Bait and Switch

Jacksonville, Florida
September 1, 2021 8:25pm CST
So... I go today to Jiffy Lube to get my oil changed. I asked for the basic package which was $43, plus tax. As they are changing my oil I get told that my total will be $51, plus tax. I asked him why he quoted me $43 in the beginning, and now it is $51? I could not believe his honesty. He said that Jiffy Lube trains their employees to bait and switch. Give the basic price, then tack on other charges in the middle of the oil change., leaving the customers with a higher bill to pay. I asked him how he thought this was a honest way to do business? Why not just tell his customers what the entire price is upfront, because some folks may be on a budge? He said that it was just the way Jiffy Lube trained them. I heard him say the same thing to an elderly gentleman parked right beside me. while he was getting his oil changed too. That guy just laughed it off. After the job was done he gave me a bill of lading for $21.48. I told him that I thought the bill was going to be over $51? The original price was over $43? He said that he felt like being nice to me. I asked him for his name, and would he get in trouble for slashing the price, as much as he did? He said no... He was the assistant general manager, so he was authorized to adjust the price. He also said that my oil was a quart low. I did tell him I was aware if it. Because of the age of the car, my car does burn oil a little bit. Not too much though... I was very behind on my oil change, which is why it ended up being as low, as it was... He told me that I would be better off getting the synthetic blend for high mileage cars. However that price was $80. I thanked him for letting me know. Then before I left...he said that if I wanted to come back for the better oil change, he would only charge me $30, instead of $80. I told him that I appreciated the offer; and If he was still around when I needed my next oil change, I will drop by. I was just shocked at his honesty with his customers; letting us know that the staff are trained to bait and switch to get more money out of their customers. Not sure if he will still be employed when I need my next oil change; but I was grateful God gave me favor...and I ended up paying less than half of my original bill.
4 people like this
4 responses
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
2 Sep 21
Perhaps he doesn't want to do that in the first place - the bait and switch. Anyway, it was good that he was honest with you.
1 person likes this
@prashu228 (37524)
• India
2 Sep 21
That's marketing ...but there are some honest salesman
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (50810)
• Canada
2 Sep 21
It was nice that he was honest with you, if that is true what he told you. I was always told not to bite the hand that feeds you, I hope that his resume is up to date. I could never allow a dishonest company to work under the hood of my car, it would bother me too much as I would doubt their every word. We did go to this chain for oil changes at 1 time but found that the dealership was quite a bit less expensive and trustworthy. They never play games with us.
• Jacksonville, Florida
4 Sep 21
I am wondering if he does not care if he gets fired, or he does not believe he will. I am sure someone will mention it to his superiors.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (50810)
• Canada
5 Sep 21
@teresatrotter it will serve him right if he does get fired.
@RasmaSandra (78584)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
2 Sep 21
What a way to get people to pay more, Glad there are such honest salesmen,
1 person likes this