Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2000 10:57:14 -1000
Reply-To: Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
Subject: Re: Finding a Good Repair Shop
In-Reply-To: <39B2B474.4E215833@earthlink.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
good points, mark. I have basically one choice here in Hilo... Bear's VW.
Fortunately, Bear is a very nice guy and his shop does good, and, for the
most part, reasonably priced service. At least they know what they're
doing.
There isn't even a VW dealership on this side of the island! But then, in
some ways, maybe that's a good thing.
Mick Kalber
89 Syncro Westy "Daddy-O"
Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
62 Halaulani Place Hilo, Hawaii 96720
ph. 808-935-5557 fax 808-935-0066
hotlava@interpac.net
www.volcanoscapes.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Mark Drillock
Sent: Sunday, September 03, 2000 10:29 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Finding a Good Repair Shop
I have to disagree on some of this. Some of the cleanest shops I have
used did crappy work or even cheated me. Some of my best long term
relationships were with shops that could be called messy or ugly. Shops
that have been in the same place a very long time are in older buildings
and have many years of residue built up. This should hardly disqualify
them. The newest guy on the block will have the cleanest shop but no way
does that mean he will do the best job. His rent may be higher and he
may have recent investments he is looking to recover quickly. It all
boils down to the guys doing the work. I have had guys I trusted for
several years sell to new owners and the shop's work went down hill. I
have listened to owners brag about the qualifications and certifications
of the mechanics only to see short cuts and overcharging. The advice to
talk to the guys and get a gut feeling is the best advice IMHO.
Referrals are ok but some people can't tell that they have been screwed
or rave about a place they only used once several years back. Places
with service writers tend to charge more and bump up the cost of the job
as it goes as the mechanic finds other problems. An owner who actually
does some of the work is preferable in my experience. The trick is to
find an honest guy and let him know that you will reward good work with
future business. John is right that shopping for a low hourly rate is
counter productive. Quality costs money.
Mark
John Wessels wrote:
>
> Hello Volks,
>
> It amazes me this list. There is so much available information and
knowledge
> exchanged on a daily basis. From what tires to buy to how to remedy the
loss
> of power and bucking after driving for two hours.
>
> However the one topic that many can't seem to master is selecting a good
> repair shop. I see a few people ask who is decent in their area. I also
know
> that people tend to complain rather than praise.
>
> Many tend to get on the telephone and the only question they ask is "how
> much?". Or they may ask "what is your labor rate." Vary rarely do they
take
> the time to interview a repair shop personally. The following are some
> procedures and questions you should ask when your car needs repair.
>
> First call the prospective shop and ask for a time that you may come by to
> talk about getting some needed repairs done. Go to the shop personally and
> take a look around.
>
> What is the shape of the cars in the parking lot?
>
> Be careful if the lot is full of cars that seem to be growing roots. Your
car
> may end up being one these. Many fall for the trap that if the parking lot
is
> full this place must be good. The full parking lot may be caused by poor
> scheduling and inability to get the work done in a timely manner.
>
> What does the building look like on the outside?
>
> Is it clean and appealing? If a business owner takes pride in his work it
is
> usually reflected in the appearance of his business.
>
> What does the customer waiting area look like?
>
> Is it clean and comfortable? This will show how much the business cares
about
> you as a customer.
>
> What does the work area look like?
>
> Is it clean and well organized? Again boils down to pride and care in
work.
>
> Does the shop appear to be well equipped to handle your needs?
>
> Do you see newer equipment? Do they have lifts? Do they have modern
> diagnostic equipment to handle your tough to solve problems?
>
> Ask about the experience and training of the shop owner and the
technicians
> who will be doing the repairs.
>
> How many years on VW's or German cars? Are they ASE certified in the area
> that they will be performing the repair? How committed are they to
furthering
> their education and training?
>
> Is the owner or service writer friendly? Do you feel that you can
communicate
> with them so that you are BOTH under the same level of understanding?
>
> This is where most transactions fall apart. Lack of communication. It is
the
> shops job to educate you so that you know what they are talking about. It
is
> YOUR responsibility to ask questions when you don't understand.
>
> Now for the most important question.
>
> Do you trust and feel comfortable with the people wish to start a business
> relationship with?
>
> This just boils down to personalities and gut instinct. Do you trust the
> people or not? If you don't, go elsewhere. You will be doing both you and
the
> shop owner a favor.
>
> If you are comfortable with all the above then schedule the work. If not
keep
> looking. Just because your friend thought a certain shop was great doesn't
> guarantee that you will think the same.
>
> When the repair order is written ask for an estimate. Here in CA it is the
> law, but in other states it is very lax. Many times an initial inspection
or
> diagnosis may have to be quoted at first. Then a revised estimate can be
> given when the shop knows exactly what needs to be done. Most shops now
> charge for diagnoses and this is normal. Guess work and throwing parts at
a
> problem is NOT what you want.
>
> If you don't have a problem now, now is the time to establish a
relationship
> with someone you can trust. It is much easier to make decisions when you
are
> not under pressure and stress because your car is broke down. Then when
you
> do have a problem your thoughtful and careful research is done. Odds are
you
> will then end up with a satisfactory repair.
>
> John Wessels
> European Motorsport
> Livermore, CA
> http://www.euromog.com
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