Going to an auto body shop represents a mysterious experience for most drivers, a frightening encounter with the unknown. When you hand over your key, you instantly feel uncomfortable; will your car return as good as new or will the repair specialists do a shoddy job? What do you know about auto body rust repair ? How do you find out whether you’re just being poured with hard-earned money down the drain?
The best way to know if you’re receiving excellent service and professional care is to find a reputable body shop and then build a relationship with that shop. This is the first time, however, that most people who take their vehicles into the shop do. So how do you know whether, or not, you can trust an auto body shop?
First of all, it’s important to know that most auto body stores are reputable businesses. Most auto shop owners are only trying to make a living like most small business owners they want to do a nice job in your car so you can go back to their shop or refer others to their shop. Nonetheless, there are a couple of bad apples that ruin the whole bunch and you need to be careful in choosing a shop.
The first thing to do is to obtain a referral or use reviews and testimonials to locate an online store. Create a list and call each shop to see how well on the phone you’re being handled. Choose three or four good-sounding shops near your place and you’re able to make an estimate of your vehicle in.
You should get at least three estimates from 3 different shops. The calculation will vary since shops can use different estimating tools, but they should all be in the same ballpark. If an estimate is very different then why should you ask? The body shop expert should be in a position to explain all prices including all price quotes and labor charges on the estimate.
When you get the estimate, you should evaluate the Customer Service too. How fast were you recognized? How were you helping out effectively? Were all staff respectful and friendly? Looked like the staff were well informed? Be observant throughout the estimate and you’ll have a clear idea of how you’ll be handled during the repair process. If there seems to be a lack of customer service, even if the estimate seems reasonable, proceed to the next place.
When you want to leave your car, and the shop will contact you later to inform you about extra costs, this could be an indication that it is not a reliable and truthful repair facility. Although additional charges can occur occasionally, it is not common practice to have a reputable store.
If you’re doing your homework, have patience and get some estimates, you’ll find a reliable auto body store, and the chances are good. It’s helpful to steer your whole company to them once you’ve identified one and refer it to others. If you do this, you’re going to have a nice friendship, and no longer have to worry about finding an honest auto body store.