Insanity

They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I would say that going for automotive service at Canadian Tire falls into that category.
I recently purchased tires from CT because they were brand name tires sold to me at a reasonable discount from the listed price. I knew beforehand that the tires include installation on the rim, but balancing is extra. They take you to town on the price of balancing... so much so that I have heard of other people taking the tires for balancing to another tire shop in order to save money. However, this CT is a relatively new store in which prices are a little lower in order to entice business. Today I went to get my tires installed on my rims. After going through the regular necessities of name, address, phone number etc., the clerk printed out my work order for me to sign. I was nearly knocked to the ground when the price came up to over $90! When I picked myself up off the floor and calmly inquired (yeah right) why it would cost so much for a first year tech to spin the tire on the balancing machine and add a 25 cent lead weight, the clerk rambled on about how they were charging the going rates and this was the cost for installation and balancing. I, now getting a little miffed, told her that installation was included in the already outrageous price of the tire. She replied, in the detached manner of someone who was quite used to being steamed at, that she could possibly match some of the other stores deals if she were asked to do so. I am embarrassed to say that it took me a little more flustered ranting (and the repetition of the offer) before I was able to realize what she was hinting at: that all I had to do was ask for a reduced price.

Final price: $54.24

New rule for Canadian Tire: bartering is not dead... never accept their first offer. If you must, go right up to the manager, you would be surprised what he can knock off the price.

Rod