Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  01/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I've been to his shop several times for installation and service on an ignition interlock service. Every time I've been to his shop. He hasn't communicated clearly on his pay policy. I've needed repairs on my vehicle, but he refuses to the repairs. I needed a battery changed for interlock service. He told me he didn't have time to change the battery. My only vehicle I needed it to make a Dr's appointment. The owner and mechanic then were laughing at my misfortune. His mechanic will make comments to customers. Upon returning to pay the busines. The mechanic again made derogatory remarks to me. Never gave me my change owed and I left the business. I received a call the next day and the business owner told me he would not work on my vehicle and told me he never received the cash payment I left with the mechanic.

  Business response

  01/24/2024

  To whom it may concern, 

  
  Smart Start called to have an Interlock Ignition installed in her (***** *****) car on Oct. 25, 2023. I told Ms. ***** that I would need her vehicle for 1 day, and a credit card for the Smart Start device, and either cash, or a check made out to Pistner Auto for the install. The device was put in the vehicle, but the battery was dead. She was advised to get a battery to be put in the vehicle. (Needs 14 volts to operate the device). 

   

  Nov. 6, 2023 - Ms. ***** dropped the vehicle off at my shop (Pistner Auto Shop, Inc.) for a Violation Lockout. I cleared the lockout, and she paid with a credit card to Smart Start. 
  

   

  Nov. 28, 2023 - She is in Violation Lockout again, and needed 1 month service paid by a credit card. 
  

   

  Dec. 6, 2023 - She is in VIOLATION LOCKOUT again, paid by credit card, and she states the device powers off and on. We put a new cord on the device, but not enough money on credit card, so now she has a balance due of $51.00. 
  

   

  Jan. 2, 2024 - VIOLATION LOCKOUT again, and lease is due, no credit card was left in vehicle, so I ran my own credit card to Smart Start for $180.19, even though she never paid balance from Dec. 6, 2023, and the payment applied to my card. 

   

  Jan. 9, 2024 - I called her phone, no answer at 8:47 am. 
  

   

  Jan. 11, 2024 - Called again, no answer at 8:05 am. She then called me back on Jan. 11, 2024, saying she will be out today to pay me back, I told her I needed cash or a check because I ran my credit card. Ms. ***** came in (Jan. 11, 2024), and I said once again, "I need cash or a check, not a credit card, because I had to use my own personal card the last time". She never came back again until Jan. 15, 2024. 
  

   

  Jan. 15, 2024 - I called her and left a message stating she still owes me. She in turn, called back, and was very irate. She finally came in and paid the cash that she owed me. I stated that she could take it to another Interlock service center to have it serviced if she wasn't satisfied with my shop, or my employees, she then told me that she was going to report me to you (BBB). 
  

   

  Before closing out this letter, I have informed Smart Start that I would not be of any assistant to Ms. ***** now, or in the future. 
  

  copy 
  

   

  Thank you, 
  

   

  Chris P****** 
  

  
  

  
  

  Customer response

  01/25/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  *** ****** ** ** ******** **** ****** ** * ****** ** ***** **** ** **** **** **** ** *** ********
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** *****

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩