The 2 most essential features of a great auto body shop.
Here’s an important truth about auto body repair: quality of repair is 1 of the least noted issues about auto body repair.
The two most common problems about vehicle body repair work are skipped deadlines and unforseen costs, so don’t assess your body shop based on the glistening and straight work it delivers. Look a little closer at these 2 critical things when deciding to hand over the 2nd most expensive item you probably own.
No one would like to be without their car for much longer than absolutely necessary. Your own vehicle is just right for you. You spent a long time searching it out, and it is the car you decided to commit hours in every day. Being with out it is uncomfortable and in some cases you cannot properly haul your family or conduct your business. In the event that your body shop misses its final target time, it can be expensive to you. In all likelihood, you will be in a rental car. Your insurance provider may simply agree to cover rental car costs for 2 weeks. If your repair is prolonged further than 2 weeks, it is typically you that will pay for the additional rental fees.
Unforeseen and undisclosed expenses are the very most typical source of discontentment among clients. Many shops will quote an appealing price to get a customer to commit, expecting that they will come up with a significant profit later when it’s found that more parts and more work are required to finish the restoration. Shops often state that unseen problems can’t be avoided, but a proper inspection can reduce almost all unforeseen problems. For instance, if you are rear ended, the fender should be removed and the bumper support inspected, as well as the rear structure, for problems. Some unethical shops will prepare an appraisal based on very obvious damage. Of course, more repairs are added to the final bill when the customer’s car is locked in the repair businesses place. Unfortunately, their particular estimate will be the lowest, but in the long run, most likely the most costly. Thus, firmly insist on a total teardown and inspection on any problems exceeding $1000.
Exactly what are some strategies to learning if you’re working with an honest business? Their estimators will obviously insist that they are outstanding at doing both, but their customers will convey to you the facts. Fortunately, because of the Web, there are a lot of customer reviews about the body specialists you’re shopping for. Your first stop ought to be Google. Simply do a search for your shop’s name and you will discover critiques written by real customers. They won’t all be good, which is completely normal. In truth, be suspect of any shop with more than 20 reviews and none of them unfavorable. These shops may be faking their comments. Make note of client feedback about the business meeting deadlines and staying on budget.
The Better Business Bureau is yet another resource for looking into the quality of a body shop you are contemplating hiring. The Better business bureau maintains a web site where you can quickly evaluate the rating of your body shop. Steer clear of businesses with ratings below a “B”. There are simply too many stores with An and B rankings to select anything less.
One remaining suggestion: size doesn’t equal top quality.
Bob Keppel is a marketing advisor to Ace Car Reconditioning, a complete service located in Beaverton, OR.
