Blain's Farm & Fleet - Urbana, Illinois — Local services in Urbana

While this store has good prices on tires, be aware that the quality of their service work is very poor. I purchased a set of four tires, made an appointment, and brought in the rims/old tires only, not the vehicle (I know better). The appointment was for late in the day, on a Sunday. There were two mechanics working, and one seemed to be very busy servicing a vehicle while the other was trying to manage the customer desk. I left the wheels, and in a very short time was paged to tell me the tires were mounted and they were ready. I was asked to pay then, but wanted to inspect the wheels first. Upon inspection, I noted there were no balance weights on any of the rims. The mechanic said he "forgot" to balance them. Now this is what they do everyday for a living, and they forgot??? Hmmm. I watched as he then proceeded to do the balance in the most hurried fashion I've ever seen, slapping the weights on crooked, and dropping one of the rims to the floor on it's face. I called the service manager on the following work day, took all the weights off, and came back and had them rebalanced by the manager. They reviewed their shop camera video of the original work being done and acknowledged that the rim fell over on it's face. When I pointed out the numerous chips and scratches they did to all my rims, the service manager said it was normal. I said it was possible to mount tires without scratching and chipping the rims, and the service manager said that no, it was not. So, they hold themselves to a pretty low standard. I eventually had Farm and Fleet file an insurance claim with their company, West Bend, for the damage, but it was a hassle because I had to do most of the work. I received a token dollar amount for the damage, but it was inadequate.

So, if you care about your wheels, do not have tires mounted at Urbana Farm and Fleet. Secondly, if you insist on doing auto service business there, make your appointments for M-F 8-4, so you don't get the second string mechanics that are working weekends.

I will never buy...

Another store that is exactly what you expect.

The staff is friendly and helpful. They will call someone to help, if needed, and take the time to answer questions. And if want to see how something works, they will plug it in, and show you.

Masks are required and people went about their business with ease.

Some items are a bit pricier but the quality is there in ruggedness. Something breaks, bring it back, and it's replaced or refunded.

Much of the same brands, without a lot of variety, except bulk candies. Lots of sweets.

Parking is free, wide and open, especially easy to park for larger vehicles. There is a walk to the store. Wheelchairs are available, as is a public restroom.

Children are welcomed. Some pets had been welcomed in the past. There is no refrigerated section.

Checkout is easy but knowing which lanes are open is not. Usually it's farther down, without there being a clear reason, and all check outs have last minute items and candy at the counters.

Exchange / Information desk usually does not double as a a checkout, any business there is usually faster because of this, and they will give directions to items in the store or suggestions if they don't carry it.

Store is clean. There is a dressing room onsite. You may have to wait a bit for someone outside of the information desk, if you need help. However, the sales people do know product, and will...

I had a pick up order at rhe Urbana farm and fleet because we had a larger order of 21 bags of 3/4 cu ft potting mix and some items from indoor. When asked for name I told him it and that it was hyphenated last name he came back out 3 times to ask my name and told him repeatedly what it was and hyphenated he kept saying did not have an order. Finally asked if he wanted my order number(which showed him 1st time) he he came back out w my phone and the bag. He said there you go and started to walk off I stopped him to tell him had potting mix to be loaded he tried telling me I didn't, then asked what type and told him,he then said just give me the receipt which did. He then said back up then so I can load. I asked him to please stack it as had other stops. He proceeded to ignore me and just tossed them all over Inc on seat that was folded down. Then shut the doors and just walked off. We had to stop and rearrange it all only to discover 5 bags had been busted with way he either tossed them in or were already busted when he loaded them. So now have mud on my carpet and seat from this. He was very rude and seemed mad he had to actually do the job he is paid to do. Very...