Essential Services

Quality services that won't drain your bank account

🔧 Honest Service Provider Reviews

No kickbacks from service providers means unbiased recommendations.

We don't get paid by auto repair shops, hair salons, or healthcare providers. Every service recommendation comes from our personal experience as paying customers. When we say someone does good work for fair prices, it's because they've actually helped us without ripping us off.

Real reviews from real customers - not paid partnerships or sponsored content.

🔧 Auto Repair Shop Photo Placeholder

Services Philosophy

Everyone needs their car fixed, their hair cut, and their health maintained. The difference between broke and stable often comes down to finding service providers who charge fair prices and don't try to upsell unnecessary work.

Service Strategy: Build relationships with reliable providers before you need them. A good mechanic who knows your car, a barber who remembers your cut, and a doctor who understands your situation are worth their weight in gold.

Auto Repair & Maintenance

🚗 Quick Oil Change

Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Multiple Locations: 2570 N High St, 1447 W Lane Ave, 5580 Cleveland Ave

Price Range: $25-55 (conventional to full synthetic)

Why it works: Drive-through service, stay in your car, transparent pricing, no hidden fees

Pro tip: Online coupons often available for $5-10 off

🎓 Campus Auto

Campus Area Auto Repair

Address: Near OSU campus

Specialty: Student-friendly pricing, honest assessments

Price Range: $25+ oil changes

Why it works: Understands student budgets, payment plans available

Auto Repair Reality Check: Chain shops aren't always cheaper - they often push expensive services you don't need. Independent shops with good reputations usually offer better value and honest assessments. Always get second opinions on repairs over $300.

Healthcare Options

🏥 Public Health

Columbus Public Health Clinics

Locations: 240 Parsons Ave, 2170 Alum Creek Dr

Services: Primary care, immunizations, family planning, STD testing

Cost: Sliding scale based on income

Why it works: No insurance required, quality care, serves anyone regardless of ability to pay

🎓 Student Health

OSU Student Health Services

Address: 1875 Millikin Rd (students only)

Services: Primary care, mental health, pharmacy

Cost: $20-40 visits for enrolled students

Benefit: Included in student fees for basic services

🏥 Urgent Care

Urgent Care Pricing Comparison

OhioHealth Urgent Care: $150-200 typical visit

Mount Carmel Urgent Care: $130-180 typical visit

CareNow: $129-179 typical visit

Strategy: Call ahead for pricing, ask about payment plans

Healthcare Strategy: Establish primary care relationship before you get sick. Emergency rooms cost 5-10x more than urgent care. Many pharmacies offer $4 generic prescriptions. GoodRx app can save 10-80% on medications.

Hair & Personal Care

✂️ Chain Salons

Budget-Friendly Hair Salons

Great Clips: Multiple locations

Price: $15-18 haircuts

Benefit: Online check-in, consistent quality

Sport Clips: 3 Columbus locations

Price: $20-28 haircuts

Benefit: Sports atmosphere, hot towel treatment included

Supercuts: Multiple locations

Price: $16-22 haircuts

Benefit: Experienced stylists, walk-ins welcome

🎓 Beauty Schools

Beauty Schools

Aveda Institute: 1264 Grandview Ave

Services: Cuts, color, treatments by students under supervision

Price: 50-70% off salon prices

Reality: Takes longer but significant savings, quality supervision

Paul Mitchell The School: 1655 W Lane Ave

Similar model: Student services with professional oversight

Hair Care Reality: Average Columbus haircut costs $24, but you can get quality cuts for $15-18 at chains. Beauty schools offer advanced services at deep discounts. Tip: book appointments during school hours for best student availability.

Legal Services

⚖️ Legal Aid

Legal Aid Society of Columbus

Address: 1108 City Park Ave

Phone: (614) 241-2001

Services: Housing, family law, public benefits, consumer protection

Cost: FREE for income-qualified

Eligibility: 125% of federal poverty guidelines

🎓 Legal Clinic