Sound Decision — Local services in Grand Forks

I find myself in complete shock that I even have to write this review. Never have I heard of such inappropriate behavior towards a customer. Clearly the phrase, "The customer is always right," is long gone - especially at Sound Decisions.

The issue began December 12, 2017 when my mother went into Sound Decisions to purchase a Viper Two-way Remote Start System. The next morning, my mother attempted to use the Remote Start. After initiating the starter the remote indicated that the car had started. When my mother went outside a few minutes later, she realized that the car did not start, and was even more surprised to find out that her battery was in fact completely dead - not even enough power to unlock the door via the Power-Lock System.

The same morning, my mother called Sound Decisions around 8:30am to report the issue with the staff. The staff informed her that if they received a key to the car they would go to her home to jump the vehicle and get to their shop for further evaluation. They received the key around 11:00am. to 11:30am. After evaluating the vehicle they informed my mother that the vehicle was pulling 98 mA at rest and told her that she needed to take the car to Lithia Ford or Gateway Auto. My mother said she did not understand why she needed to do this, as her car started just fine before the installation of the Remote Car Start. She then asked them to remove the Remote Car Start and to refund her the $499. They refused and said they would not work on the vehicle until the diagnostic testing was completed. In the meantime the Sound Decision staff disconnected the Remote Car Start so my mother's vehicle would work.

Due to the fact that this is my mother's only form of transportation, she was not able to take the vehicle to Lithia Ford for testing until January 18, 2018. After running their tests, they said that her car was within specifications and that they thought it was likely the Remote Start Bypass Module. Lithia Ford charged my mother $127 for this test.

On January 19, 2018 my mother returned to Sound Decisions with an original copy from Lithia Ford stating the results of the testing. One of the owners looked over the paperwork, and said she would like to bring the car back in for testing, to see if they could pull the same results. She also informed my mother that if it was found to be "on them" they would cover the cost ($127) for the Diagnostic Testing done by Lithia Ford. She then scheduled an appointment for January 24, 2018.

At approximately 3:20pm my mother arrived at Sound Decisions for her appointment. They took the car into their shop and told my mother they would call her when they were finished and to discuss next step. At approximately 5:12pm the Owner called my mother to discuss the results of the test. After speaking with numerous other mechanics he had determined that the original testing was done incorrectly as they did not allow the car to sit long enough before they started running their tests. When they did let the car rest long enough, they were able to pull the same numbers as Lithia Ford.

After all of this, they agreed to refund the $499 for the Remote Cart Start System, but they did not see how they were responsible for the $127 for the Diagnostic Testing from Lithia Ford, even though they insisted and would not remove the Car Starter until she had the Diagnostic Testing done - essentially forcing her hand into spending $127 which ultimately was not needed and the owner had already said they would reimburse for since it was found to be their error.

After my mother questioned this, and asked for clarification as to why they were not responsible the owner got extremely rude and standoffish, and kicked her out of the store.

We have done business with this company before, and have never been treated this way. It is very unsettling that a local business would treat their customers in this manner. I hope you feel good about yourselves for taking advantage of a single mother of four. We will never return to Sound Decisions and we will warn everyone about...

Sound Decision installed 4 brand new JL speakers, a KTP amplifier, and a tailgate handle backup camera system with a rearview mirror monitor into my 2007 Toyota Tundra. When Sound Decision was installing my Alpine KTP amplifier, I also had them swap out my iSimple bluetooth module for a USA SPEC BT45-TOY module due to bluetooth range issues while streaming audio. They gave me a full refund for the iSimple module and I'm very happy with the USA SPEC BT45-TOY.

Additionally, Sound Decision swapped out the kill switch for my remote starter system. I had the system installed right before moving to Grand Forks last year and encountered a minor problem shortly after arriving. Haven't had a problem since they installed a different kill switch brand that works far better with Toyotas.

Customers should listen to their recommendations! My first partial winter in Grand Forks was phenomenal because of how Sound Decision programmed my remote start system to run. They set the system to run for so many minutes in order to adequately defrost the windows and heat the cab when my truck is exposed to the elements while I am at...

I can’t say enough good about my experience with Sound Decision. We recently purchased two new vehicles and wanted to get remote starts for both. Upon speaking with Nora it was very clear that she is extremely helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. She is well educated on the products that they sell and advised us on the best fit for our needs. During our initial conversation, I expressed interest in improving the stock sound system. Nora took the time to explain all of my options covering multiple price points. I selected some new hardware for installation and went on my way.

Fast forward two weeks to installation day. We were given two separate time slots on the same day so we wouldn’t be without a vehicle. Both installations were completed ahead of schedule and came out perfect! We couldn’t be happier with our experience and strongly suggest you choose Sound Decision when deciding where to go for work on your vehicle, boat, ATV, etc. The staff is friendly, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable and you’re supporting local business which is the icing...