Supercity Towing: A Frigid Experience with Costly Consequences

Supercity Towing: A Frigid Experience with Costly Consequences

Supercity Towing, operating out of East Tāmaki, Auckland, has garnered a rating of 2.50, reflecting a significantly negative customer experience for at least one individual. While towing services are vital, this case highlights concerns around pricing, customer care, and the potential for significant distress surrounding their operations. Located at 4717824/61 Crooks Road, East Tāmaki, Auckland 2013, NZ, Supercity Towing’s phone number is +64 9 471 7824. Their payment options are limited, accepting debit cards and NFC mobile payments, but notably not credit cards. This review provides a stark warning to anyone considering parking near Ormiston Hospital.

The $369 Shock and an Unnecessary Trek

The core of the complaint centres around the exorbitant cost of a tow and the subsequent lack of basic courtesy. The customer describes being charged $369 to move their vehicle from Ormiston Hospital to Supercity Towing’s Crooks Road location. What's particularly concerning is the refusal to drop the car off closer to the hospital, despite the customer’s explanation of their situation:

"I was freaking out because I had my 2-year-old in a stroller with no blanket for him and no jacket for me because the hospital was hot and car wasn’t far. I was forced to walk that distance in the blistery cold wind because at a fee like that there was no way I could afford an Uber too!"

This highlights a severe lack of empathy from Supercity Towing. The significant charge combined with the refusal to offer a simple accommodation – a short drop-off – created an unnecessary hardship. The location name "Crooks Road" ironically reflects the aggravated feelings of the customer. It’s crucial to note that this incident occurred while the customer was visiting a friend recovering from surgery, compounding the stress and anxiety they were already experiencing.

Ripple Effects: Illness, Delays, and Lasting Anxiety

The negative impact of this towing experience extended far beyond the immediate financial burden and cold walk. The customer alleges a chain of adverse consequences:

• Illness: Both the customer and their two-year-old child reportedly fell ill following the ordeal, potentially due to exposure to the cold weather.
• School Pickup Delay: The events led to a significant delay in picking up the customer’s daughter from school.
• Emotional Distress: The customer describes the entire experience as “the worst experience of my life” and expressed extreme frustration with the company’s actions.
• Asthma: The use of an asthma inhaler at the scene indicated significant respiratory distress, likely exacerbated by the cold and stress.

This level of fallout demonstrates how a seemingly simple towing service can escalate into a major disruption, impacting health, schedules, and overall wellbeing. The customer’s final statement, "I would never park around that hospital or surrounding areas ever again!" underscores the lasting anxiety created by this interaction.

Summary of Concerns and Potential Improvements

Supercity Towing's current approach appears to be lacking in crucial aspects of customer service. While towing operations are inherently necessary, it's clear that a more compassionate and understanding approach would significantly improve customer satisfaction. The following observations and recommendations stand out:

The overwhelmingly negative feedback highlights the need for Supercity Towing to re-evaluate its operational practices and prioritize customer wellbeing alongside its business objectives. A 0/10 rating is a clear indication of significant issues that require immediate attention.