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| - Many people already know to avoid these kinds of chain auto shops, but every now and again in a time of desperation, I slip up and actually give one a chance. Although I have walked through the tiny and dingy 3-4 small aisles they use to call this place a "store," this review is mostly about the auto centre located within.
Although I had a poor experience with the Auto Centre here previously, in a moment of desperation (during a recent snow storm) I attempted to get my winter tires installed here. I had been driving around in the brutal weather all day, but was still willing to wait 2+ hours for my install, since I had already committed...and with heavy/icy conditions outside. The lady at the Auto Centre desk was quite aware of my and others' situation, and was perfectly eager to capitalize.
Perhaps it was my fault that I so freely expressed my need to get tires installed that day? Did I ENCOURAGE the Associate at Canadian Tire to try and cheat me? I don't think so....but apparently staff at the Auto Centre are allowed to set their prices as they please, and do not feel it necessary to adhere to advertised prices of packages.
After smelling the desperation on me, the lady behind the counter quoted me a price of almost $200 to change 4 tires. What?? When I asked about the tire installation package listed on the wall, she first stated that the pricing was "per tire" - even though the math STILL did not add up. When I mentioned the discrepancy, the associate mentioned that the "prices change all the time." When I asked if these were standard prices across CT's, she stated that each location is allowed to "set their prices as they please" - whether this is true or not, this practice and whole experience felt completely exploitative. I ended up driving back home without winter tires, just as a matter of principle.
Shady business tactics, will definitely NOT be back.
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