Need help, tint nightmare

Esant707 · May 30, 2022

Hey guys, never thought I’d be on a tint forum but here I am. Got tint done on a brand new Camry and the back window had bubbles. The guy at the shop when I brought it back said the whole job was done terribly so he would redo all the windows for free. So I was satisfied and left with them to redo. Come back to pick it up, get home and notice a scratch. Look inside and you can see they scratched off the black coating off the inside of the window.

Also maybe you can enlighten me but they left a mess. I was told it just water and they don’t clean because people don’t like chemicals being used on their car. But if it’s just water why couldn’t you clean up your mess. But you guys know better and maybe it’s not common in the tint world to clean up after. I don’t know.

This is a chain around the Bay Area so all the guy said he could do is email higher up. So I got the email myself so I could communicate my frustration. I’m wondering what would be your response and is it an overt reaction?

And this last picture is from the current tint job. There’s still a few bubbles to be expected but at the very bottom of the window this looks different. Looking for an opinion. But it almost looks like water etching and I don’t know if that would go away since it’s only been 3 days but it doesn’t look like the normal bubbles/moisture.

Im very frustrated at this point and any solutions to the scraped part of the window? My uncle was telling me since it’s out sight that it’s probably not worth replacing the window since that can open up other potential problems. The tint shop assured me their tools couldn’t have done that but I know it wasn’t there before then. Because I would have noticed it from the original tint job and it wasn’t there and no one has touched the car besides them. No has even sat in the backseat besides them.

Thanks for taking the time guys. Appreciate it

TintDude · May 30, 2022

Wow, jobs like that really give tinting a bad name. Not sure what caused the scratch, but I think you are right about it being them.

Yeah, they should have cleaned up the seats and shelf after.

The last picture is adhesive that was left behind from the first job they removed.

What a hack job. I wouldn't let them work on it again. :twocents

Esant707 · May 30, 2022

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering what it was, so I should go back tomorrow and complain then right? Would you want the window replaced or just tell them to refund the money?

is the adhesive thing not a problem if I just get someone competent to do it? Should they tear it out or just ask for my money back and cut my losses?

TintDude · May 30, 2022

Replacement is up to you, how bad that scratch bugs you. It can be touched up with paint to hide it a bit.

Personally I wouldn't trust them to remove the film, they'd probably just leave all the clear adhesive behind for the next guy to deal with. Tough call because now you have to pay someone to remove and replace it.

Esant707 · May 30, 2022

Yeah. I’ll probably just kept it and touch it up with paint. Not worth the hassle.

I’m going to go back tomorrow and ask for a refund but you’re right, I don’t want them touching my car again.

Thanks so much again for the help.

TintDude · May 30, 2022

You're welcome, sorry you had a bad experience. :thumb

Dano · May 31, 2022

I would physically check to see if the defroster is still working, not just the light on the dash. I would then be asking for a full refund+ cost of removal+ cost of an interior detail, get estimates.

Any shop that would let that out, twice, needs to be out of buisness. I would be thinking about a claim against their insurance if they said anything other than 'yes sir'. Your insurance may cover it and seek them out afterwards.

I would def not let them touch it again for any reason.

Esant707 · May 31, 2022

1 hour ago, Dano said:

I would physically check to see if the defroster is still working, not just the light on the dash. I would then be asking for a full refund+ cost of removal+ cost of an interior detail, get estimates.

Any shop that would let that out, twice, needs to be out of buisness. I would be thinking about a claim against their insurance if they said anything other than 'yes sir'. Your insurance may cover it and seek them out afterwards.

I would def not let them touch it again for any reason.

Thanks. I’ll definitely check the rear defroster to see if it’s working. This whole thing has been a pain in the ass, stressing me out.

I wrote an email over the holiday, I think they back open today. I’m torn about waiting for a response or just going down and demanding a refund on the spot.

Dano · May 31, 2022

If it's a chain I would consider taking it over to the main location to make your case. It's terrible to see what some installers will try to get away with when they don't have any meaningful oversight.

Small independent shops/shop owners are usually the best to deal with. They generally won't risk their rep with any of the hack-n-tac clownery, where the chains will often hire anyone standing with a pulse.

If you were my brother on the other side of the county, and they don't offer to make you whole, I would say to you document everything, get two estimates for all damages including OEM for the glass ( not a chance it left Toyota that way with a scraping gouge in it ), film removal, detail and two days of car rental. Add to that any ammount paid up front and write a letter of demand served through a process server to their registered agent (available by looking up their article of incorporation/ secretary of state)

They will look stupid in small claims if they refuse and likely have to cough up for it. Maybe have an attorney write it if you have someone local for contract type writing and add the cost to your demand.

This may sound like overkill until you find out how much the factory glass replacement is. I would force them to make you whole. You sound like a mild guy and may not want to go this route. I personally would hold their nose to the mat and make them tap out, either up front like an honest biz, or in small claims. That's the cost of poor employee screening. eff 'em.

When you get ready for your next car, you can always post a request here on Tint Dude and someone will most likely have a good referral for you in your area.