Bill Duckworth Tire: Price Gouging and Threats
As avid RV travelers, our journeys often lead us to unexpected places, both beautiful and challenging. Unfortunately, our recent encounter with Bill Duckworth Tire in Brunswick, Georgia, falls into the latter category. This blog post serves as a cautionary tale for fellow travelers, shedding light on an unsettling experience that unfolded at this particular establishment leaving me feeling cheated, threatened, and harassed.
The Initial Encounter
Our need for service brought us to Bill Duckworth Tire, a seemingly convenient choice despite its higher pricing as we were workamping on the next lot. In a bind, we opted to have our front brakes serviced, only to find ourselves facing additional issues shortly after. When our fuel pump needed attention, we approached a mechanic with hopes of resolution. He told me that he could to the service in the shop for $100 as long as I had the part. He stated he needed the owner to sign off on the repair first. Shockingly, the owner, Jamie, declined a reasonable offer and quoted an exorbitant labor fee of $330 for a job that should have taken 2.5 hours. This was after being given the runaround for 4 days about the repair while we sat without transportation.
Comparing Prices
Determined to explore alternatives, we discovered a highly rated shop just a stone's throw away, offering the same service for $239.16, including tax. With this information, I returned to Bill Duckworth Tire, hoping for a more reasonable negotiation. Regrettably, I was met with hostility from the office staff, particularly Jason, who refused to consider any adjustment to their pricing. He was extremely unprofessional and told me he had no intention of negotiating anything with me. I left and told him I would be leaving a negative review of them.
Unpleasant Exchanges
Frustrated by the lack of cooperation, we made the decision to tow our vehicle to the more affordable shop. As the tow truck loaded our car, the situation escalated, with the mechanic claiming the owner was on the way due to the threat of a negative review. This, unfortunately, marked the beginning of a series of troubling events.
Threats and Intimidation
Following our review, the owner, Jamie, confronted us at our camper, resorting to threats and intimidation. Claiming to "own the town," he insisted we remove our reviews and videos or face consequences involving law enforcement. He stated “I own this town and what I say goes.” He then told me to get off his property within 15 minutes or he would call the sheriff unless I removed the reviews. The unfortunate thing for him was we were workamping on a property leased to our employer meaning he had no right to be there in the first place. Such behavior is not only unprofessional but also unacceptable.
After he left his staff started coming out of the shop watching our every move. One of the mechanics began yelling at my children and even flipped them off without provocation.
Conclusion
Our experience with Bill Duckworth Tire serves as a stark warning to fellow travelers. Businesses that exploit their customers, especially those in need, should be approached with caution. We share this account not only to vent our frustration but to protect others from falling victim to such practices. As travelers and reviewers, our commitment is to honest and fair assessments, and unfortunately, Bill Duckworth Tire falls short of these standards.
Final Note: Steer clear of Bill Duckworth Tire in Brunswick, Georgia, and consider this a cautionary tale for anyone passing through the area. Safe travels, and may your RV adventures be filled with positive experiences. See our full Google review here.