How do you handle this?

**CrownKote** · 05-23-2011, 02:27 PM

So in the past month or so I have had this situation happen twice:

Customer brings in their vehicle wanting a level two (wash, wax, carpet extract, leather care, ect...) As I am cleaning the interior I go through all of the nooks and crannies when low and behold I come a cross (in the first one) a glass pipe and a whit powder substance in a bag (assuming meth) and (the second one) some roaches and pot in a bag...

How do you handle this? I am a pretty blunt person and the guy with the meth I told was not welcome back... The pot lady I told her that I did not open and clean any compartment after I found the pot (medical mary jane is legal in CO). I also told her that it is not ok with me that the drugs were in her vehicle and I would not be willing to detail her vehicle again unless the pot was removed the next time...

Do you think I handled this ok? Do you have any suggestions? How would you have handled these situations?

**Y2KSVT** · 05-23-2011, 02:44 PM

Well, if you're losing a customer either way, you could just report them to the authorities unless you have reason to believe it's medically prescribed?

And since when do meth users have their cars detailed? Aren't they all like the people you see on C.O.P.S. with a rusted out '79 Chevy pickup and an interior being held together with duct tape?

Mark

**ScubaCougr** · 05-23-2011, 02:47 PM

Will be interesting to see the replies to this one.

I think I'd coincidentally have no openings if Meth Man called again, and at drop-off ask Pot Lady to remove ALL personal belongings, mentioning what you found last time.

Generally speaking, I think it's best to avoid being too confrontational with customers, even the ones you don't like who still have friends.

**CrownKote** · 05-23-2011, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by Y2KSVT

Well, if you're losing a customer either way, you could just report them to the authorities unless you have reason to believe it's medically prescribed?

And since when do meth users have their cars detailed? Aren't they all like the people you see on C.O.P.S. with a rusted out '79 Chevy pickup and an interior being held together with duct tape?

Mark

I have know people that are "very successful" that drive very nice cars that are meth addicts... His car is a 2009 Infinity GX35S that was very nice and tricked out pretty good...

The pot thing is kinda mainstream here so it wasn't such a big thing... I just prefer not to deal with drugs... I don't want them in my presence... I know I can't always have what I want but... lol...

Originally Posted by ScubaCougr

Will be interesting to see the replies to this one.

I think I'd coincidentally have no openings if Meth Man called again, and at drop-off ask Pot Lady to remove ALL personal belongings, mentioning what you found last time.

Generally speaking, I think it's best to avoid being too confrontational with customers, even the ones you don't like who still have friends.

Meth Man is banned and him and I had a good conversation about what the risks were to me... He did understand and he did say that he is "trying to get help" so more power to him... I hope he does get the help... If he does I would be more than willing to work with him again... He knows that...

Pot Lady understood as well and apologized for it being in the car... She understood the fact that I didn't clean out any other cubbies on the car not knowing what I may find... She was not banned and will be bringing in her other car in the next few weeks so all was well there...

I just want to know other business owner's thoughts...

**ShineTimeDetail** · 05-23-2011, 03:35 PM

Lol I got a deal recently doing repo cars. Today in the back seat pocket was narcotics anonymous meeting directory. I always wonder if I'm going to find something. I would think its disrespectful leaving that in there.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 05-23-2011, 04:12 PM

I can honestly say I've never come across a controlled substance before, but if I ever did I would immediately stop working and call the owner to come pick up the vehicle regardless of how much work had been done (because the first step I always do is to pull any superfluous crap out of a vehicle's interior, I'd know about it within the first hour of working anyway). No charge, just move the vehicle off my property and lose my number.

Drugs are one of the few things I absolutely will not tolerate having to deal with.

**AeroCleanse** · 05-23-2011, 04:20 PM

If it was me, I'd inform the local police department.

**Matt575** · 05-23-2011, 04:27 PM

Meth=calling the police
Pot=lecture about cleaning out a car unless its a good amount. If more than just a bag it also equals the police

I am an officer and can tell you most places don't do squat about marijuana (especially CO). Meth on the other hand is very serious and a contributor to much larger problems in society (so is marijuana but not taken as seriuously so nothing will be done). I have no problem coming out and taking meth and writing a report and getting some dope head held responsible. Besides then he can get help "trying to get help" much quicker. Sometimes people need a kick in the a$$ to get help.

Just my $.02 as the person you would be calling.

**V3AutoDetailing** · 05-23-2011, 04:34 PM

Matt575, i am with you. I am a CO, So lock them up. I would of called the police, when they came, call the owner and tell him his cars done.

On it being Meth, it was more than likley cocaine. Meth addictes can be spotted a mile away, Yellow or missing teeth is a dead give away.

**Kristopher1129** · 05-23-2011, 04:44 PM

I just shut my mouth when it comes to things that shouldn't be in peoples cars. It's happened WAY too many times, and it's not worth the argument. I just pretend nothing happened. No skin off my hide if someone wants to get drugged up. I'm still gonna do my job regardless.

But, when it comes to finding syringes or something of that nature...then I will speak up. Vehicles like that I will not do. It's not worth the risk of getting poked. I just try to be extra careful when it comes to tight spaces. Never reach around with your fingers...very dangerous.