That is good to know! My driver's education was another state and some things I have sadly, had to learn as I go. First lesson- 6 or 7 years ago when I first got the car, it was my first vehicle in Maine. I had not had a vehicle for about 8 years by that point. So hurray! The day after I got it, some kid rear ended me. I got out and got the insurance. He asks if we should call the police and I was like nah, I don't see any reason to. He looks bewildered but all right. Haha Old Town police contacted me just to let me know I should be happy they didn't arrest me for leaving the scene of an accident? I was like, um, thank you Officer? It was weird. So I learned that in Maine, call the police every time! Glad the police did not arrest me for that. Phew. I have no idea how they even found out, maybe the kid's parents called them? Where I grew up it is very populated and unless you're also calling the ambulance, you don't call the police. Only if someone got hurt. They have better things to do there I guess.

Live and learn. Now have learned to hate VIP.

Oh yes I definitely agree! I went to VIP bc I had just moved to a completely new region and realized one day my inspection sticker had been out for two months! With the move I had just forgotten about it. So I was just in a panic trying to get that resolved before I got pulled over.

I'm newer to this sub but I've seen a story or two, but that has been after this VIP nonsense. I came here to find out if anyone had good experiences with mechanics because while reviews are good, I felt like I wanted to reach out to the Maine Reddit hive mind to help me start. I've not yet needed work on my car and I've had it for 6 years. Just oil changes. I just want a tune up and basically pay an honest person for reassurance that yeah, little car is doing okay. Or if not, find out what's up before my engine just falls or something. I want a check up, pretty much.

And oof about the experience your mom had. She sounds like a pretty smart cookie. When I was talking to the VIP guy I was trying to ask like, hey how long do i have with this bad sticker? I really thought I failed bc he was so ambiguous and just tire pushing. I was not having it. I wish I recorded it though, in hindsight it was probably a pretty funny exchange and the looks on his face were priceless bc I think he thought I was messing with him when really i just wanted straight answers. Thank you

The short answer is that this company likely bought a database of all residents in various CMP service areas. The reason I believe that is true is because our solicitation from those same people came in my wife's name. The electric service is in my name.

Thank you!!!! They have stellar reviews as well. I'm definitely going to give them a call Monday and feel them out.

That is awesome! Have you had anything done in 2022? I checked their reviews and it looks like most are pretty satisfied but some don't like the new management. They are definitely being considered and they sound great.

Also, the fact that if you break down they can come grab your car to bring back and fix?? That's invaluable to know of that service and thank you very much for putting them on my radar, they seem great!

I love all of this. Plus, I definitely get intimated when I'm around men and I'm alone so I'm usually the shut up. I will definitely push myself to ask questions.

I have not yet needed a mechanic for anything serious for my car, and I just want to get her a little tune up. I hated the experience at VIP for my inspection. I just Googled it bc I had just moved out of the Bangor area. But the circle game that VIP guy was giving me was too much. Thank you

Good for you for persisting.

So... standard bulk business mail. -USPS employee

Yessss!!! I'm calling them as soon as they're open. Loving the double edit. My Honda has been so good to me and I figure I should do some maintenance before anything starts to go wrong. Thank you

VIP is notorious for being a rip-off. Almost any independent garage will be better. I'm not in that area but others are chiming in with places for you to check out. There are many, many honest and helpful garages but it may be a bit of trial and error to find the one that's best for you. The main thing to look for is someone who will take the time to explain things to you and answer your questions and not make you feel dumb. These places do exist! And there are more of them now than when I first owned a car in the 1970s.

Don't be afraid to ask questions and say you have to think about it before you have work done. You don't have to understand every little detail but they should be able to give you a good, general idea of why they think work is needed. You can always go home and google what they said. The main difference I observe between men and women customers at garages (and in life) is that men ask all kinds of really stupid ass questions without hesitation or shame.

Edit: One thing you could do is check your owner's manual for the recommended maintenance schedule. It gives you an idea of what may be needed and a framework to talk about it with the garage and make a plan with them for what's needed now and what can be keep-an-eye on it status. You or the garage should be able to download it from the manufacturer if you don't have it. In my experience, the good ones are more than happy to do this with you.

Check out WamBam fence company. They ship the materials and you do the install. They have a unique installation technique that doesn’t require the use of cement or a post hole digger.

I put up 200+ ft of 6ft vinyl privacy fence for under $5K.

This matter is important, of course, and might certainly need to be escalated, but Redditors should not be sleuthing for anyone. The Boston Bombing debacle : MuseumOfReddit

I don’t know them, but I hope somebody who does sees this and warns her.

Various energy companies know people are upset about high electric bills and will send customers this shit trying to convince them they will SAVE SAVE SAVE!!!

ALL of these companies are in businesd to make money (just like CMP) and not for altruistic reasons. Just chick it in the trash with the rest of your junk mail.

It’s the same as any other junk mail. You’re on one or more mailing lists.

Once they have your address it’s easy to know you live in CMP territory.

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Halcyon Tattoo on 302 in Windham is also outstanding.

they are just sending you mail. your name and address are basically public domain, it's not like they're mailing you with your last balance due and SS#...are they?

Halcyon Tattoo on 302 in Windham is also outstanding.

Thanks!

https://mainlinefence.com/

OP, I am so sorry that you were subject to trolls and harassment for trying to do the right thing. Don't even engage the trolls, they are not worth your response. I do suggest though that you provide as much as this information as you can to the Maine State Police. Please google their contact information and act on it. They will not ignore you. You may save a life. I would take this very seriously. The downside of not doing so could be tragic.

Two of my co workers are currently shitting their brains out, but I'm not....am I....a..GOD?

Atlantic Fence Company

http://www.atlanticfenceco.com/