Andrew wrote:
> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:1ICff.579$r96.13@trndny05...
>
>>Andrew wrote:
>>
>>>"Dave in Lake Villa" <DaveInLakeVilla@webtv.net> wrote in message
>>>news:748-437A7A80-1480@storefull-3233.bay.webtv.net...
>>>
>>>
>>>>'I had to take my car to the dealership after they were finished with
>>>>it. Not only did I fork out over $3000 to get it fixed but I had to pay
>>>>another $2000 for the dealer to fix it after they were done.
>>>>Mr. Transmission Sucks'
>>>>
>>>>REPLY: DOnt take your car to AAMCO Transmission Co. either (if they are
>>>>still around). I learned they put thier Office personnel thru ' in
>>>>house sales training courses' to promote rebuilding the transmission or
>>>>selling a new one after the car is testdriven . I took a car there once
>>>>, and it ended up being a Modulator Control that was needed -- AAMCO
>>>>wanted to rebuild the transmission . Thieves.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>After this experience, I'm going to avoid all chains as I'm getting the
>>>picture of franchise owners hungry to get a return on their investments.
>>>It
>>>is better to deal with the small folks who make a living off of word of
>>>mouth or a dealership.
>>
>>A lot of franchise stores ARE small folks. My local AAMCO store is a
>>three man operation and the same three guys have been there for at least
>>10 years. They work hard, do good work and charge fair prices. His
>>reputation is flawless and deservedly so. He gets a lot of business via
>>word of mouth. The fact that he's a franchise store doesn't change that.
>
>
> These SMALL folks, in most cases, get involved with a business that they
> know NOTHING about. I did not have the luxury of word of mouth as I broke
> down out of town. I took it to a chain because they are more accountable
> then a local shop I know nothing about. I assumed the franchise would back
> up their hype. I had no time to do a search on the business.
>
> I did some research into the shop after the fact. It was established in 1994
> but sold in 2004 to a person who knew nothing about transmissions. Look at
> the 13th figure down at:
> http://www.mariettaga.gov/business_l...kly/050404.htm
>
> Now look at:
> http://www.businessesforsale.com/got...-For-Sale.aspx
> They are trying to unload it already...
>
>
>>It's amazing that you try to tell me that I don't understand the
>>franchise business, but you make statements like this. Contrary to your
>>belief, there is nothing inherently evil about franchising. What do you
>>think most gas stations are? Most coffee and donut shops? Most
>>restaurants? Most convenience stores? The list is endless. We all deal
>>with franchise stores all the time and in most cases, they're fine. As
>>with any industry, there are inevitably bad apples, but they're the
>>exception, not the rule.
>
>
> How can you compare spending $3000 and forking over close to another $2000
> to coffee and doughnut shops? If I get stiffed for $10 I'll take it tongue
> in check but when it hits $5000? I don't think so...

First off, I NEVER said that you shouldn't pursue your case against the
local store. How many times do I have to reiterate that before it sinks in?

While it's true that I named all small ticket franchises, there are
plenty of other big ticket franhises out there, too.

>>>Mr. Transmission takes the cake though in transmission repairs. They
>>>state a
>>>nationwide warranty on their website but when you look at their
>>>locations,
>>>they are only located in 21 states in America.
>>
>>Do they offer the same warranty through all their stores? If so, that's
>>technically "nationwide". The fact that they don't have stores in all 50
>>states is irrelevent. Perhaps they have plans to get there, but they
>>can't force people to open stores.
>
>
> How can you have a nationwide warranty when you have franchises in only 21
> states? Are you going to tow the car hundreds of miles? There are no Mr.
> Transmissions in California. Will you tow your car close to a 1000 miles for
> warranty repair? Planning a store and having a store are two different
> things. When I get a repair and I breakdown while in warranty, I want a
> place that will be within an hour of me.

I hadn't looked at it from that angle and you make a good point. In
retrospect, I guess "nationwide warranty" is misleading if you can't
take advantage of it.

>>>They also state they have the
>>>best warranty in the business but I do not see them offering a lifetime
>>>warranty like Aamco does.
>>
>>Then you have an issue. Since you're already on a crusade, why don't you
>>see if you can get the FTC to force them to remove that claim?
>
>
> You don't seem to realize that I'm doing this for the average Joe or Jane.
> Yes, I'll sue Mr. Transmission and I will get my money. However, I'm going
> to voice my public opinion all over the net. You see, I don't live from
> paycheck to paycheck but a lot of people do. Has it crossed your mind what a
> family, who lives from paycheck to paycheck, would encounter if they were
> ripped off like I was? It could ruin them. Do you ever think of others
> Brian? I do. In fact, I think enough of them to put my website up at my own
> expense. You won't see an ad or popup on my site.

Yeah, I think of all the honest people employed at Mr. Transmission
stores who are potentially being hurt by your "nationwide" smear
campaign. How would you feel if people in another store with a good
reputation lose their jobs because of you?

While altruism is a wonderful thing, let's be real shall we? What does
it cost you monthy for hosting fees, $10, maybe $20 at the outside?

> When you add the additional hidden expenses, such as search engine
> placement, I'll be in the negative column well after the settlement. Google
> "Mr. Transmission" and I'm in the top 30.

You PAID for search engine placement? Whatever, it's your money to waste.

> Dude, lose the Burt Reynolds look alike. Kind of lame when you throw in all
> your bicycle, ice climbing, and kayaking adventures. What are you running
> from and what are you trying to prove?

What in the world are you babbling about? Burt Reynolds? Running?
Proving? Have you completely lost it or something?

Yes, I enjoy cycling, kayaking and ice climbing. Add X/C skiing and a
bit of woodworking to the mix, too. What's your point? It beats sitting
on the couch and getting old. Perhaps if you had an interest other than
bashing Mr. Transmission, you'd be better off.

Since you did a bit of searching around about me, you should have
noticed that I spend a lot of time helping other people with similar
interests to be more successful at them. I do that at my own cost, but
that's not the point. People helped me when I needed it and now I pass
along what I've learned to others. It's a heck of a lot more positive
way to live than spending one's time trashing a transmission repair company.