A couple of days ago, I accidentally left my keys in the ignition with the lights on and drained (for the first time) an expensive battery which I had bought brand new less than two months ago (I still have the package and everything). I brought it in to the guys at cycle werx and asked if they could charge it up for me. They told me it would cost me $10 and to come back at 6pm. I explained that I had simply drained it and also told them that the battery was practically brand new. The guy says "are you sure it's brand new?". I told him I bought it two months ago and yes it was brand new.
Sure enough, when I returned to cycle werx at 6pm I was told (sheepishly) that my battery was dead and that I would have to buy a new one. I asked for my old battery back and was brought into a room at the back displaying shelves with a bunch of old batteries. I mentioned that I would like to take my battery with me so that I could try to return it to the manufacturer. I then questioned the guy as to whether he had made a mistake as the battery I was given back (although the same make as the one I brought in) had more wear and tear and the red lettering was far more faded (almost illegible) than the one I had brough in that same day. The guy seemed nervous and awkward and would not make eye contact. He insisted it was my battery.
Anyway, long story short I take my battery and proceed to leave the store... as I'm leaving the guy says "uh..." I turn around and the guy says "Ya, I'm just wondering if I should charge you or not" .. I replied "I hope not, the battery was never charged".
The next day I called and asked to speak to the owner. Apparantly "Tom" the owner answered the phone. I explained what happened and he immediately was rude and defensive, accusing me of taking advantage of his staff. He said it happens all the time... guys come in and blame the staff of pulling one over on them (a trend at this shop?? ... strange). He went on to say that whenever a battery comes into his shop they immediately put a clients name on it. Funny, no one even took my name when I dropped it off and there was no name on it when I picked it up. Nor did I see any other names on the batteries in the back room. Obviously Tom doesn't really know the procedures in his own shop - either that or his staff don't bother following this "standard" protocol. Either way, Tom's handling of the situation was brutal and speaks volumes as to the caliber of shop I foolishly dealt with. I should have known not to go back to Cycle Werx after getting a quote for front brake pads that was $50 higher than another shop in town recently.
I will never go back to cycle werx and I encourage you to think twice about bringing your bike to this shop. Should you risk it - video document or mark your parts. Set up a sting somehow... now that would be sweet. These con artists need to be exposed.
