A common one is being overcharged. Dealerships sometimes charge exorbitant prices for simple parts and labor. For example, a friend was charged three times more for a brake pad replacement compared to what an independent mechanic would charge.
One time I took my car to a dealership for a simple oil change. They ended up scratching the paint on my door. When I confronted them, they denied it at first. It was such a headache to prove it was their fault and get them to pay for the repair.
One of the most common dealership horror stories is the bait - and - switch tactic. They'll advertise a great car at a great price to get you in the door. But when you get there, they'll say that car is sold or has some issues, and then try to sell you a more expensive model. Also, getting stuck with a lemon is a horror story many face. Buying a car that constantly breaks down and the dealership refuses to take responsibility.
A lot of people have horror stories about unprofessional salespeople during test drives. They might be rude or try to intimidate you into buying. For instance, I know someone who had a salesperson that started yelling at them when they didn't like the car enough to make an offer right away. It's unacceptable behavior in a dealership environment.
One common horror story is being sold a lemon. Dealerships might sell cars with hidden mechanical problems. Another is the bait - and - switch tactic. They advertise a great deal on a car, but when you get there, they say it's already sold and try to push you towards a more expensive option. And of course, there are those pushy salespeople who won't leave you alone and use high - pressure sales techniques.
I heard of a case where a customer was pressured into signing a very expensive financing deal at a car dealership. The salesperson was very pushy and didn't fully explain all the terms. Later, the customer realized they were paying way more in interest than they should have and it was a nightmare to try and get out of the deal.
One common element is miscommunication. For example, the customer and the service provider misunderstand each other's expectations, like in the case of the hotel giving the wrong room. Another is incompetence, such as the inexperienced stylist at the beauty salon. Also, lack of punctuality, like the car repair shop taking much longer than promised.
I had a nightmare experience at a dealership. They had advertised a great deal on a new model. When I got there, they added all sorts of hidden fees. The price went up by thousands. And the salesperson was really pushy, trying to get me to sign the papers right away without explaining all the costs clearly. It was a total rip - off.
One common theme is misrepresentation. Dealers may overstate the condition of a vehicle or the benefits of a particular model. For example, they might say a used car has a clean history when it actually has been in an accident. Another theme is high - pressure sales tactics. They push customers into making quick decisions without fully understanding the implications. Also, hidden fees are a big problem. Dealers sometimes add on extra charges that were not clearly stated at the start of the deal.
The most common horror story could be related to the lack of transparency. Dealerships may not disclose all the information about the vehicle's history, such as if it has been in an accident before. Or they might not be clear about the full cost of ownership, including things like maintenance fees and potential future repairs. This lack of transparency can really put the customer at a disadvantage and make them feel cheated when they later discover these hidden aspects.
Getting the wrong order is also very common. You expect to get what you ordered, but sometimes it seems like the kitchen or the server just didn't pay attention. And then there are places that serve undercooked or overcooked food, which is also a big no - no in food service.