I think I got scammed at a chain car wash?

[inexperienceddriver]

Pretty sure I’m NBU but I think I just got scammed at a chain car wash?

I opted for the top tier car wash with all the fancy waxes at an automatic car wash. The guy who was operating it said that for the same price, he will do the automatic car wash and do something to the alloys. I thought yes why not (sounded like he was going to do my select program + hand wash my alloys). I even asked how much extra that was and he said ‘oh no, same price’ so I agreed.

He then sprayed my car with foam and I went in to the automatic wash. Well the cycle was very short, all that came out of the machine was water, towards the end I saw that the programme selected was the bottom eco option. At the end I got out of the car and queried it and asked where the wax was and he said oh I did it at the beginning with the foam. So when I returned home, I checked on their website what my selected program entailed, and it had all these drop downs of the exact process - none of which I received. It was supposed to have like three different waxes that happen inside the machine.

I’m pretty sure I got scammed, but this being a chain car wash I don’t understand what the guy had to gain? I obviously complained to head office and waiting for a response (a correction on my car wash!)

Maybe it’s a franchise and he owns it so he gets to keep the difference?! Odd one and how much was the difference?

I imagine head office response will be a waste of time.

tesco have jet washes where you do it yourself and I think it’s £2 for 4 mins. Even I can work them out so mobility issues aside, I’d really recommend them.

Well the eco is £5 and what I chose was £19. He could well be pocketing the difference but it would make more sense if I paid cash, I paid by card so surely that all syncs with their system?

Tbh DH cleans the car himself, we have a jet wash and it’s his ‘thing’ he gets the kids involved in. But today was nice and sunny and I thought I’d “treat” myself to a shiny car 🤣

Head office could at least send me a voucher - you can actually prepay on their app so I’d assume it’s easily done. I don’t care for consequences for the employee / owner whatever. I just want my wax!

Yeah that’s a massive difference. I really hope they do give you a free wax not just the difference. I can’t stand all the car cleaning stuff but it’s £25 now for the local car wash to do it and I just don’t want to break two notes. I get what you mean about a treat!

And no, if it’s card I also can’t work it out unless it syncs with buttons pressed.

@WhatWouldDianeLockhartDo yeah I’m looking forward to their response! Everything is so pricey these days

So I have confirmation I will be receiving a voucher on my car wash app 😂

Great news! Definitely worth complaining about.

Might as well take a Brillo pad to your paint, you can always spot a car that goes through automatic car washes.

IMOA by any chance?

dd your car get wax? dribble a little water on it and see if it beads or runs off. if waxed it should bead.

Yes!