Post by: Stein on August 06, 2019, 03:19:30 PM
So, I drive over with the wheels and new tires and they guy has to come out to look at them before he will give me a price. After careful examination, the price jumps to $70 plus tax to mount two trailer tires, more if I want my 13" trailer wheels balanced for some reason! I ask why the price went from $16 to $70 and his answer was they are new wheels and he needs to install a new valve stem. Sure, I believe that valve stems run at least $25 each, go ahead and insult my intelligence while you try to rip me off.
So, I drive over to Discount and they were more than happy to put them on quickly for $5 which included the all valuable valve stem as well as disposing the old tires.
It seems Schwab's business model is that they only want to serve customers who don't know better or are willing to be gouged. It's too bad, they are right around the corner from my house but I'm not going to be ripped off every time I step foot in their store.
Post by: linxx77 on August 06, 2019, 03:25:19 PM
Post by: Stein on August 06, 2019, 03:37:19 PM
It was the manager that I talked with today.
10 years ago, I was fine paying slightly more for solid service and knowing they stand behind what they sell. Now, they want to charge substantially more for the same tire or service and not stand behind anything.
Being a business guy, their model seems to be suicide as I live 1 mile away and would gladly give them 30 years of business or more on multiple rigs and trailers, but they are willing to throw that away for a quick $50.
Post by: Buckmark on August 06, 2019, 03:59:04 PM
But customer service is a dying thing....
Post by: jackelope on August 06, 2019, 04:01:42 PM
The fleet companies will pay it so I'll get em done but I was shocked at $346.00
Post by: jackelope on August 06, 2019, 04:04:34 PM
Post by: Caseyd on August 06, 2019, 04:25:45 PM
We can't balance 19.5" truck tires here...long story, don't ask. I've been sending the few that we do to Schwab's up the street here for a few years now. I called them the other day to ask me if they could do 1 for me and I was pretty much told to pound sand. I asked why all of a sudden they wouldn't do it for me anymore and the guy said "because we sell tires" and refused to do it. I called another Schwab on the other side of town and they did it for me. I just called them back today to ask how much to mount and balance 6 of them for me if I send them the tires.... $346.00....to mount and balance 6 tires.
The fleet companies will pay it so I'll get em done but I was shocked at $346.00
Discount the same distance away won’t charge that.
Post by: Mudman on August 06, 2019, 04:28:33 PM
Post by: JBar on August 06, 2019, 04:28:48 PM
Post by: 10mmg on August 06, 2019, 04:39:13 PM
Post by: baker5150 on August 06, 2019, 04:52:05 PM
The internet is killing these industries. Price isn't everything.
Post by: Moonlite hunter on August 06, 2019, 05:12:25 PM
Post by: kselkhunter on August 06, 2019, 05:23:04 PM
Post by: Stein on August 06, 2019, 06:31:42 PM
I use a local shop. Family owned. Great people.
The internet is killing these industries. Price isn't everything.
True, but the internet is bringing some price transparency to the market. I don't like buying tires online and taking them into a store to mount, but I'm not going to pay double or more to support a local guy. My customers shop around and expect competitive prices and good service, and this is no different.
I bought my first set of tires from Schwab in about 1996. They drove me to find other options, I would have been more than happy to give them another 30 years of sales. I was burned once real bad, had one not so good experience and now this. There is no way you can justify $70 for 10 minutes to mount two small trailer tires when the next local shop charges $10. If your model requires customers paying $420 an hour for a tire changer, you can't expect anyone who knows better to support your business.
I think a good example of how to survive with the internet is John's in Everett. He has prices that are competitive or even better than most internet shops and couples that with advice and knowledge you can't get at an online shop. Even when he is a few bucks more, I shop there because he supports the industry, has what I need in stock and can help me when I'm fishing an area I haven't been before. He throws up YouTubes and Facebook posts showing what is working and where and if it happens to be this year's new color and I bite and go buy it, everyone is happy. I just went in there to buy a new motor for a Scotty downrigger I bought used. I told him I bought it used and he didn't turn around and jack the price up 400% because I didn't buy it from him.
Post by: huntnfmly on August 06, 2019, 06:53:06 PM
I don't think Les works on brakes... They replace everything! :chuckle:Funny you mentioned this I have an appointment on the 17th to get my brakes done on my truck and they are replacing all of them lol
Post by: h20hunter on August 06, 2019, 06:55:05 PM
Post by: whacker1 on August 06, 2019, 07:00:26 PM
However, I had a brand new 10 ply trailer tire on our 5th wheel die a death of manufacturers defect in July. I bought them at the end of April. low and behold it died .5 mile from a Les Schwab. Of course they charged me full retail of $221, which was near double what the tire that failed cost, but they had me in and out in 45 minutes. Kudos to the Chelan Les Schwab.
I have built a relationship with another tire shop in Spokane, but I still find myself relying on Les Schwab when I have problems.
Post by: Stein on August 06, 2019, 07:03:29 PM
I don't think Les works on brakes... They replace everything! :chuckle:Funny you mentioned this I have an appointment on the 17th to get my brakes done on my truck and they are replacing all of them lol
My magic 8-ball says your rotors are worn past serviceable limits, by federal law they may not be able to even put them back on the rig. Options are new rotors or a tow home. Don't ask me how magic 8-ball knows this....
Post by: teanawayslayer on August 06, 2019, 07:04:49 PM
Post by: fowl smacker on August 06, 2019, 07:09:49 PM
Post by: Mudman on August 06, 2019, 07:32:16 PM
I have a love/hate relationship for Les Schwab. They baited and switched my twice over the last 2 decades. They are the only operation on the planet still charging full retail, or at least in the Pacific Northwest. 30% more than most everywhere else I go at other retail tire shopos.Been there too. Buy cheap Amazon trl tires for around $50-$60. They are a better tire.
However, I had a brand new 10 ply trailer tire on our 5th wheel die a death of manufacturers defect in July. I bought them at the end of April. low and behold it died .5 mile from a Les Schwab. Of course they charged me full retail of $221, which was near double what the tire that failed cost, but they had me in and out in 45 minutes. Kudos to the Chelan Les Schwab.
I have built a relationship with another tire shop in Spokane, but I still find myself relying on Les Schwab when I have problems.
Post by: hughjorgan on August 06, 2019, 07:32:35 PM
The one in Puyallup South Hill is an absolute nightmare. They are crooks. The one in Yelm has been good to me in then manner of what I remember LS being in the past. I will say my last set of F350 tires came from discount in south hill and they where very solid in their service.
Don’t go to the one in Edgewood either, crappy service. They tried to sell me 5k of unnecessary front end work on my less than five year old Silverado. Refused to rotate my les Schwann tires too.
Post by: Alchase on August 06, 2019, 07:36:46 PM
The one in Puyallup South Hill is an absolute nightmare. They are crooks.
:yeah:
The Puyallup store tried to rip off my wife and my son on two different trips years apart.
Wife stopped in for a nail in her tire.
They removed all four wheels and tried to tell her they could not “legally” put them back on and let you leave, without full, Brake job including calipers. The brakes had been done only six months earlier.
She called me, I walked in and in a very loud voice I said you better have that Durango ready to drive out in five minutes or the sheriff will be called and charges of fI raud will be filed.
He started facing off on me, I handed my wife the phone, and looked him in the eye. And said “make your move buttercup!”
As my wife started dialing. Keep in mind, the place was packed with customers. And now employees were all watching as well. When my wife got to
“I need to have a sharif come to South Hill Les Schaub, they are threatening my husband with violence, you need to hurry, for their sake, it won’t go well!”
At that point he starts cussing at the top of his lungs and goes back out to the shop.
They put the wheels back on, they had already fixed the tire. I checked it out really slowly with the sheriff standing next to me the whole time.
He asked my if I was satisfied? I said yes, thank you and left. They did not charge us the $25 they quoted my wife
The kicker, the sharif lived in my neighborhood.
My son had a bait and switch attempt on him as well, he called me after their inspection and outrageous price.
I scolded him for taking his care their in the first place, then asked him if the same manager was standing near him, he says yes, why?
I told him to put it on speaker, once one speaker I said “ok, now that you have their lies and BS estimate, turn you car around and never pull into that ripoff place again!
Have never set foot in a Les Schaub since.
Post by: yorketransport on August 06, 2019, 07:37:24 PM
The funny thing though, I won't use them for my personal vehicles. I can get better service and a better price from a local shop here in Yelm.
Post by: Alchase on August 06, 2019, 08:02:46 PM
I bought all of my medium duty truck tires from LS for probably 8 years. This worked out to be about $20,000 a year in tires. I always had excellent service in the store and on the side of the road. I knew I was paying too much for the tires, but it balanced out when I looked at the service I got from them. I would call ahead and let them know one of the trucks was on the way in, and they'd be waiting for my guys when they got there. The only time they'd have to wait is if it was one of the small vans.
The funny thing though, I won't use them for my personal vehicles. I can get better service and a better price from a local shop here in Yelm.
I can understand paying a little more for great service!
For tires, I have received fantastic service at all the Discount Tire shops I have been too.
And the best prices for tires I have been able to find as well!
Never had them do any repair work though.
Post by: wadu1 on August 06, 2019, 08:07:48 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on August 06, 2019, 08:09:53 PM
Post by: yorketransport on August 06, 2019, 08:21:37 PM
That's funny I've always had great experiences with the tires I've had them do. They usually try to push an upgrade or two on me but I always just tell them no. I thought it was because I have a fleet account and run all my personal rigs through it too but Jackelope has me wondering. Maybe I'm just lucky but all the counter folks know my name at the Ballard branch and I'm always getting stuff done cheap and quick.
There does seem to be a trend here. It sounds like LS definitely favors their larger fleet accounts, not that this would be a big surprise.
Post by: greenhead_killer on August 06, 2019, 08:23:54 PM
Post by: spoonman on August 06, 2019, 08:34:11 PM
Post by: AROTTY on August 06, 2019, 08:50:58 PM
Post by: Westside88 on August 06, 2019, 10:06:36 PM
I don't think Les works on brakes... They replace everything! :chuckle:
In the past I’ve received good service from Schwab, but my opinion has been slipping. I think a lot of it has to do with who works there. Recently I had some brake issues and no time to do it myself. I took my truck (89 F250) in for an inspection and was told it needed “everything, front and rear”. I talked to a local shop that has a good reputation. They were about $150 more based on the “everything “ premise. I didn’t have the truck with me when we spoke. I just asked them to price the worst case scenario. I ended up choosing them because I had a better feeling about the work and I could drop it off and walk home. When I picked it up it was $650 less than the quote. The owner told me the rear drums were fine, they cleaned them up and serviced them. I think Les Schwab would have changed them out
Post by: jeffro on August 06, 2019, 10:32:52 PM
is there seems to be one in every town in this state.
And unless something has changed they have always honored their warranty.
They have also fixed multiple flats, not their brand, for me also free of charge.
Post by: follow maggie on August 06, 2019, 11:29:27 PM
Post by: zwickeyman on August 07, 2019, 05:56:15 AM
I have had great experiences over the years with the North Bend, Ellensburg and Wenatchee stores
Post by: JWEBB on August 07, 2019, 06:17:15 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on August 07, 2019, 06:23:25 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 07, 2019, 07:02:20 AM
Post by: Rob on August 07, 2019, 07:19:47 AM
I live in Monroe now but still drive there for work.
I had salt water weld my spare to the retaining hardware where it was stored under the bed of my truck about 10 years back. I dropped in to see if they had tricks to get it to come loose. they worked on it for 45 min and finally got it loose. The bill? Zero! Been going there ever since.
Post by: CoryTDF on August 07, 2019, 07:28:48 AM
I am not stuck to LS but I have been treated pretty well by them here in WW. I will store jump from time to time to find a better deal as there are 3 LS within about 15 miles of me. Both the Walla Walla store and the College Place store will cut you break on tax to keep you from going to the Milton Freewater Oregon location.
Post by: huntnfmly on August 07, 2019, 07:51:38 AM
The 8 ball is all knowing and wise that's exactly what I was told and having done😅I don't think Les works on brakes... They replace everything! :chuckle:Funny you mentioned this I have an appointment on the 17th to get my brakes done on my truck and they are replacing all of them lol
My magic 8-ball says your rotors are worn past serviceable limits, by federal law they may not be able to even put them back on the rig. Options are new rotors or a tow home. Don't ask me how magic 8-ball knows this....
Post by: jackelope on August 07, 2019, 07:55:38 AM
The 8 ball is all knowing and wise that's exactly what I was told and having done😅I don't think Les works on brakes... They replace everything! :chuckle:Funny you mentioned this I have an appointment on the 17th to get my brakes done on my truck and they are replacing all of them lol
My magic 8-ball says your rotors are worn past serviceable limits, by federal law they may not be able to even put them back on the rig. Options are new rotors or a tow home. Don't ask me how magic 8-ball knows this....
If it's a corporate store, they will only do pads, rotors and calipers. Company policy.
Post by: huntnfmly on August 07, 2019, 08:08:21 AM
Post by: Rob on August 07, 2019, 08:12:12 AM
I have to agree that the customer service at Les Schwab varies with the direction the wind blows. I hate people trying to upsell me when I tell them what I want beforehand. That being said, I will defend them and patronize the business for an entirely different reason. My kids and most of their friends are active in 4H and the FFA raising and selling livestock at the state and country fairs. Les Schwab is the only Washington business that wholeheartedly supports our kids at the fairs. Without doubt if LS ever chose to quit supporting the kids at the fair the fairs would collapse and die within a couple of years. Their simply isn't any other business willing to purchase livestock at the fair and literally carry the sales every year. I applaud them for what they do, and because of it I'll tolerate a bad experience or two.
That's cool!
Post by: 724wd on August 07, 2019, 08:30:52 AM
I am not stuck to LS but I have been treated pretty well by them here in WW. I will store jump from time to time to find a better deal as there are 3 LS within about 15 miles of me. Both the Walla Walla store and the College Place store will cut you break on tax to keep you from going to the Milton Freewater Oregon location.
You should try Luttrell's on Rose. Rick from Coachman works there now and @woodchuck might know something about them, too...
Post by: ballpark on August 07, 2019, 09:00:47 AM
The bad - Ellensburg - Brother in law got a flat while elk hunting. Ended up getting new rear tires but they didn't tighten the lug nuts. Next day as we are standing next to truck talking about how many hunters are in the area, we noticed he was missing 2 lug nuts - checked all the tires and the all the rear lug nuts were loose :bash: Port Orchard - Took truck in for rotate and front end alignment afterwards it drove like **it. :bash: Took it back they fixed the alignment. Gave them another chance with wife's Denali, they screwed up the alignment - pulled hard to one side. :bash: Took it back they fixed it.
The good - Snow zilla this past FEB lost the valve stem on front tractor tire - they replaced it for free.
Oh wait one more BAD - Port Orchard - Brother in law -same as above- had his brakes done prior to elk season 3 years ago. Day 2 or 3 he noticed a grinding sound from front left tire. We pulled the tire and the caliper was missing one of the bolts. The caliper was held on by 1 bolt and grinding against the aluminum rim - nice groove. Had to run into Weiser NAPA and get a new bolt. :bash:
Post by: CoryTDF on August 07, 2019, 10:08:00 AM
I am not stuck to LS but I have been treated pretty well by them here in WW. I will store jump from time to time to find a better deal as there are 3 LS within about 15 miles of me. Both the Walla Walla store and the College Place store will cut you break on tax to keep you from going to the Milton Freewater Oregon location.
You should try Luttrell's on Rose. Rick from Coachman works there now and @woodchuck might know something about them, too...
I have used them in the past and was happy.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 07, 2019, 10:31:21 AM
Prices are always very competitive and they don't jerk you around for little things.
Post by: pup0025 on August 07, 2019, 09:30:20 PM
Post by: Special T on August 07, 2019, 09:46:39 PM
Schwab's is why I own my own tire machine and balancer.Depending on the vintage of your ride having a machine, or knowing how to do it with bars is very helpful. Lot of guys whom wheel keep soap tire irons, a plug/patch kit and and inflation adapter to make repairs easier.
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Post by: pup0025 on August 07, 2019, 10:00:09 PM
Schwab's is why I own my own tire machine and balancer.Depending on the vintage of your ride having a machine, or knowing how to do it with bars is very helpful. Lot of guys whom wheel keep soap tire irons, a plug/patch kit and and inflation adapter to make repairs easier.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Post by: follow maggie on August 07, 2019, 10:35:33 PM
Have a few stories from various Les Schwab's - good and bad.
The bad - Ellensburg - Brother in law got a flat while elk hunting. Ended up getting new rear tires but they didn't tighten the lug nuts. Next day as we are standing next to truck talking about how many hunters are in the area, we noticed he was missing 2 lug nuts - checked all the tires and the all the rear lug nuts were loose :bash:
This happened to a friend of my brother's. Took his boat trailer in for new tires & on the way home from Les Schwab both wheels came off the trailer in the middle of the road.
Post by: h2ofowlr on August 07, 2019, 10:42:41 PM
Post by: HillHound on August 08, 2019, 03:17:54 AM
Post by: Special T on August 08, 2019, 06:58:21 AM
As a business owner and employer of over 30 people this is simply a case of being as good as your worst employee. It really is unfortunate but the truth that one bad hire can drag your name through the mud. I have also had great and horrible experiences with various les schwabs in the pastIt should also be noted that there is a large shortage of skilled tradesmen in many industries exacerbating this problem. This shortage makes it hard for employers to invest in training because there is a high rate of poaching employees making it hard to recoup the cost.
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Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 08, 2019, 07:03:05 AM
As a business owner and employer of over 30 people this is simply a case of being as good as your worst employee. It really is unfortunate but the truth that one bad hire can drag your name through the mud. I have also had great and horrible experiences with various les schwabs in the past
If that were the case, we'd probably be complaining about McDonald's just as much.
I think it's a process and training issue myself.
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 08, 2019, 07:11:42 AM
As a business owner and employer of over 30 people this is simply a case of being as good as your worst employee. It really is unfortunate but the truth that one bad hire can drag your name through the mud. I have also had great and horrible experiences with various les schwabs in the past
If that were the case, we'd probably be complaining about McDonald's just as much.
I think it's a process and training issue myself.
If that were an accurate analogy, McDonald's would be charging 30% more for their food than BK. They don't. Carl's Jr. does and they deliver with a difference. I ran a hotel with 50 employees. Our training was for each position was standardized and employees held accountable or let go. I don't believe this is a training problem. I believe that over the last 20 years, LS has mainly forgotten what sets them apart and makes their pricing less of a factor in the consumer's decision to use them. :twocents:
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on August 08, 2019, 07:35:42 AM
Post by: C-Money on August 08, 2019, 09:18:33 AM
Post by: baker5150 on August 08, 2019, 10:10:40 AM
As a business owner and employer of over 30 people this is simply a case of being as good as your worst employee. It really is unfortunate but the truth that one bad hire can drag your name through the mud. I have also had great and horrible experiences with various les schwabs in the past
If that were the case, we'd probably be complaining about McDonald's just as much.
I think it's a process and training issue myself.
If that were an accurate analogy, McDonald's would be charging 30% more for their food than BK. They don't. Carl's Jr. does and they deliver with a difference. I ran a hotel with 50 employees. Our training was for each position was standardized and employees held accountable or let go. I don't believe this is a training problem. I believe that over the last 20 years, LS has mainly forgotten what sets them apart and makes their pricing less of a factor in the consumer's decision to use them. :twocents:
In the current labor environment, this isn't really an option. You have to work with what you have, or you won't have anyone left.
It's border line impossible to find trainable labor, let alone skilled labor. The skilled guys out looking, are looking for a reason, and you probably don't want them.
The young greenhorns looking for a career come in with no people skills and lack fundamental common sense.
The old "slow to hire, quick to fire" is the exact opposite anymore. Or at least be "slow to hire, slow to fire." It's just to darn to expensive to file thru 10 guys looking for that 1 good one. Expensive in soooo many ways.
Post by: Stein on August 08, 2019, 10:55:43 AM
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Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 08, 2019, 11:08:05 AM
Les Schwab is consistently inconsistent. They are not the same company at every branch that you go to. They don't train their employees the same and they don't adhere to the same processes, or you wouldn't see all of the inconsistent responses people typically give on these threads.
I'm not even talking about price - their service in general is extremely inconsistent - that's a process issue.
I've taken my car in for a flat and was told "we recommend all 4 replacement right away" when I was nowhere near the end of tread life. Then I've come in on other occasions, dealt with someone better and had a better experience.
Lack of thorough training and processes leads to inconsistent results.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 08, 2019, 11:09:09 AM
As a business owner and employer of over 30 people this is simply a case of being as good as your worst employee. It really is unfortunate but the truth that one bad hire can drag your name through the mud. I have also had great and horrible experiences with various les schwabs in the past
If that were the case, we'd probably be complaining about McDonald's just as much.
I think it's a process and training issue myself.
If that were an accurate analogy, McDonald's would be charging 30% more for their food than BK. They don't. Carl's Jr. does and they deliver with a difference. I ran a hotel with 50 employees. Our training was for each position was standardized and employees held accountable or let go. I don't believe this is a training problem. I believe that over the last 20 years, LS has mainly forgotten what sets them apart and makes their pricing less of a factor in the consumer's decision to use them. :twocents:
In the current labor environment, this isn't really an option. You have to work with what you have, or you won't have anyone left.
It's border line impossible to find trainable labor, let alone skilled labor. The skilled guys out looking, are looking for a reason, and you probably don't want them.
The young greenhorns looking for a career come in with no people skills and lack fundamental common sense.
The old "slow to hire, quick to fire" is the exact opposite anymore. Or at least be "slow to hire, slow to fire." It's just to darn to expensive to file thru 10 guys looking for that 1 good one. Expensive in soooo many ways.
I found after the labor shortage started in 2017 that it a local temp agency was my best bet. I'm paying a 55% premium for 90 days but it's still cheaper than trying to find candidates myself.
Good luck - it's a tough market out there.
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 08, 2019, 11:29:29 AM
As a business owner and employer of over 30 people this is simply a case of being as good as your worst employee. It really is unfortunate but the truth that one bad hire can drag your name through the mud. I have also had great and horrible experiences with various les schwabs in the past
If that were the case, we'd probably be complaining about McDonald's just as much.
I think it's a process and training issue myself.
If that were an accurate analogy, McDonald's would be charging 30% more for their food than BK. They don't. Carl's Jr. does and they deliver with a difference. I ran a hotel with 50 employees. Our training was for each position was standardized and employees held accountable or let go. I don't believe this is a training problem. I believe that over the last 20 years, LS has mainly forgotten what sets them apart and makes their pricing less of a factor in the consumer's decision to use them. :twocents:
In the current labor environment, this isn't really an option. You have to work with what you have, or you won't have anyone left.
It's border line impossible to find trainable labor, let alone skilled labor. The skilled guys out looking, are looking for a reason, and you probably don't want them.
The young greenhorns looking for a career come in with no people skills and lack fundamental common sense.
The old "slow to hire, quick to fire" is the exact opposite anymore. Or at least be "slow to hire, slow to fire." It's just to darn to expensive to file thru 10 guys looking for that 1 good one. Expensive in soooo many ways.
I'm unsure what profession you're in, so I can't judge what happens with you and hiring. In the hospitality industry, we were well known for our service and products, and payed our employees well above the local average. Because of how we paid, we also had a larger pool of hire candidates from which to choose and therefor, were able to hire the best talent. Our employees liked their pay and their work and turnover was uncharacteristically low for hospitality positions. Our customers paid more for their rooms and meals, as a result, and they kept returning. This, I believe, is similar to the LS model of selling tires and car care. Do it better than anyone else and the difference in cost won't make a difference in the long run. It just doesn't seem they're still accomplishing that. Whether it's because of such a small pool of candidates or what, for me, it's no longer worth it to ignore the price differences. It used to be. :dunno:
Post by: Bob33 on August 08, 2019, 11:50:51 AM
We have a LS tire on one of our vehicles that slowly loses air. It’s been back four times, and every time they’ve serviced it for free and told us it was fixed. It would be nice if they would actually fix it but at least they’ve cheerfully serviced it, not charged us, and not tried to sell us something.
There clearly is a difference between stores.
It is a more competitive environment today for many companies like LS. Employees that used to get $10/hour are demanding $15 or more plus benefits. Mega companies like Costco have probably eaten into some of their business. They have to raise prices, cut costs, or increase revenues to remain profitable and stay in business.
All that said, we rarely purchase products from them ourselves anymore.
Post by: jackelope on August 08, 2019, 12:21:11 PM
The Ephrata store has a good reputation around here. Work gives their business to Commercial Tire. Moses Lake store is pretty good...they bough my kids lamb at fair last year. I, like many, have had my share of head scratching moments with Schwab. They in store credit has saved my butt a few times when out and about and have tire issues and not much cash. Brewster Les Schwab replaced my boat trailer tires using my store credit while on a camping trip a few years back. That was nice.
I have crazy respect and appreciation for the amount of money Les Schwab throws at our 4-H and FFA kids every single year. It's happened all over the NW this summer already and it's going to happen at our fair in 2 weeks. Thousands of dollars will be thrown from Schwab's to kids that night.
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 08, 2019, 01:07:45 PM
The Ephrata store has a good reputation around here. Work gives their business to Commercial Tire. Moses Lake store is pretty good...they bough my kids lamb at fair last year. I, like many, have had my share of head scratching moments with Schwab. They in store credit has saved my butt a few times when out and about and have tire issues and not much cash. Brewster Les Schwab replaced my boat trailer tires using my store credit while on a camping trip a few years back. That was nice.
I have crazy respect and appreciation for the amount of money Les Schwab throws at our 4-H and FFA kids every single year. It's happened all over the NW this summer already and it's going to happen at our fair in 2 weeks. Thousands of dollars will be thrown from Schwab's to kids that night.
So there's the value-added feature of continuing to go to LS for you guys. I certainly understand that. Small towns also have a much more personal atmosphere and the people know each other. I grew up in a very small town - 1500 people in an area bigger than Portland. Vancouver is different and maybe because of that, the store is, too.
Post by: Caseyd on August 08, 2019, 08:40:47 PM
Post by: buglebrush on August 08, 2019, 09:30:55 PM
Post by: huntandjeep on August 10, 2019, 08:59:36 AM
I have to agree that the customer service at Les Schwab varies with the direction the wind blows. I hate people trying to upsell me when I tell them what I want beforehand. That being said, I will defend them and patronize the business for an entirely different reason. My kids and most of their friends are active in 4H and the FFA raising and selling livestock at the state and country fairs. Les Schwab is the only Washington business that wholeheartedly supports our kids at the fairs. Without doubt if LS ever chose to quit supporting the kids at the fair the fairs would collapse and die within a couple of years. Their simply isn't any other business willing to purchase livestock at the fair and literally carry the sales every year. I applaud them for what they do, and because of it I'll tolerate a bad experience or two.:yeah: LS always comes and supports the local 4h auction, I bet this year they spent $20k+ .
I have never had a problem with them . I go in , tell them what tires I want , have them mounted , balanced , and rotated. That's it . They re a tire store not mechanics. If they say my truck needs something I take it to the dealer , sometimes it needs it sometimes it doesn't.
Post by: Special T on August 10, 2019, 09:19:46 AM
Most stores actually make most of thier profit out of the shop...I have to agree that the customer service at Les Schwab varies with the direction the wind blows. I hate people trying to upsell me when I tell them what I want beforehand. That being said, I will defend them and patronize the business for an entirely different reason. My kids and most of their friends are active in 4H and the FFA raising and selling livestock at the state and country fairs. Les Schwab is the only Washington business that wholeheartedly supports our kids at the fairs. Without doubt if LS ever chose to quit supporting the kids at the fair the fairs would collapse and die within a couple of years. Their simply isn't any other business willing to purchase livestock at the fair and literally carry the sales every year. I applaud them for what they do, and because of it I'll tolerate a bad experience or two.:yeah: LS always comes and supports the local 4h auction, I bet this year they spent $20k+ .
I have never had a problem with them . I go in , tell them what tires I want , have them mounted , balanced , and rotated. That's it . They re a tire store not mechanics. If they say my truck needs something I take it to the dealer , sometimes it needs it sometimes it doesn't.
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Post by: Sandberm on August 10, 2019, 09:48:21 AM
The local Nissan dealer did the same thing to my wife when she took in her Pathfinder. Then, we get another 50,000 miles out of the brakes before only the rear or front ones need replacing.
Its scummy when they tell you something is wore out when its not. Its lieing.
Post by: Zardoz on August 11, 2019, 08:55:09 PM
Its the trying to sell you brakes when you dont need them that ticks me off. And its always when my wife takes her Pathfinder in. They never do it to me.
The local Nissan dealer did the same thing to my wife when she took in her Pathfinder. Then, we get another 50,000 miles out of the brakes before only the rear or front ones need replacing.
Its scummy when they tell you something is wore out when its not. Its lieing.
Just like the mafia,.....nothing personal, just business. >:(
Post by: yorketransport on August 11, 2019, 09:22:39 PM
Its the trying to sell you brakes when you dont need them that ticks me off. And its always when my wife takes her Pathfinder in. They never do it to me.
The local Nissan dealer did the same thing to my wife when she took in her Pathfinder. Then, we get another 50,000 miles out of the brakes before only the rear or front ones need replacing.
Its scummy when they tell you something is wore out when its not. Its lieing.
I kind of agree with this, but not entirely. With tires for example, you can run your tread down to 2/32" and still be legal in WA. A tire with 2/32" tread is borderline worthless in my experience. You end up with poor traction, poor stopping distance and dramatically reduced impact and puncture resistance. To me, that adds up to an unsafe condition. I personally don't want to drive around with a tire that's going to increase my chances of getting into a loss of control incident or leave me on the side of the highway changing a tire.
When the shop tells you that it's time for new tires they're probably saying that you've reached a point in the tire's life were they're no longer performing at an optimum level. If I see a tire at 4/32", I'd call that done for. Depending on your driving habits, the tire and the vehicle it's on you might get to run that tire for another 10,000 miles without an issue. Or you could leave and experience a catastrophic tire failure 10 miles away from the shop.
The same goes for brakes. I've watched literally hundreds of vehicles run their brakes down to the absolute minimum. This is when you hear the stories about having to replace the calipers and rotors at every brake change. It's no surprise that when you try to run the parts down to the very edge of their functional range, you get more failures. When wear parts like brakes get down to the minimum tolerance you can get unpredictable failures (just like you'll see with tires). The owners think that they're getting hustled by the shop every time go in and get told that they need calipers and rotors again but it's really just the result of false economy. They tried to save money by holding off on basic maintenance and then ended up spending 50% more on repairs. That's not factoring in down time or the inconvenience of the unanticipated repairs.
Yes, the shops are there to make money so they're always going to push an upgraded product or service. In the case of a large and reputable (in many peoples' opinion) shop like LS I tend to think it's a combination of basic sales techniques and getting the customer the optimal performance from the products they sell.
Post by: Mudman on August 11, 2019, 10:27:35 PM
Post by: spin05 on August 12, 2019, 03:13:37 AM
Post by: Special T on August 12, 2019, 07:50:49 AM
How many of you have been to one of those used tire shops? I went into one looking for a used match to my now set of 3 on my heep. There are no "free" services. Everything costs $. They didnt check my brakes ball joints run out to greet me, or have coffee and popcorn in the waiting room.
Free services is a loss leader to gain more business. If you dont like an outfits business by all means go elsewhere...
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Post by: boneaddict on August 12, 2019, 08:02:14 AM
Post by: avidnwoutdoorsman on August 12, 2019, 08:40:45 AM
Tough because two really good friends of mine are shop managers so I have a bias towards Schwab... unfortunatley they aren't in the NW anymore.
Recommendation for tires and service = Costco. Same coverage and care with free rotations as Schwab use to stand behind. Might not get free popcorn but they do have free samples. :twocents:
Post by: birddogdad on August 12, 2019, 08:54:12 AM
Post by: HikerHunter on August 12, 2019, 09:30:30 AM
Also recently brought my wife's car in because the tire was wobbling, a belt had broke. It was under warranty, but they tried to sell me not just one new tire, but two! I took it to a different Schwab location and they replaced the warranty covered tire for free.
Post by: baker5150 on August 12, 2019, 10:01:49 AM
Service isnt free and costs a company.
How many of you have been to one of those used tire shops? I went into one looking for a used match to my now set of 3 on my heep. There are no "free" services. Everything costs $. They didnt check my brakes ball joints run out to greet me, or have coffee and popcorn in the waiting room.
Free services is a loss leader to gain more business. If you dont like an outfits business by all means go elsewhere...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
The true cost of labor is astronomical.
Post by: Whitpirate on August 12, 2019, 10:16:00 AM
When the old man passed away, the spirit of what set them off from the rest died as well... :twocents:
When that powder blue Mercedes appeared on a store lot... the place really jumped. I love that Les used to get up and visit his stores.
Post by: boneaddict on August 12, 2019, 10:17:02 AM
Quote
i did like the toyo tires
If that is true then we are done. ITs M-55s or bust for me
Post by: Special T on August 12, 2019, 01:17:56 PM
Service isnt free and costs a company.
How many of you have been to one of those used tire shops? I went into one looking for a used match to my now set of 3 on my heep. There are no "free" services. Everything costs $. They didnt check my brakes ball joints run out to greet me, or have coffee and popcorn in the waiting room.
Free services is a loss leader to gain more business. If you dont like an outfits business by all means go elsewhere...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
The true cost of labor is astronomical.
EVERY tire store ive been to seems to be either slammed or empty with guys standing around or sweeping. How this gets scheduled/ managed/ cost out I dunno. Top off that many of these Free services happen when they are slammed... The only scheduling I know of at tire shops are in the brake and alignment Dept. Ill just take and educated guess and say your $15 an hour guy at Les Schwab costs $25-30 an hour. What do they have to charge to make it pay? Since Schwab is the whipping boy in this discussion, it should be noted that they have great insurance for their employees. The Love hate relationship everybody seems to have with Schwab normally surprises me but no longer does. When folks bring tires bought off the internet to them to mount, in many cases the cost the customer purchased them is at or below the wholesale price.
Automation and the cost of labor are going to have a huge alignment in the tire industry as well as many others. The strange thing is how Linked the sale of the tire, and the service of mounting and taking care of that tire is.
Post by: boneaddict on August 12, 2019, 01:31:24 PM
that sort of thing.
Changing winter tires (not rims) and having them break a sensor and telling my wife she needs new sensors on all four. Instead of fixing the one they broke....
that sort of thing.
It all bottles down to me having to take the car in and dealing with as someone who grew up in a tire shop.
Labor...well that’s your minimum wage creep I suppose. I worked for minimum wage at 4 bucks an hour. We charged 5 bucks for a mount and balance, free with purchase. Now they charge 25 a pop , but pay 15 to 20 an hour. As scary as it is at final tickets end, that’s where we are headed. Wait until minimum wage is 15.
Post by: baker5150 on August 12, 2019, 02:16:59 PM
Service isnt free and costs a company.
How many of you have been to one of those used tire shops? I went into one looking for a used match to my now set of 3 on my heep. There are no "free" services. Everything costs $. They didnt check my brakes ball joints run out to greet me, or have coffee and popcorn in the waiting room.
Free services is a loss leader to gain more business. If you dont like an outfits business by all means go elsewhere...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
The true cost of labor is astronomical.
EVERY tire store ive been to seems to be either slammed or empty with guys standing around or sweeping. How this gets scheduled/ managed/ cost out I dunno. Top off that many of these Free services happen when they are slammed... The only scheduling I know of at tire shops are in the brake and alignment Dept. Ill just take and educated guess and say your $15 an hour guy at Les Schwab costs $25-30 an hour. What do they have to charge to make it pay? Since Schwab is the whipping boy in this discussion, it should be noted that they have great insurance for their employees. The Love hate relationship everybody seems to have with Schwab normally surprises me but no longer does. When folks bring tires bought off the internet to them to mount, in many cases the cost the customer purchased them is at or below the wholesale price.
Automation and the cost of labor are going to have a huge alignment in the tire industry as well as many others. The strange thing is how Linked the sale of the tire, and the service of mounting and taking care of that tire is.
I'd bet it's a lot more.
You have to consider overhead burden as well.
Some get profit sharing too, at least they did back in the early 00's.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 12, 2019, 02:33:16 PM
Service isnt free and costs a company.
How many of you have been to one of those used tire shops? I went into one looking for a used match to my now set of 3 on my heep. There are no "free" services. Everything costs $. They didnt check my brakes ball joints run out to greet me, or have coffee and popcorn in the waiting room.
Free services is a loss leader to gain more business. If you dont like an outfits business by all means go elsewhere...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
The true cost of labor is astronomical.
EVERY tire store ive been to seems to be either slammed or empty with guys standing around or sweeping. How this gets scheduled/ managed/ cost out I dunno. Top off that many of these Free services happen when they are slammed... The only scheduling I know of at tire shops are in the brake and alignment Dept. Ill just take and educated guess and say your $15 an hour guy at Les Schwab costs $25-30 an hour. What do they have to charge to make it pay? Since Schwab is the whipping boy in this discussion, it should be noted that they have great insurance for their employees. The Love hate relationship everybody seems to have with Schwab normally surprises me but no longer does. When folks bring tires bought off the internet to them to mount, in many cases the cost the customer purchased them is at or below the wholesale price.
Automation and the cost of labor are going to have a huge alignment in the tire industry as well as many others. The strange thing is how Linked the sale of the tire, and the service of mounting and taking care of that tire is.
I'd bet it's a lot more.
You have to consider overhead burden as well.
Some get profit sharing too, at least they did back in the early 00's.
We figure an entry level assembler here ($13.50-15/hr) costs about $1/minute.
That being said... Ask 10 COOs how their burden rate is calculated and you'll get 10 different answer.
Curtis
Post by: Stein on August 12, 2019, 03:05:44 PM
There is no way to justify dishonest behavior. If they wanted to charge $30 since I didn't buy the tires from them, I would have done it, but a $70 bait and switch by making up some lame excuse about $0.50 valve stems after I was quoted $16 is not honest. Be a man and tell me they don't want to mount internet tires, don't lie about valve stems. Don't lie about what needs replacing and don't hold people's vehicles hostage by refusing to put them back together and blame "federal regulations."
I feel sorry for people that don't know much about vehicles and go in there trusting what they say.
I had a semi-poor experience at Costco, but it was due to a green employee and the manager made it more than right and was honest about what happened and apologized. Same at Discount, they aren't 100% perfect, but I get honest answers. With LS, all I get is the opposite, complete dishonesty. People make mistakes, I don't expect perfection but I do expect to be treated with some level of professionalism and respect.
Post by: Alchase on August 12, 2019, 07:22:54 PM
Service isnt free and costs a company.
How many of you have been to one of those used tire shops? I went into one looking for a used match to my now set of 3 on my heep. There are no "free" services. Everything costs $. They didnt check my brakes ball joints run out to greet me, or have coffee and popcorn in the waiting room.
Free services is a loss leader to gain more business. If you dont like an outfits business by all means go elsewhere...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
I could not careless if they run out to greet me, could careless if they have popcorn.
I am fully ready to pay for good quality service!
What I won’t tolerate is lying and trying to continually rip-off your customers. Any business that uses a model built on ripping off their customers deserves all the bad press I can hurl their way, and certainly never get my business again.
Les Schwab is a rip-off company that will never get my business again.
Post by: baker5150 on August 12, 2019, 08:15:21 PM
Costco has a high labor rate and they also treat their customers extremely well. My point was that the LS near me only wants to deal with people if they can be ripped off. Let's be honest, charging a rate over $400/hr for a tire changer is a ripoff. Being dishonest to make a sale is a ripoff.
There is no way to justify dishonest behavior. If they wanted to charge $30 since I didn't buy the tires from them, I would have done it, but a $70 bait and switch by making up some lame excuse about $0.50 valve stems after I was quoted $16 is not honest. Be a man and tell me they don't want to mount internet tires, don't lie about valve stems. Don't lie about what needs replacing and don't hold people's vehicles hostage by refusing to put them back together and blame "federal regulations."
I feel sorry for people that don't know much about vehicles and go in there trusting what they say.
I had a semi-poor experience at Costco, but it was due to a green employee and the manager made it more than right and was honest about what happened and apologized. Same at Discount, they aren't 100% perfect, but I get honest answers. With LS, all I get is the opposite, complete dishonesty. People make mistakes, I don't expect perfection but I do expect to be treated with some level of professionalism and respect.
The labor cost issue is what’s driving these companies to poor service. They are dying due to the internet and they see the cost of great customer service as a burden instead of a blessing. These managers are responsible for their respective revenue goals, and are hurting. It not only hurts the company, but their own wage as well. It’s terrible to see a once great company turn to these tactics for profits, although I doubt it’s company wide.
Find a local service center and tell them what your expectations of service are. That’s what we’ve done. We have an awesome relationship because of it. Win Win.
FWIW. Costco has a very small overhead burden, A totally different and unique business model from LS’s.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on August 12, 2019, 09:37:24 PM
Service isnt free and costs a company.
How many of you have been to one of those used tire shops? I went into one looking for a used match to my now set of 3 on my heep. There are no "free" services. Everything costs $. They didnt check my brakes ball joints run out to greet me, or have coffee and popcorn in the waiting room.
Free services is a loss leader to gain more business. If you dont like an outfits business by all means go elsewhere...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
I could not careless if they run out to greet me, could careless if they have popcorn.
I am fully ready to pay for good quality service!
What I won’t tolerate is lying and trying to continually rip-off your customers. Any business that uses a model built on ripping off their customers deserves all the bad press I can hurl their way, and certainly never get my business again.
Les Schwab is a rip-off company that will never get my business again.
:yeah:
Was done with them years ago, I support local shops, NEX, and took my daughter to Discount Tire recently because they came in around $65 within the price of a local shop, not knowing where she’ll be in the next few years it was worth the difference for the warranty coverage.👍
Post by: luckyman on August 13, 2019, 05:11:57 AM
My trips to Discount were plug a hole and rattle wheel on with impact.
I've never had any shop try to make me pay for something I didn't need or want.
Post by: dc on August 13, 2019, 07:41:48 AM
Post by: Special T on August 13, 2019, 09:40:36 AM
My wife worked at Costco for several years. She worked in the office for a while. The Costco tire shop is not meant to be a revenue generator. I was told it is a member service and if it breaks even they are happy.Costco has a high labor rate and they also treat their customers extremely well. My point was that the LS near me only wants to deal with people if they can be ripped off. Let's be honest, charging a rate over $400/hr for a tire changer is a ripoff. Being dishonest to make a sale is a ripoff.
There is no way to justify dishonest behavior. If they wanted to charge $30 since I didn't buy the tires from them, I would have done it, but a $70 bait and switch by making up some lame excuse about $0.50 valve stems after I was quoted $16 is not honest. Be a man and tell me they don't want to mount internet tires, don't lie about valve stems. Don't lie about what needs replacing and don't hold people's vehicles hostage by refusing to put them back together and blame "federal regulations."
I feel sorry for people that don't know much about vehicles and go in there trusting what they say.
I had a semi-poor experience at Costco, but it was due to a green employee and the manager made it more than right and was honest about what happened and apologized. Same at Discount, they aren't 100% perfect, but I get honest answers. With LS, all I get is the opposite, complete dishonesty. People make mistakes, I don't expect perfection but I do expect to be treated with some level of professionalism and respect.
The labor cost issue is what’s driving these companies to poor service. They are dying due to the internet and they see the cost of great customer service as a burden instead of a blessing. These managers are responsible for their respective revenue goals, and are hurting. It not only hurts the company, but their own wage as well. It’s terrible to see a once great company turn to these tactics for profits, although I doubt it’s company wide.
Find a local service center and tell them what your expectations of service are. That’s what we’ve done. We have an awesome relationship because of it. Win Win.
FWIW. Costco has a very small overhead burden, A totally different and unique business model from LS’s.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on August 13, 2019, 12:04:41 PM
Schwabs is a shadow of its former self. I worked at Schwabs in the late 80's. It was always a race to get out and greet a customer. Cars where moved in and out at a fast pace. Flats and rotations rarely got charged whether the car had schwab tires or not, just to bring the customer back later when needing anything. Yes, the internet has changed the game, but to totally abandon the thing that got them where they are today is total BS. They are loosing customers to the internet partly because the service has gone to hell. Not uncommon to wait and hour or more just to get a flat fixed. Les is rolling around in his grave. This IS NOT what he planned when he envisioned the future.
:yeah:
Post by: tracksoup on August 13, 2019, 01:21:09 PM
They told me I need new struts and wheel bearings. They “believe” the rattle sound is coming from a “flat spot” in my strut??? What ever that means... and while they where looking they noticed play in my wheel bearings?
My Titan only has 55K miles on it..
I’m going to another local shop for a second opinion.
Schwabs price to do the struts and wheel bearings $1500
Post by: Stein on August 13, 2019, 02:51:47 PM
Now, you can buy stuff online and there are three tire stores instead of one within 20 minutes of my house and another four in the next town. As you lose business, you need to do something and one option is jack up prices and sell more other stuff to the remaining customers, whether they need it or not. I was hoping they would take the route of being the local shop that did a great job, you could trust and didn't have to worry or shop around. Again, I would be happy to pay a reasonable premium to have my vehicles worked on by qualified staff and get the straight story on what I need.
So, since nobody fills that void, I buy online or price match with the competition who are happy to run that way. Costco is a pain and takes forever, I wouldn't let Walmart near my vehicle, so Discount seems to be at the top of the list for now.
The LS next to me doesn't even come out to greet you, I had to walk in and wait in line while one guy two finger typed the Grapes of Wrath on the computer while three other employees were BSing in the back corner by the office. The popcorn machine and coffee were both empty.
Post by: jackelope on August 13, 2019, 06:23:33 PM
And to the 55k mile Titan guy... depending what year your truck is, if you really have bad front wheel bearings, you might be covered under some sort of powertrain warranty. I’d be willing to bet at least a dollar that yours are fine though.
Post by: h20hunter on August 13, 2019, 06:27:19 PM
Yup. No money in tires. I'm a luxury brand guy and my full retail markup is a whopping 12%! Oh yeah making my month on tires you betcha.
Post by: Alchase on August 13, 2019, 07:42:14 PM
My wife worked at Costco for several years. She worked in the office for a while. The Costco tire shop is not meant to be a revenue generator. I was told it is a member service and if it breaks even they are happy.Costco has a high labor rate and they also treat their customers extremely well. My point was that the LS near me only wants to deal with people if they can be ripped off. Let's be honest, charging a rate over $400/hr for a tire changer is a ripoff. Being dishonest to make a sale is a ripoff.
There is no way to justify dishonest behavior. If they wanted to charge $30 since I didn't buy the tires from them, I would have done it, but a $70 bait and switch by making up some lame excuse about $0.50 valve stems after I was quoted $16 is not honest. Be a man and tell me they don't want to mount internet tires, don't lie about valve stems. Don't lie about what needs replacing and don't hold people's vehicles hostage by refusing to put them back together and blame "federal regulations."
I feel sorry for people that don't know much about vehicles and go in there trusting what they say.
I had a semi-poor experience at Costco, but it was due to a green employee and the manager made it more than right and was honest about what happened and apologized. Same at Discount, they aren't 100% perfect, but I get honest answers. With LS, all I get is the opposite, complete dishonesty. People make mistakes, I don't expect perfection but I do expect to be treated with some level of professionalism and respect.
The labor cost issue is what’s driving these companies to poor service. They are dying due to the internet and they see the cost of great customer service as a burden instead of a blessing. These managers are responsible for their respective revenue goals, and are hurting. It not only hurts the company, but their own wage as well. It’s terrible to see a once great company turn to these tactics for profits, although I doubt it’s company wide.
Find a local service center and tell them what your expectations of service are. That’s what we’ve done. We have an awesome relationship because of it. Win Win.
FWIW. Costco has a very small overhead burden, A totally different and unique business model from LS’s.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
I can totally believe that!
I was in the new Costco here in OKC. They had BFG AT KOs for $188 each.
Not sure how they can be profitable, but I may take advantage of that, lol
Post by: jackelope on August 13, 2019, 09:10:50 PM
Post by: jackelope on August 13, 2019, 09:13:06 PM
My wife worked at Costco for several years. She worked in the office for a while. The Costco tire shop is not meant to be a revenue generator. I was told it is a member service and if it breaks even they are happy.Costco has a high labor rate and they also treat their customers extremely well. My point was that the LS near me only wants to deal with people if they can be ripped off. Let's be honest, charging a rate over $400/hr for a tire changer is a ripoff. Being dishonest to make a sale is a ripoff.
There is no way to justify dishonest behavior. If they wanted to charge $30 since I didn't buy the tires from them, I would have done it, but a $70 bait and switch by making up some lame excuse about $0.50 valve stems after I was quoted $16 is not honest. Be a man and tell me they don't want to mount internet tires, don't lie about valve stems. Don't lie about what needs replacing and don't hold people's vehicles hostage by refusing to put them back together and blame "federal regulations."
I feel sorry for people that don't know much about vehicles and go in there trusting what they say.
I had a semi-poor experience at Costco, but it was due to a green employee and the manager made it more than right and was honest about what happened and apologized. Same at Discount, they aren't 100% perfect, but I get honest answers. With LS, all I get is the opposite, complete dishonesty. People make mistakes, I don't expect perfection but I do expect to be treated with some level of professionalism and respect.
The labor cost issue is what’s driving these companies to poor service. They are dying due to the internet and they see the cost of great customer service as a burden instead of a blessing. These managers are responsible for their respective revenue goals, and are hurting. It not only hurts the company, but their own wage as well. It’s terrible to see a once great company turn to these tactics for profits, although I doubt it’s company wide.
Find a local service center and tell them what your expectations of service are. That’s what we’ve done. We have an awesome relationship because of it. Win Win.
FWIW. Costco has a very small overhead burden, A totally different and unique business model from LS’s.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
I can totally believe that!
I was in the new Costco here in OKC. They had BFG AT KOs for $188 each.
Not sure how they can be profitable, but I may take advantage of that, lol
They probably buy tires by the million and get a massive quantity discount.
A lot of people don’t know Ford has a low tire price guarantee. Bring in an estimate from a brick and mortar tire store and we’ll beat it. That includes Costco. That doesn’t include Tire Rack or the like. I’d do those BFG’s for $187 a piece if you brought me something in writing.
Post by: bornhunter on August 13, 2019, 09:14:57 PM
Curious to know what the high labor rate is at Costco. They only install tires and batteries right? What labor do they charge to mount and balance a set of 4 tires? Anybody?
They wont install batteries I know. They will loan you the tools though.
Post by: Alchase on August 14, 2019, 10:04:14 AM
My wife worked at Costco for several years. She worked in the office for a while. The Costco tire shop is not meant to be a revenue generator. I was told it is a member service and if it breaks even they are happy.Costco has a high labor rate and they also treat their customers extremely well. My point was that the LS near me only wants to deal with people if they can be ripped off. Let's be honest, charging a rate over $400/hr for a tire changer is a ripoff. Being dishonest to make a sale is a ripoff.
There is no way to justify dishonest behavior. If they wanted to charge $30 since I didn't buy the tires from them, I would have done it, but a $70 bait and switch by making up some lame excuse about $0.50 valve stems after I was quoted $16 is not honest. Be a man and tell me they don't want to mount internet tires, don't lie about valve stems. Don't lie about what needs replacing and don't hold people's vehicles hostage by refusing to put them back together and blame "federal regulations."
I feel sorry for people that don't know much about vehicles and go in there trusting what they say.
I had a semi-poor experience at Costco, but it was due to a green employee and the manager made it more than right and was honest about what happened and apologized. Same at Discount, they aren't 100% perfect, but I get honest answers. With LS, all I get is the opposite, complete dishonesty. People make mistakes, I don't expect perfection but I do expect to be treated with some level of professionalism and respect.
The labor cost issue is what’s driving these companies to poor service. They are dying due to the internet and they see the cost of great customer service as a burden instead of a blessing. These managers are responsible for their respective revenue goals, and are hurting. It not only hurts the company, but their own wage as well. It’s terrible to see a once great company turn to these tactics for profits, although I doubt it’s company wide.
Find a local service center and tell them what your expectations of service are. That’s what we’ve done. We have an awesome relationship because of it. Win Win.
FWIW. Costco has a very small overhead burden, A totally different and unique business model from LS’s.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
I can totally believe that!
I was in the new Costco here in OKC. They had BFG AT KOs for $188 each.
Not sure how they can be profitable, but I may take advantage of that, lol
They probably buy tires by the million and get a massive quantity discount.
A lot of people don’t know Ford has a low tire price guarantee. Bring in an estimate from a brick and mortar tire store and we’ll beat it. That includes Costco. That doesn’t include Tire Rack or the like. I’d do those BFG’s for $187 a piece if you brought me something in writing.
I would have brought you some business, but the 2000 mile commute made me hesitate, LOL
Post by: Dhoey07 on August 14, 2019, 10:27:34 AM
Curious to know what the high labor rate is at Costco. They only install tires and batteries right? What labor do they charge to mount and balance a set of 4 tires? Anybody?
We got tires from the two winters ago, I'll see what I can dig up
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 14, 2019, 10:31:46 AM
Post by: Stein on August 14, 2019, 10:41:21 AM
Curious to know what the high labor rate is at Costco. They only install tires and batteries right? What labor do they charge to mount and balance a set of 4 tires? Anybody?
We got tires from the two winters ago, I'll see what I can dig up
Costco's price is $14 a tire for mounting and balancing if you buy from them, I don't know if they will mount tires bought elsewhere.
Discount mounted mine for $5 each and I think he mentioned that balancing was $19 or something like that.
Scwhab's online price for balancing is $15.99 plus whatever they decide to charge for mounting, I was quoted both $8 and $35 each.
Post by: syoungs on August 14, 2019, 11:10:11 AM
My wife worked at Costco for several years. She worked in the office for a while. The Costco tire shop is not meant to be a revenue generator. I was told it is a member service and if it breaks even they are happy.Costco has a high labor rate and they also treat their customers extremely well. My point was that the LS near me only wants to deal with people if they can be ripped off. Let's be honest, charging a rate over $400/hr for a tire changer is a ripoff. Being dishonest to make a sale is a ripoff.
There is no way to justify dishonest behavior. If they wanted to charge $30 since I didn't buy the tires from them, I would have done it, but a $70 bait and switch by making up some lame excuse about $0.50 valve stems after I was quoted $16 is not honest. Be a man and tell me they don't want to mount internet tires, don't lie about valve stems. Don't lie about what needs replacing and don't hold people's vehicles hostage by refusing to put them back together and blame "federal regulations."
I feel sorry for people that don't know much about vehicles and go in there trusting what they say.
I had a semi-poor experience at Costco, but it was due to a green employee and the manager made it more than right and was honest about what happened and apologized. Same at Discount, they aren't 100% perfect, but I get honest answers. With LS, all I get is the opposite, complete dishonesty. People make mistakes, I don't expect perfection but I do expect to be treated with some level of professionalism and respect.
The labor cost issue is what’s driving these companies to poor service. They are dying due to the internet and they see the cost of great customer service as a burden instead of a blessing. These managers are responsible for their respective revenue goals, and are hurting. It not only hurts the company, but their own wage as well. It’s terrible to see a once great company turn to these tactics for profits, although I doubt it’s company wide.
Find a local service center and tell them what your expectations of service are. That’s what we’ve done. We have an awesome relationship because of it. Win Win.
FWIW. Costco has a very small overhead burden, A totally different and unique business model from LS’s.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
I can totally believe that!
I was in the new Costco here in OKC. They had BFG AT KOs for $188 each.
Not sure how they can be profitable, but I may take advantage of that, lol
They probably buy tires by the million and get a massive quantity discount.
A lot of people don’t know Ford has a low tire price guarantee. Bring in an estimate from a brick and mortar tire store and we’ll beat it. That includes Costco. That doesn’t include Tire Rack or the like. I’d do those BFG’s for $187 a piece if you brought me something in writing.
is the guarantee for stock sizes only? I run a 35x12.50r20 on my f350, and would use the dealership to do the work if they would match the prices on that size tire.
Post by: Woodchuck on August 14, 2019, 11:16:09 AM
Corwin Ford, 509-544-8000, Get the parts dept, ask to speak to Heather, she is really sharp. :tup:My wife worked at Costco for several years. She worked in the office for a while. The Costco tire shop is not meant to be a revenue generator. I was told it is a member service and if it breaks even they are happy.Costco has a high labor rate and they also treat their customers extremely well. My point was that the LS near me only wants to deal with people if they can be ripped off. Let's be honest, charging a rate over $400/hr for a tire changer is a ripoff. Being dishonest to make a sale is a ripoff.
There is no way to justify dishonest behavior. If they wanted to charge $30 since I didn't buy the tires from them, I would have done it, but a $70 bait and switch by making up some lame excuse about $0.50 valve stems after I was quoted $16 is not honest. Be a man and tell me they don't want to mount internet tires, don't lie about valve stems. Don't lie about what needs replacing and don't hold people's vehicles hostage by refusing to put them back together and blame "federal regulations."
I feel sorry for people that don't know much about vehicles and go in there trusting what they say.
I had a semi-poor experience at Costco, but it was due to a green employee and the manager made it more than right and was honest about what happened and apologized. Same at Discount, they aren't 100% perfect, but I get honest answers. With LS, all I get is the opposite, complete dishonesty. People make mistakes, I don't expect perfection but I do expect to be treated with some level of professionalism and respect.
The labor cost issue is what’s driving these companies to poor service. They are dying due to the internet and they see the cost of great customer service as a burden instead of a blessing. These managers are responsible for their respective revenue goals, and are hurting. It not only hurts the company, but their own wage as well. It’s terrible to see a once great company turn to these tactics for profits, although I doubt it’s company wide.
Find a local service center and tell them what your expectations of service are. That’s what we’ve done. We have an awesome relationship because of it. Win Win.
FWIW. Costco has a very small overhead burden, A totally different and unique business model from LS’s.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
I can totally believe that!
I was in the new Costco here in OKC. They had BFG AT KOs for $188 each.
Not sure how they can be profitable, but I may take advantage of that, lol
They probably buy tires by the million and get a massive quantity discount.
A lot of people don’t know Ford has a low tire price guarantee. Bring in an estimate from a brick and mortar tire store and we’ll beat it. That includes Costco. That doesn’t include Tire Rack or the like. I’d do those BFG’s for $187 a piece if you brought me something in writing.
is the guarantee for stock sizes only? I run a 35x12.50r20 on my f350, and would use the dealership to do the work if they would match the prices on that size tire.
Post by: baker5150 on August 14, 2019, 11:18:10 AM
Anyone use the balancing beads or balls? Thoughts?
Seam like a great idea.
Post by: Woodchuck on August 14, 2019, 11:29:27 AM
Not to thread jack (although I am)We have a customer who tried these a few years ago and it was a failure. In the end, the beads beat themselves into dust and we put traditional weights back on the rims.
Anyone use the balancing beads or balls? Thoughts?
Seam like a great idea.
Post by: jackelope on August 14, 2019, 02:26:51 PM
My wife worked at Costco for several years. She worked in the office for a while. The Costco tire shop is not meant to be a revenue generator. I was told it is a member service and if it breaks even they are happy.Costco has a high labor rate and they also treat their customers extremely well. My point was that the LS near me only wants to deal with people if they can be ripped off. Let's be honest, charging a rate over $400/hr for a tire changer is a ripoff. Being dishonest to make a sale is a ripoff.
There is no way to justify dishonest behavior. If they wanted to charge $30 since I didn't buy the tires from them, I would have done it, but a $70 bait and switch by making up some lame excuse about $0.50 valve stems after I was quoted $16 is not honest. Be a man and tell me they don't want to mount internet tires, don't lie about valve stems. Don't lie about what needs replacing and don't hold people's vehicles hostage by refusing to put them back together and blame "federal regulations."
I feel sorry for people that don't know much about vehicles and go in there trusting what they say.
I had a semi-poor experience at Costco, but it was due to a green employee and the manager made it more than right and was honest about what happened and apologized. Same at Discount, they aren't 100% perfect, but I get honest answers. With LS, all I get is the opposite, complete dishonesty. People make mistakes, I don't expect perfection but I do expect to be treated with some level of professionalism and respect.
The labor cost issue is what’s driving these companies to poor service. They are dying due to the internet and they see the cost of great customer service as a burden instead of a blessing. These managers are responsible for their respective revenue goals, and are hurting. It not only hurts the company, but their own wage as well. It’s terrible to see a once great company turn to these tactics for profits, although I doubt it’s company wide.
Find a local service center and tell them what your expectations of service are. That’s what we’ve done. We have an awesome relationship because of it. Win Win.
FWIW. Costco has a very small overhead burden, A totally different and unique business model from LS’s.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
I can totally believe that!
I was in the new Costco here in OKC. They had BFG AT KOs for $188 each.
Not sure how they can be profitable, but I may take advantage of that, lol
They probably buy tires by the million and get a massive quantity discount.
A lot of people don’t know Ford has a low tire price guarantee. Bring in an estimate from a brick and mortar tire store and we’ll beat it. That includes Costco. That doesn’t include Tire Rack or the like. I’d do those BFG’s for $187 a piece if you brought me something in writing.
is the guarantee for stock sizes only? I run a 35x12.50r20 on my f350, and would use the dealership to do the work if they would match the prices on that size tire.
If the tire is available through the Ford tire sales tool, the dealer should match it.
Tomato to tomato, size, part #, model...everything has to be identical.
Ford will reimburse the dealer the difference.
Edited to include the dealer has to also install the tires.
Post by: Special T on August 14, 2019, 02:33:51 PM
Not to thread jack (although I am)
Anyone use the balancing beads or balls? Thoughts?
Seam like a great idea.
they make a powder that works pretty good. the problem is that you cannot use normal compressed air. You need an Air dryer other wise the powder clumps and quits working. Plus it likely isnt good with the newer TPMS systems. thank God non of my rides have that.
Post by: syoungs on August 14, 2019, 02:58:46 PM
That's pretty impressive of Ford to do that. I just bought new tires last week, but next set that I purchase I will be checking with them for sure.
Post by: Stein on August 14, 2019, 03:02:21 PM
Post by: jackelope on August 14, 2019, 10:37:53 PM
Post by: CoryTDF on August 27, 2019, 10:20:25 AM
1) A man should have his OWN utility trailer
2) If you borrow a trailer make sure to check the tires before you leave town
3) When the tire explodes and the spare is flat you are screwed.
4) Trailer tires are expensive
So, I had to make an emergency run to the Sunnyside LS and though i had to pay for the most expensive tire because that was all they had in stock they did treat me very well. Had me out of there in about 15 minutes which was really impressive.
The guy also noticed that the other tire had a nail in it. He took it off and went to pull the nail and check for a leak. While doing so he noticed that the wheel was leaking air. So, the spare tire was nearly flat and had a huge crack in it and the other wheel was really rusted through on the inside and leaking. He told me that he could put the good tire on the good wheel leaving me with a bad tire and a bad wheel which he could not mount again for me. He told me he would do that part for no charge so I had him do that.
I am now in the market for my own utility trailer so I do not have to put money into other peoples things. No sour feeling for my buddy as I am sure he didn't know he was sending me down the road with a rolling nightmare. When you borrow things and they break in your care you are obligated to fix them, well, at least that is how I see things.
Post by: Sandberm on August 27, 2019, 11:01:55 AM
Things i learned this weekend.
1) A man should have his OWN utility trailer
2) If you borrow a trailer make sure to check the tires before you leave town
3) When the tire explodes and the spare is flat you are screwed.
4) Trailer tires are expensive
So, I had to make an emergency run to the Sunnyside LS and though i had to pay for the most expensive tire because that was all they had in stock they did treat me very well. Had me out of there in about 15 minutes which was really impressive.
The guy also noticed that the other tire had a nail in it. He took it off and went to pull the nail and check for a leak. While doing so he noticed that the wheel was leaking air. So, the spare tire was nearly flat and had a huge crack in it and the other wheel was really rusted through on the inside and leaking. He told me that he could put the good tire on the good wheel leaving me with a bad tire and a bad wheel which he could not mount again for me. He told me he would do that part for no charge so I had him do that.
I am now in the market for my own utility trailer so I do not have to put money into other peoples things. No sour feeling for my buddy as I am sure he didn't know he was sending me down the road with a rolling nightmare. When you borrow things and they break in your care you are obligated to fix them, well, at least that is how I see things.
Thats how I was raised. :tup:
Back in the day if my dad borrowed the neighbors disk and say the tires looked a bit shot or maybe a bearing was a little loose. Dad would return the disk with at least newer used tires and install a new bearing. Shows your appreciation for the guy letting you borrow something which you do not own or can not afford at the moment
Post by: nbk on August 27, 2019, 11:16:16 AM
I don't think Les works on brakes... They replace everything! :chuckle:Funny you mentioned this I have an appointment on the 17th to get my brakes done on my truck and they are replacing all of them lol
My magic 8-ball says your rotors are worn past serviceable limits, by federal law they may not be able to even put them back on the rig. Options are new rotors or a tow home. Don't ask me how magic 8-ball knows this....
I went there once for an alignment and was told my brakes were so bad they couldn't let me leave in my truck after they did the alignment. I had given them the spare key so I asked for my bill for the alignment, and when they refused I walked out and got in my truck and was ready to leave when the guy came running out with my bill. SCREW les schwab
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 27, 2019, 11:18:10 AM
Things i learned this weekend.
1) A man should have his OWN utility trailer
2) If you borrow a trailer make sure to check the tires before you leave town
3) When the tire explodes and the spare is flat you are screwed.
4) Trailer tires are expensive
So, I had to make an emergency run to the Sunnyside LS and though i had to pay for the most expensive tire because that was all they had in stock they did treat me very well. Had me out of there in about 15 minutes which was really impressive.
The guy also noticed that the other tire had a nail in it. He took it off and went to pull the nail and check for a leak. While doing so he noticed that the wheel was leaking air. So, the spare tire was nearly flat and had a huge crack in it and the other wheel was really rusted through on the inside and leaking. He told me that he could put the good tire on the good wheel leaving me with a bad tire and a bad wheel which he could not mount again for me. He told me he would do that part for no charge so I had him do that.
I am now in the market for my own utility trailer so I do not have to put money into other peoples things. No sour feeling for my buddy as I am sure he didn't know he was sending me down the road with a rolling nightmare. When you borrow things and they break in your care you are obligated to fix them, well, at least that is how I see things.
If I borrow your car and the head gasket blows, I'm going to have to disappoint you there.
Post by: T-Dozzer on August 29, 2019, 04:15:26 PM
Post by: elksnout on August 31, 2019, 10:07:29 PM
Elksnout
Post by: Blacklab on October 29, 2019, 07:36:26 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on October 29, 2019, 07:46:33 PM
That's funny I've always had great experiences with the tires I've had them do. They usually try to push an upgrade or two on me but I always just tell them no. I thought it was because I have a fleet account and run all my personal rigs through it too but Jackelope has me wondering. Maybe I'm just lucky but all the counter folks know my name at the Ballard branch and I'm always getting stuff done cheap and quick.
There does seem to be a trend here. It sounds like LS definitely favors their larger fleet accounts, not that this would be a big surprise.
I've had two more really good experiences with them since this thread started. Both times in and out very quick and cheap or free.
Post by: T-Dozzer on October 29, 2019, 07:48:50 PM
A little peeved with LS right now. Bought a set of toyos Lt tires. Supposed to be 65k got 40k. Went to local dealer told them the situation, no problem got your paperwork. Not with me, I said. Well when you get it come back and will see what we can do. Well luck would have it. I can’t find the paperwork. Knowing that they have all my info for the last 25-30 yrs. To say I need my paper work rubs me wrong. So I wash my hands of LS and went to Costco. Purchased a set of 4 bridgestone AT duelers revo3. Which are getting installed tomorrow. :IBCOOL:
Just tossed my Toyo paperwork from LS last week. Grrat
Post by: Blacklab on October 29, 2019, 08:21:19 PM
Post by: Zardoz on October 30, 2019, 05:31:37 PM
Post by: 92xj on October 30, 2019, 05:37:08 PM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 30, 2019, 05:53:18 PM
That's funny I've always had great experiences with the tires I've had them do. They usually try to push an upgrade or two on me but I always just tell them no. I thought it was because I have a fleet account and run all my personal rigs through it too but Jackelope has me wondering. Maybe I'm just lucky but all the counter folks know my name at the Ballard branch and I'm always getting stuff done cheap and quick.
There does seem to be a trend here. It sounds like LS definitely favors their larger fleet accounts, not that this would be a big surprise.
I've had two more really good experiences with them since this thread started. Both times in and out very quick and cheap or free.
I have had good to great experience with my local shop over the last 20 years. I buy all tires and wheels from them. And some basic suspension stuff ( leveling kits etc) and some brake jobs. More advanced or upgraded work I do myself or at different shops when I want specific products. I have regular account, it makes life easier when dropping off and picking up.
Post by: Stein on October 30, 2019, 06:07:28 PM
Does anyone have experience with the cash out option of the tread life warranty with Les Scwab and the process of that?
My experience is that the cash does come out of my wallet. I tried to use it once and the paper it came on was far more valuable as emergency tp.
With LS, it all depends on the store manager, they have all the power to stand by their stuff or let you have it.
Post by: Blacklab on October 31, 2019, 08:56:08 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on October 31, 2019, 10:18:21 AM
Went to LS last week, fixed a nail puncture fast and free of charge.