Different auto body shops vary wildly. One shop may give you a specific estimate for the work at hand, while others offer higher rates for the same job. Below, we look at the different pricing and when you need to seek the services of a shop charging less.
In instances where you are paying the bills, below are some of the tips you should look for in an auto body shop;
- Pay attention to Word-of-Mouth.
Every business is allowed to advertise as long as they oblige with the set rules and regulations. But the best form of advertisement is through referrals from your friends, acquaintances and family members. That means your business has satisfied the needs of your previous customers. The shop doesn’t have to be one of the biggest in the surroundings but what matters are the services you offer.
Even in scenarios where you never advertise your business, your clients will keep referring their friends to your shop due to the quality of your services and the fair charges. In such scenarios, the car owner can keep track of their vehicle, which the joy of every client.
- Take into account the operation’s location and overhead
Depending on the location of the business, the hourly labour charges differ. Enormous auto body shops with many front-office employees in most instances will charge more so that they can be able to pay their staff.
Despite the front-office services being offered to build confidence in the business, it could result in estimates filled with non-essential work. A client’s bill could multiply quickly if the shop is charging more labour hours at higher rates.
Auto body shops use reference guides that approximate the number of hours needed to conduct common repairs.
- Get various estimates
To avoid overcharges, professionals advise you to take your car to various auto body shops first. Doing so helps you get an estimate of what you will expect at your preferred auto body shop. On the other hand, do not always go for the lowest quote since such offers could become catastrophic shortly.
- Asking right questions
While looking for the right auto body shop, ensure you do not go with your chequebook wide open. It would be best to ask some key questions, such as; does the shop provide a written warranty, how long it lasts, and what the warranty covers.
The minimum is a one-year warranty. Some shops offer lifetime warranties which act as a selling point. Some of the other key questions are whether the shop has fire and theft insurance. That is a way of ensuring you are covered in cases where your car is burglarized, destroyed, or stolen. Do not forget to ascertain if the business is licensed.
- Follow your intuition
Before settling for a particular shop, ensure that you follow your intuition. If you find a never busy shop, they could offer shoddy repairs; therefore, you should look somewhere else.
Auto body shops are essential due to the rise in the number of car owners. The above tips will help you identify the right shop for you.
