About 2 weeks later, another new customer, purchased a used 2013 Volvo XC60 from Vroom. Also in for pre-purchase inspection, but very different outcome.
- Tedious corporate voice mail system
- live operator speaking mangled English as a second language.
- needed: front brakes, oil leak, spark plugs, cabin filter, front end alignment. This car, while having a very clean appearance, but struck me as a “flipper”
Carvana: all repairs declined
Customer (who has money), keeping the car, “and will bring it back later for all repairs”. We’‘ll see...
Big Shout Out to Pak Auto Service & Towing !
One of our good customers had our loaner car breakdown in the parking lot of Trader Joe’s South of Market in SF. She called me from the car, with 2 kids, 4:00 pm.
I am so sorry ! The work on your car is finished, my tech will drive out to you right now with your car (2010 Volvo XC60). Tech goes out with jumper pack, but no luck, bad starter motor. But at least customer now has her car back with minimal delay. Did I mention this was on a Friday?
Saturday morning I sent a text to Pak’s Towing
“Hey buddy, can you pick up my loaner car in the parking lot or Trader Joe’s? Hide-a-key in magnetic case behind left front bumper. Thanks in advance” Yes! Amazing! Loaner picked up, stored over the weekend, and delivered back to the shop. Good job, highly recommended.
