Cottman Transmission incorrect diagnosis ripoff New Port Richey Florida

chris and i settled this matter on good terms, sometimes tempers flare and nobody is the vitor, so we settled and i now have chris doing some work for me. see how things can work out ??? "we cant change the past, only the future" things always work out for the best,
thank you

Dear Clement,

We have responded to every complaint submitted by you and every agency who has contacted us on your behalf. All outside agencies who received your complaint, and our response, have been satisfied with our response, and have CLOSED your file.

We are sorry that you are not a satisfied customer. This is the last time you will hear from us. We will Not respond to you again.

Sincerely,

Carol Iacullo
Director - Customer Relations

----- Original Message -----
From: chris clement
To: Carol
Sent: Friday, September 26, 2003 5:19 PM
Subject: Re: cottman transmission

I have filed a number of complaints about this matter to no avail and cannot keep making physical copies and sending faxes. Please access the web address below to see the chronology with all pertinent documents scanned in.
They are high resolution and your browser can expand the images.

Thank you

Try searching the web for these phrases:

world's worst mechanics, worlds worst mechanics, cottmantransmissions.con, biggest car repair scam ever, franchise stealer license, franchise stealer licence, took me for 2000,took us for 2000, took me for $2000, took me for $2000.00, worst North American chain of transmission repair centers, worst automotive service franchise with centers nationwide, enjoys a forty-year reputation of treating customers like crap, enjoys a forty-year reputation of treating customers like s**t, Nobody knows more about transmission ripoffs than these guys, growing at a record-breaking pace with no respect, unfounded in Philadelphia in 1962, a list of locations to take you, A market leader with opportunities for con artists, 75000 Mile No Bull no Warranty, Your Transmission Physician mortician, Your Cottman conMan,

Chris~~~~~~ask the agency if the (merchant) can provide you with documentable "prior" to repair diagnostic data and company diagnostic procedures and a explaination in writing~~~~i would reeely like to hear what they have to say bout this~~~~~keep going!!!!~~~~~THE TRANZMN

July 2, 2003
Annette Beeler, Customer Satisfaction department
POB 15026
Wilmington, DE 19850-5026

Dear Ms. Beeler:
RE: YOUR LETTER DATED JUNE 26, 2003
I am still disputing this charge. The correspondence I received from Tammy Walther on March 28, 2003 clearly stated that this matter was resolved, permanently, in my favor. The merchant has produced no additional documentation beyond the two handwritten, and undated, notes which contain factual errors and omissions that I have pointed out in previous correspondence on this matter. The letter did not indicate that the resolution was temporary or subject to reversal without additional information supplied by the merchant refuting my claim.

Furthermore, as a result of the stop payment condition, the three complaints I had filed with state and county agencies were closed and cannot be reinstated. As I have provided substantial documentation that should certainly be cause for doubt of the merchants claim and I have seen nothing further submitted by the merchant supporting his position, I will request that this be investigated by the Florida Dept of Banking and Finance. In my research I have formed the belief that this merchant has performed irresponsibly in the past, has not settled judgments against him and may be systemic in his abuse of customer confidence and consumer credit.

I need the specific new evidence submitted by the merchant that has caused this unexpected reversal of the March 28 decision and the specific rule(s) that was (were) not met in the section you referred to in your letter of June 26. The merchants claim of severely burnt fluid should require proof or better substantiation on their part on how this could have occurred since it was replaced 3 months prior. The oil I saw on the dipstick was pink and clear. Burnt fluid looks like molasses. The car was fine up until the time the D4 light came on. I am an educated and intelligent individual who was seriously misled on what to do about my car. The very unwillingness to pursue problem resolution further or offer some financial compensation for the unfortunate outcome should suggest that this was highly improper on their part.

Sincerely,
Christopher J. C

cc: Florida Dept. of Banking and Finance, Florida Dept of Business and Professional Regulation, Senator Bob Graham

Chris~~~~~You write a "mean" letter ~~~~but~~~~~~you don't have to say so much~~~~~~You should get all your money back~~~not 50%~~~~not 75%~~~~ALL of it~~If you have a specific contract for services and the other person does not satisfy their obligation per the contract~~~~Thats breach of contract~~~~~~the warranty has its own set of dooz an don'tz~~~~check your own state an see if this is in your books under "STANDARDS OF WARRANTY" Civil code 1796/1796.5 and civil code 440/446 the one 446 talks about the "competency" and character an integrity of management~~so arm your self with sum BIGG teeth an take a BIGG BITE of passarella the go cottman hunting! If passarella does not give you all of it~~~check out this part of the law~~~~respondeat superior~~~send passarella a copy of it~~~then let him argue will you ~~~~I bet he won't want you to bite him again.~~~~~THE TRANZMN

Actually, it wasn't that nasty:
June 7, 2003
N. Michael Kouskoutis, PA
Re: Your letter dated June 6, 2003

Dear Sir:

No doubt you have carefully perused my published report of my experience with your client. I had come to his facility in good faith seeking expert advice regarding repairs to my car. Ultimately I was ill advised, mistreated, and insulted by him and his employees when the repair effort failed. Charges were made to my credit card as well as other incidental costs that are due to me because of his breach of contract. Initial attempts to resolve this on a 50/50 basis failed and my bank reversed the charges in my favor (per the attached letter of March 28).

The three formal complaints were closed when I notified them of the stop payment and not because of any determination on their part that my complaint was unfounded or resolved to mutual satisfaction I, too, closed the matter in my mind and considered direct payment to your client for the initial diagnostic charge and second computer when the dust settled.. Your client has continued to contest the bank's decision and re-opened a most unpleasant wound. He has been adversarial and adamant with me, vowing to pay lawyers rather than give anything to (me). My faxed note to him was neither a threat or extortion. By postponing a relatively cheap settlement of a valid customer satisfaction issue, he has chosen to risk all by provoking me into becoming more of a consumer activist on the basis of principle and, on behalf of others having similar experiences.

You could best serve his interests by encouraging a meaningful dialog and resolution with me and any other customers having unresolved issues. I am most willing to attend an arbitration conducted by you to reach this goal. During a 3-way telephone conversation with the Pinellas County Dept. of Consumer Protection, Mr. Passarella said I was one in a million when he disputed my statement that I brought the car in for service immediately when the D4 light came on. He was trying to suggest that I would continue to drive it and create the burnt oil that his manager, Mark Connell is so c**k-sure about. He was right on one count, I am one in a million, but in a much different way.

Actually, it wasn't that nasty:
June 7, 2003
N. Michael Kouskoutis, PA
Re: Your letter dated June 6, 2003

Dear Sir:

No doubt you have carefully perused my published report of my experience with your client. I had come to his facility in good faith seeking expert advice regarding repairs to my car. Ultimately I was ill advised, mistreated, and insulted by him and his employees when the repair effort failed. Charges were made to my credit card as well as other incidental costs that are due to me because of his breach of contract. Initial attempts to resolve this on a 50/50 basis failed and my bank reversed the charges in my favor (per the attached letter of March 28).

The three formal complaints were closed when I notified them of the stop payment and not because of any determination on their part that my complaint was unfounded or resolved to mutual satisfaction I, too, closed the matter in my mind and considered direct payment to your client for the initial diagnostic charge and second computer when the dust settled.. Your client has continued to contest the bank's decision and re-opened a most unpleasant wound. He has been adversarial and adamant with me, vowing to pay lawyers rather than give anything to (me). My faxed note to him was neither a threat or extortion. By postponing a relatively cheap settlement of a valid customer satisfaction issue, he has chosen to risk all by provoking me into becoming more of a consumer activist on the basis of principle and, on behalf of others having similar experiences.

You could best serve his interests by encouraging a meaningful dialog and resolution with me and any other customers having unresolved issues. I am most willing to attend an arbitration conducted by you to reach this goal. During a 3-way telephone conversation with the Pinellas County Dept. of Consumer Protection, Mr. Passarella said I was one in a million when he disputed my statement that I brought the car in for service immediately when the D4 light came on. He was trying to suggest that I would continue to drive it and create the burnt oil that his manager, Mark Connell is so c**k-sure about. He was right on one count, I am one in a million, but in a much different way.

Actually, it wasn't that nasty:
June 7, 2003
N. Michael Kouskoutis, PA
Re: Your letter dated June 6, 2003

Dear Sir:

No doubt you have carefully perused my published report of my experience with your client. I had come to his facility in good faith seeking expert advice regarding repairs to my car. Ultimately I was ill advised, mistreated, and insulted by him and his employees when the repair effort failed. Charges were made to my credit card as well as other incidental costs that are due to me because of his breach of contract. Initial attempts to resolve this on a 50/50 basis failed and my bank reversed the charges in my favor (per the attached letter of March 28).

The three formal complaints were closed when I notified them of the stop payment and not because of any determination on their part that my complaint was unfounded or resolved to mutual satisfaction I, too, closed the matter in my mind and considered direct payment to your client for the initial diagnostic charge and second computer when the dust settled.. Your client has continued to contest the bank's decision and re-opened a most unpleasant wound. He has been adversarial and adamant with me, vowing to pay lawyers rather than give anything to (me). My faxed note to him was neither a threat or extortion. By postponing a relatively cheap settlement of a valid customer satisfaction issue, he has chosen to risk all by provoking me into becoming more of a consumer activist on the basis of principle and, on behalf of others having similar experiences.

You could best serve his interests by encouraging a meaningful dialog and resolution with me and any other customers having unresolved issues. I am most willing to attend an arbitration conducted by you to reach this goal. During a 3-way telephone conversation with the Pinellas County Dept. of Consumer Protection, Mr. Passarella said I was one in a million when he disputed my statement that I brought the car in for service immediately when the D4 light came on. He was trying to suggest that I would continue to drive it and create the burnt oil that his manager, Mark Connell is so c**k-sure about. He was right on one count, I am one in a million, but in a much different way.

Actually, it wasn't that nasty:
June 7, 2003
N. Michael Kouskoutis, PA
Re: Your letter dated June 6, 2003

Dear Sir:

No doubt you have carefully perused my published report of my experience with your client. I had come to his facility in good faith seeking expert advice regarding repairs to my car. Ultimately I was ill advised, mistreated, and insulted by him and his employees when the repair effort failed. Charges were made to my credit card as well as other incidental costs that are due to me because of his breach of contract. Initial attempts to resolve this on a 50/50 basis failed and my bank reversed the charges in my favor (per the attached letter of March 28).

The three formal complaints were closed when I notified them of the stop payment and not because of any determination on their part that my complaint was unfounded or resolved to mutual satisfaction I, too, closed the matter in my mind and considered direct payment to your client for the initial diagnostic charge and second computer when the dust settled.. Your client has continued to contest the bank's decision and re-opened a most unpleasant wound. He has been adversarial and adamant with me, vowing to pay lawyers rather than give anything to (me). My faxed note to him was neither a threat or extortion. By postponing a relatively cheap settlement of a valid customer satisfaction issue, he has chosen to risk all by provoking me into becoming more of a consumer activist on the basis of principle and, on behalf of others having similar experiences.

You could best serve his interests by encouraging a meaningful dialog and resolution with me and any other customers having unresolved issues. I am most willing to attend an arbitration conducted by you to reach this goal. During a 3-way telephone conversation with the Pinellas County Dept. of Consumer Protection, Mr. Passarella said I was one in a million when he disputed my statement that I brought the car in for service immediately when the D4 light came on. He was trying to suggest that I would continue to drive it and create the burnt oil that his manager, Mark Connell is so c**k-sure about. He was right on one count, I am one in a million, but in a much different way.

CHRIS~~~To answer your question; If the transmission was "not" slipping just shifting late/harsh that means that a code was present in your honda the d4 light will come on~~~~What happens is the computer for the transmission senses a malfunction in the system~~~input/output sensors measure speed differental in selected ranges 1/2-3/4~~if the engne speed is too high to speed or (output) speed it throws a code an the light comes on~~~This indicates slippage~~~~the computer sends a signal to the pressure solonoid to raise pressure to counter the slippage problem to protect the tranz~~This created late/harsh shifting because (line) pressure is raised and changes the timing at which the valves stroke to direct fluid to the clutches to apply in that range acording to speed/load/range position on shifter~~~when the tranz is in this mode and the tranz is not slipping under load you CANNOT burn the tranz as a result~~~just late/harsh~~~~~if this is the condition you brought in the vehicle it was misdiagnosed and the shop saw a way for a quick buck since all that they did was swap clutches/seals (if they acually) did so~~~~Thats why your problem was still there after you picked it up~~~~~it sounds like they DON'T KNOW how~~~~or have the training or knowledge~~~~~this was a complete breach of contract for services and fraud~~~~~~check into the "agency" part of the law~~~~~the "principal" is liable/culpable in this case~~~~~THE TRANZMN

Tranzmn -
If the car had fresh fluid put in on 10/26/02 and worked fine up to 1 hour before I brought it to Cottman (2/7/03), do you think Mark is correct in saying "badly burnt"? It was clear and pink on the dipstick. He wiped it on his hand and shoved it in my face saying "It smells burnt". I smelled nothing unusual and don't smoke so I think that was the red flag I missed. He mentions burnt oil a lot but seys little about the D4 light except that "the D4 light was STILL on". I think that got him the first time when the bank ruled in my favor. Also, it was still possible to shift manually (like a stick). That's how I got it to the shop.

Chris~~~~~~check this out and see if it pertains to your situation~~~~~look up the legal term of "agency" and look in the civil codes to see if you find something that matches this situation~~~~~this may be the way you can get all of your money back from cottman corporate~~~~~~"Agency" is when the "agent" (shop) does something under a specific contract for a principal (cottman corporate) for a third party (chris)~~~~~~~~~~~this may fit your situation~~~~~look under civil codes reguarding (contracts) that pertain to "agency"~~~~~~~~~~~then look up "respondeat-superior"~~~~~~~ This may put a smile on your face~~~~~~THE TRANZMN

I don't know if they're preoccupied with more important issues or if they are just afraid of something. This is the email response from WTVT. WFLA sent a similar response by mail (and not conveniently cutpasted here. Either way, the pickett s/b covered in prime time.
Here it is:

Thank you for writing FOX13. As one of hundreds of viewers who write every week, we understand your problem must be frustrating.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to help you resolve your complaint.

However, we wish you the best in your pursuit of a resolution which may require the hiring of an attorney among other action. Here is the
phone number and address of a state agency you can contact for more information or help:

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
218 Mayo Building
Tallahassee, FL 32399
1-800-435-7352

Thanks,

FOX13 Staff

Carol - What, if any, qualifications are required to do business under the auspices of Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC?
This person appears to have a record. Also, I still would appreciate any information you can provide about how your company attempts to meet its published mission e.g. "...enjoys a forty-year reputation of treating customers with fairness, integrity and honesty."

Link To PD Party 1 Case Action Date Party 2 Section ID Nmbr

PLAINTIFF PASSARELLA MICHAEL 02000245FD DOM VIOL/KIDS 01/08/02 PASSARELLA ELEANOR C 023 999999

PLAINTIFF PASSARELLA MICHAEL 02001189FD DOM VIOL/KIDS 01/28/02 PASSARELLA ELEANOR CECELIA 023 999999

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL 02001722FD DIS MARRIAGE 02/08/02 PASSARELLA ELEANOR 023 999899

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL 02002778FD DOM VIOL/KIDS 03/07/02 PASSARELLA ELEANOR C 023 999899

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL 91003713CI IVD URESA 03/11/91 INDIANA STATE OF 024 999899

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL 93000857FD DOM VIOL 02/01/93 PASSARELLA ELEANOR CECILIA 014 999899

PLAINTIFF PASSARELLA MICHAEL 93001515FD DIS MARRIAGE 02/19/93 PASSARELLA ELEANOR 014 999999

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL 94001953SC GOODS S SOLD 04/21/94 POPE ROBERT W 044 999899

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL 94006061CO CONTRACT 08/16/94 BARNETT RECOVERY CORPORATION 042 999799

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL 96004331CO AUTO NEG 06/03/96 AVIS RENT A CAR SYSTEM INC 042 999899

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL 97001142SC AUTO ACCIDENT 02/20/97 STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY 046 999599

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL 97004295SC SERVICES PERF 07/10/97 WILSON LILLIAN A 047 999899

PLAINTIFF PASSARELLA MICHAEL 98003660CI CONTRACT 06/08/98 FRASKA EDWARD 020 999699

DEFENDANT PASSARELLA MICHAEL S JR 97005784CO DELIN TENANT 08/11/97 KARDOS JILL 039 999899

-------------
See how COTTMAN TRANSMISSIONS, NPR serviced my car at: http://www.ripoffreport.com/view.asp?id=49761
I support our troops.

Cottman still challenging refund, 3rd call from bank. Email to Eric Seidel, Consumer lawyer Fox 13, WTVT

Feb '03 - In a nutshell, I left my '92 Honda for repair diagnosis and ok'd the recommended work. The repairs did not address the root cause of the problem and the car was still unusable. I was still charged about $2000. In county mediation (Larry Wilson, Pinellas Dept of Consumer Protection 727 464 6200) I was unable to recover more than 15% of my costs. I had only asked for 50%. I disputed the charge on my credit card statement and the bank (First Union) initially ruled in my favor and refunded the entire amount. Cottman is still trying to
collect. This is thoroughly documented at

http://www.ripoffreport.com/view.asp?id=49761

I am planning to follow the insturctions as per the instructions provided in

"Ripoff Revenge" by Ed Magedson (available at www.ripoffrevenge.com ).

Chris~~~~today 5/21/03 i called Carol Lacullo she was in a meeting when i called~~~~~so the operator gave me her voice mail i left a message saying;That i had questions for her to respond to here at r/o/r .com and she could respond to the questions and that i would make notification of the message being left on the website for everyone to see~~~~So Chris lets see what she reely has to say about what i wrote~~~~~IF THEY DARE?~~~~~THIS WAS A BADD SITUATION OF FOLLOWING PROCEDURE AT YOUR EXPENSE~~~~if corporate reely wants to give the best "CUSTOMER SERVICE" this would be a good place to show it off~~~~~~THE TRANZMN ~~E MAIL THIS TO HER~~~~~~

Chris~~~~today 5/21/03 i called Carol Lacullo she was in a meeting when i called~~~~~so the operator gave me her voice mail i left a message saying;That i had questions for her to respond to here at r/o/r .com and she could respond to the questions and that i would make notification of the message being left on the website for everyone to see~~~~So Chris lets see what she reely has to say about what i wrote~~~~~IF THEY DARE?~~~~~THIS WAS A BADD SITUATION OF FOLLOWING PROCEDURE AT YOUR EXPENSE~~~~if corporate reely wants to give the best "CUSTOMER SERVICE" this would be a good place to show it off~~~~~~THE TRANZMN ~~E MAIL THIS TO HER~~~~~~

Chris~~~~today 5/21/03 i called Carol Lacullo she was in a meeting when i called~~~~~so the operator gave me her voice mail i left a message saying;That i had questions for her to respond to here at r/o/r .com and she could respond to the questions and that i would make notification of the message being left on the website for everyone to see~~~~So Chris lets see what she reely has to say about what i wrote~~~~~IF THEY DARE?~~~~~THIS WAS A BADD SITUATION OF FOLLOWING PROCEDURE AT YOUR EXPENSE~~~~if corporate reely wants to give the best "CUSTOMER SERVICE" this would be a good place to show it off~~~~~~THE TRANZMN ~~E MAIL THIS TO HER~~~~~~

Chris~~~~today 5/21/03 i called Carol Lacullo she was in a meeting when i called~~~~~so the operator gave me her voice mail i left a message saying;That i had questions for her to respond to here at r/o/r .com and she could respond to the questions and that i would make notification of the message being left on the website for everyone to see~~~~So Chris lets see what she reely has to say about what i wrote~~~~~IF THEY DARE?~~~~~THIS WAS A BADD SITUATION OF FOLLOWING PROCEDURE AT YOUR EXPENSE~~~~if corporate reely wants to give the best "CUSTOMER SERVICE" this would be a good place to show it off~~~~~~THE TRANZMN ~~E MAIL THIS TO HER~~~~~~

5/20/03
To: Sharon Butler, Customer Satisfaction Dept.
Re: Billing inquiry

I re-read the enclosed rebuttal from Cottman. The only reason I withdrew my complaint from the 3 agencies was because I thought the charges against my account were permanently removed (by FU) and that the case was settled. Cottman's statement that the 3 agencies closed the case because they believed I had been satisfied (by Cottmann?) is not true. Also, the statement that no misdiagnosis or fraud occurred is not true.

When I brought my car in for a repair estimate and authorized the recommended work, I expected a complete repair for the amount they charged. I had no reason to believe that an 11 year old car would be especially challenging. After doing all of the recommended work, they tried to tell me certain things weren't covered and that I needed to take the car to another specialist. They were not going to complete the job. I was expected to keep throwing more money at my problem to cover their mistakes.

I needed that information up front so I could make an intelligent decision about what to do about my car in the first place. They did not deliver a correct diagnosis. They sold me services that did not fix the original problem. This was clearly a misdiagnosis. I was subjected to quite an ordeal and lost my car, which might have been serviceable for another couple of years. I would have accepted things as they unfolded had they made a little more effort to find the root cause and deal with it within the terms of the estimate.

Sincerely,

The real lessons learned here is how the whole thing seems to work from the top down. Even though I eventually got a refund through my credit card, I was subjected to quite an ordeal and lost my car, which might have been serviceable for another couple of years. I received bad advice. I was expected to keep throwing more money at the problem to cover their mistakes. It was not in my best interest to do so. I missed the "red flag" at the beginning. I showed him the indicator light and he went on about burnt oil. I trusted him. Even if I had paid for unneeded work, if the car had been completly fixed, I would have been able to keep it.

Corporate apparently has considerable financial support from the franchise operators but is unable/unwilling to intervene in a case such as this and preserve their credibility and reputation. I was truly astounded! I looked at a few other franchised businesses to see if this might be the norm. I don't know, but I will never again be automatically assured that a big national brand means customer satisfaction.

chris~~~~~~cottman shops (require) a "full" diagnostic electrical check prior to repair~~~to avoid this~~~~~the shop uses a (tran-x 2000) transmission tester that separates the transmission electrical signal an give the operator the "abiity" to shift the tranz manually to check tranz function and computer input from this piece of diagnostic equiptment~~~~to determine without a doubt where the problem is from along with the oil pressure guage this can be verified this is a diagnostic step that was omitted from your deal~~~~~~~~YOU GOT BURNED!!!!~~~~~~this is part of the paper work that is required by cottman to be completed~~~~as the shop to show you how the diagnostic check was done IN DETAIL an to explain to you "while you tape record" the answers~~~~i would reeely like to hear more about this "burn"~~~~~THE TRANZMN

Cottman won again!!!! They responded that the business are not the responsibility of cottman corporate~~~~~~~THEN WHY DO THEY RETAIN OWNERSHIP OF THE PHONE NUMBER ON THEIR FRANCHISE AGREEMENT?????? who owns the business that controls the ownership of the phone number that the franchisee builds with the advertizing dollars that are required to be paid MONTHLY that can be switched to corporate office should the fees not be paid an directed to another shop~~~WHILE THE SHOP STILL IS PAYING THE PHONE BILL????#1 the sign is theirs (even after you pay for it)plus a monthly rental./shipping from PA.to any part of the country where they can be purchased locally with out the shipping charge maybe for less money. #2 all bills are the responsibility of the franchisee #3 I've seen bills of over 75,000 dollars in equiptment that can be purchased locally for a better deal without shipping but the new person is not told of this option when they sign up only that this is everything you need~~~~which is not true~~(its what they can make the most from you while you still have money to operate while you pay them franchise fees~~~~~#4 If cottman really wanted a foothold in the western U.S. why do they tell prospects that you just put in a paper ad an all the people you need will come running to do the work. THERE ARE FEWER PEOPLE THAN SHOPS~~~~~who know how to do this type of work "CORRECTLY" MOST ARE JUST PARTS CHANGERS~~~~~~ tHESE ARE QUESTIONS THAT "NEED" to be answered carol~~~~~since you have been so good with responding to CUSTOMERS needs "please" be my guest in answering these questions for everyone to see~~~~~~~~~THE TRANZMN

Cottman won again!!!! They responded that the business are not the responsibility of cottman corporate~~~~~~~THEN WHY DO THEY RETAIN OWNERSHIP OF THE PHONE NUMBER ON THEIR FRANCHISE AGREEMENT?????? who owns the business that controls the ownership of the phone number that the franchisee builds with the advertizing dollars that are required to be paid MONTHLY that can be switched to corporate office should the fees not be paid an directed to another shop~~~WHILE THE SHOP STILL IS PAYING THE PHONE BILL????#1 the sign is theirs (even after you pay for it)plus a monthly rental./shipping from PA.to any part of the country where they can be purchased locally with out the shipping charge maybe for less money. #2 all bills are the responsibility of the franchisee #3 I've seen bills of over 75,000 dollars in equiptment that can be purchased locally for a better deal without shipping but the new person is not told of this option when they sign up only that this is everything you need~~~~which is not true~~(its what they can make the most from you while you still have money to operate while you pay them franchise fees~~~~~#4 If cottman really wanted a foothold in the western U.S. why do they tell prospects that you just put in a paper ad an all the people you need will come running to do the work. THERE ARE FEWER PEOPLE THAN SHOPS~~~~~who know how to do this type of work "CORRECTLY" MOST ARE JUST PARTS CHANGERS~~~~~~ tHESE ARE QUESTIONS THAT "NEED" to be answered carol~~~~~since you have been so good with responding to CUSTOMERS needs "please" be my guest in answering these questions for everyone to see~~~~~~~~~THE TRANZMN

Cottman won again!!!! They responded that the business are not the responsibility of cottman corporate~~~~~~~THEN WHY DO THEY RETAIN OWNERSHIP OF THE PHONE NUMBER ON THEIR FRANCHISE AGREEMENT?????? who owns the business that controls the ownership of the phone number that the franchisee builds with the advertizing dollars that are required to be paid MONTHLY that can be switched to corporate office should the fees not be paid an directed to another shop~~~WHILE THE SHOP STILL IS PAYING THE PHONE BILL????#1 the sign is theirs (even after you pay for it)plus a monthly rental./shipping from PA.to any part of the country where they can be purchased locally with out the shipping charge maybe for less money. #2 all bills are the responsibility of the franchisee #3 I've seen bills of over 75,000 dollars in equiptment that can be purchased locally for a better deal without shipping but the new person is not told of this option when they sign up only that this is everything you need~~~~which is not true~~(its what they can make the most from you while you still have money to operate while you pay them franchise fees~~~~~#4 If cottman really wanted a foothold in the western U.S. why do they tell prospects that you just put in a paper ad an all the people you need will come running to do the work. THERE ARE FEWER PEOPLE THAN SHOPS~~~~~who know how to do this type of work "CORRECTLY" MOST ARE JUST PARTS CHANGERS~~~~~~ tHESE ARE QUESTIONS THAT "NEED" to be answered carol~~~~~since you have been so good with responding to CUSTOMERS needs "please" be my guest in answering these questions for everyone to see~~~~~~~~~THE TRANZMN

5/13/03

To: Felicia Sims, Customer Satisfaction Dept.

Re: Billing inquiry Acct. No XXX XXX XX XXXXX



I read the enclosed rebuttal from Cottman. Upon receipt of the letter (3/28/03) from Tammy Walther (FU) stating that the case was closed and that the charges were removed, I notified the 3 agencies cited in this rebuttal that I had withdrawn my complaint. I believe it was made clear in my previously submitted documentation that the car was not successfully repaired and Cottman was not willing, or able, to finish the job within the terms of the original estimate. Furthermore, Cottmann was unwilling to agree to a 50/50 settlement considering the apparent futility of trying to repair the car when the case was mediated by Larry Wilson (Pinellas County Consumer Protection).



Sincerely,

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I am greatly relieved that you have allowed me the opportunity to settle this case on fairer terms with this company. They had refused my 50% refund request via Pinellas County Consumer Protection arbitration with Inspector Wilson on 4/3/03 (727 464 6200).The prospect of pursuing small claims proceedings is daunting, to say the least. The subsequent owner of my car has found loose bolts and a few other mechanical shortcomings resulting from this repair. If the transmission holds up for 6 months, I will consider direct reimbursement to Cottman for the diagnostic charge ($358) and computer #2 ($125). If the mechanical work is also defective in this time period, I owe them nothing.

Again, thank you for your concern for the vulnerable consumer.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I am greatly relieved that you have allowed me the opportunity to settle this case on fairer terms with this company. They had refused my 50% refund request via Pinellas County Consumer Protection arbitration with Inspector Wilson on 4/3/03 (727 464 6200).The prospect of pursuing small claims proceedings is daunting, to say the least. The subsequent owner of my car has found loose bolts and a few other mechanical shortcomings resulting from this repair. If the transmission holds up for 6 months, I will consider direct reimbursement to Cottman for the diagnostic charge ($358) and computer #2 ($125). If the mechanical work is also defective in this time period, I owe them nothing.

Again, thank you for your concern for the vulnerable consumer.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I am greatly relieved that you have allowed me the opportunity to settle this case on fairer terms with this company. They had refused my 50% refund request via Pinellas County Consumer Protection arbitration with Inspector Wilson on 4/3/03 (727 464 6200).The prospect of pursuing small claims proceedings is daunting, to say the least. The subsequent owner of my car has found loose bolts and a few other mechanical shortcomings resulting from this repair. If the transmission holds up for 6 months, I will consider direct reimbursement to Cottman for the diagnostic charge ($358) and computer #2 ($125). If the mechanical work is also defective in this time period, I owe them nothing.

Again, thank you for your concern for the vulnerable consumer.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I am greatly relieved that you have allowed me the opportunity to settle this case on fairer terms with this company. They had refused my 50% refund request via Pinellas County Consumer Protection arbitration with Inspector Wilson on 4/3/03 (727 464 6200).The prospect of pursuing small claims proceedings is daunting, to say the least. The subsequent owner of my car has found loose bolts and a few other mechanical shortcomings resulting from this repair. If the transmission holds up for 6 months, I will consider direct reimbursement to Cottman for the diagnostic charge ($358) and computer #2 ($125). If the mechanical work is also defective in this time period, I owe them nothing.

Again, thank you for your concern for the vulnerable consumer.

from http://www.franchiselife.com/cottman.htm



Cottman Transmission Systems



Tagline:

Mailing Address: 240 New York Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034

Franchise Overview: Cottman Transmissions, an automotive service franchise with centers nationwide, enjoys a forty-year reputation of treating customers with fairness, integrity and honesty. A market leader with opportunities for solid growth, this fast-moving company offers; intensive training, outstanding advertising and on-site support that is virtually unparalleled in the industry. With our comprehensive training and on-going support systems, no automotive background is needed.

Year Established: 1962

First Franchise Unit: 1964 Franchisee Units: 325 Company Owned Units: 5

Total Number Of Units: 330 Geographic Distribution: 325 US, 4 Canada, 1 Intl.

Operate With UFOC: Y Projected Units/Distribution Over Next 12 Months: 50 Worldwide

Cash Investment: $50k Total Investment: $150k-$175k Minimum Net Worth: $150k

Average Franchise Fee: $27k Royalty: 7.5% Advertising: $675/Week Other Fees:

Site Selection Assistance: Y Lease Negotiation Assistance: Y Co-Op Advertising: N Size Of Corporate Staff: 60

Training Program: 3 weeks at corporate HQ, 1 week on-site

On-Going Support:

Financing Programs Available:

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY - PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS





3/12/03 email from Carol Iacullo:



Dear Mr. Clement,



Your letter to the president, Mr. Todd Leff was referred to me for a response.



Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC. is a franchisor. We do not own or control the day to day operations of our franchisee's independently owned and operated businesses. We received no money from you for the repair of your car and we did not fix your car. As stated on your repair order, the Center owner where your car was originally repaired is the entity alone responsible for your repair.



The New Port Richie, Fl Cottman Center is owned by Mr. Michael Passarella. You should direct your request to him. You may reach Mr. Passarella by calling 727-452-1493.



It is our hope that a favorable outcome results for both of you. If you believe I can be of assistance, please contact me back.



Sincerely yours,



Carol Iacullo

Director - Customer Relations

from http://www.franchiselife.com/cottman.htm



Cottman Transmission Systems



Tagline:

Mailing Address: 240 New York Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034

Franchise Overview: Cottman Transmissions, an automotive service franchise with centers nationwide, enjoys a forty-year reputation of treating customers with fairness, integrity and honesty. A market leader with opportunities for solid growth, this fast-moving company offers; intensive training, outstanding advertising and on-site support that is virtually unparalleled in the industry. With our comprehensive training and on-going support systems, no automotive background is needed.

Year Established: 1962

First Franchise Unit: 1964 Franchisee Units: 325 Company Owned Units: 5

Total Number Of Units: 330 Geographic Distribution: 325 US, 4 Canada, 1 Intl.

Operate With UFOC: Y Projected Units/Distribution Over Next 12 Months: 50 Worldwide

Cash Investment: $50k Total Investment: $150k-$175k Minimum Net Worth: $150k

Average Franchise Fee: $27k Royalty: 7.5% Advertising: $675/Week Other Fees:

Site Selection Assistance: Y Lease Negotiation Assistance: Y Co-Op Advertising: N Size Of Corporate Staff: 60

Training Program: 3 weeks at corporate HQ, 1 week on-site

On-Going Support:

Financing Programs Available:

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY - PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS





3/12/03 email from Carol Iacullo:



Dear Mr. Clement,



Your letter to the president, Mr. Todd Leff was referred to me for a response.



Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC. is a franchisor. We do not own or control the day to day operations of our franchisee's independently owned and operated businesses. We received no money from you for the repair of your car and we did not fix your car. As stated on your repair order, the Center owner where your car was originally repaired is the entity alone responsible for your repair.



The New Port Richie, Fl Cottman Center is owned by Mr. Michael Passarella. You should direct your request to him. You may reach Mr. Passarella by calling 727-452-1493.



It is our hope that a favorable outcome results for both of you. If you believe I can be of assistance, please contact me back.



Sincerely yours,



Carol Iacullo

Director - Customer Relations

from http://www.franchiselife.com/cottman.htm



Cottman Transmission Systems



Tagline:

Mailing Address: 240 New York Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034

Franchise Overview: Cottman Transmissions, an automotive service franchise with centers nationwide, enjoys a forty-year reputation of treating customers with fairness, integrity and honesty. A market leader with opportunities for solid growth, this fast-moving company offers; intensive training, outstanding advertising and on-site support that is virtually unparalleled in the industry. With our comprehensive training and on-going support systems, no automotive background is needed.

Year Established: 1962

First Franchise Unit: 1964 Franchisee Units: 325 Company Owned Units: 5

Total Number Of Units: 330 Geographic Distribution: 325 US, 4 Canada, 1 Intl.

Operate With UFOC: Y Projected Units/Distribution Over Next 12 Months: 50 Worldwide

Cash Investment: $50k Total Investment: $150k-$175k Minimum Net Worth: $150k

Average Franchise Fee: $27k Royalty: 7.5% Advertising: $675/Week Other Fees:

Site Selection Assistance: Y Lease Negotiation Assistance: Y Co-Op Advertising: N Size Of Corporate Staff: 60

Training Program: 3 weeks at corporate HQ, 1 week on-site

On-Going Support:

Financing Programs Available:

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY - PLEASE ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS





3/12/03 email from Carol Iacullo:



Dear Mr. Clement,



Your letter to the president, Mr. Todd Leff was referred to me for a response.



Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC. is a franchisor. We do not own or control the day to day operations of our franchisee's independently owned and operated businesses. We received no money from you for the repair of your car and we did not fix your car. As stated on your repair order, the Center owner where your car was originally repaired is the entity alone responsible for your repair.



The New Port Richie, Fl Cottman Center is owned by Mr. Michael Passarella. You should direct your request to him. You may reach Mr. Passarella by calling 727-452-1493.



It is our hope that a favorable outcome results for both of you. If you believe I can be of assistance, please contact me back.



Sincerely yours,



Carol Iacullo

Director - Customer Relations