Tools
Needed:
A phone, a few friends, and a bit of common-sense.
Time Needed: Varies
Selecting
a repair shop should not be a stressful event. Unfortunately,
too many of us wait until the last minute, or just don't
know what to look for to find a quality repair facility.
These simple tips should help make your decision a little
bit easier.
1. Plan Ahead - First and foremost, always find
a reliable repair shop before you need it. The more
time you have the more likely you are to make sound
decisions. Rushing your choice invites mistakes and
may lead you to the nearest or cheapest shop rather
than the one best suited to perform repairs on your
auto.
2. Consult with Friends - This could be the most
valuable tip here. If someone you trust can recommend
a great mechanic or repair shop, check it out. A friend
can give you information you will not have access to
on a cursory examination of area shops. Ask if he has
had any problems at all with that shop and how they
were handled. Is the turnaround time on repairs good?
Has he ever had to return to the shop for the same repair?
3. Check with Local Consumer Organizations -
If your friends are not a good source of information,
check with local consumer groups to see how local shops
rate. You can find a local chapter of the Better Business
Bureau in your phone book or online. Additionally, many
states and municipalities have consumer affairs departments
listed in the phonebook.
4. Shop around - Make calls to the shops that
have been recommended or are in your area. Compare the
prices charged and the warranty policy on repairs.
5. Visit the Shops - After making the calls,
stop by the shops and look around. Note if the facility
is clean and organized. Look at the other vehicles in
the lot. (Are they similar to yours in value or make?)
How does the staff act when they approach you? Note
if there are signs clearly posting rates for labor and
common repairs (oil change, rotate tires, etc...). Note
other signs of a professional establishment. For example,
AAA approved repair status, civic or community awards,
Better Business Bureau membership, technical or repair
certifications.
6. Use Common Sense - Although all the above
can give you a good idea where to go, never forget to
"Use your Head." If a good friend recommends a shop,
but the staff is discorteous and doesn't answer your
questions, go elsewhere. Alternatively, if you stop
by a shop with a great staff and a well kept shop don't
immediately discount them if you don't see signs posting
the rates or a handful of awards and certifications.
Take a little time and evaluate the area shops and decide
which is the best fit for you. If at all possible, let
the shop you settle on handle a few small repairs before
attempting to change your transmission or the like.
Stop by when you need an oil change, or your brakes
done, and feel out the shop. If all goes well, trust
them with more substantive repairs.
This is a decision everyone must make and there is no
absolute formula. Most people rely on a combination
of location, price, and comfort/trust in the shop. You
must decide to what degree each of these factor in to
your decision. Consider the above tips, take your time,
and make an informed decision.
Finally, reward good service with repeat business. If
you are happy with the work done on your auto, return
to the shop for subsequent repairs. Establishing a relationship
with your local shop pays dividens inmany ways. I know
many mechanics who will take a little extra time to
go out of their way for loyal customers. When you want
a used car looked over before you buy, or you just need
a flat fixed a few minutes after closing, that relationship
pays dividends for both the shop and the individual.
If the service wasn't up to par, don't run away. take
a moment to discuss the problem with the shop manager.
Even the best businesses make mistakes, and reputable
shops and mechanics will do all that is in their power
to correct them. All the mechanics I know value feedback
and want each customer to go away satisfied.
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