With many different body shops available for automotive repairs, it can be a little overwhelming to choose the right one. Unless you are a professional automotive body technician or work in the industry, it can be a daunting task when you need to have your vehicle repaired. Here are eight steps to help you make an informed decision of which body shop to visit.
Listen To Word-of-Mouth
There are many advertising outlets such as radio, email, and television, but word-of-mouth advertising may be the most reliable of all. Some of the best body shops are the ones you don’t see on billboards or hear about every time you watch TV. Body shops with an excellent local reputation are mostly advertised through word-of-mouth, which speaks volumes about their quality of work and customer satisfaction.
Research the Body Shop
When you find a body shop you are interested in, a little research can go a long way. Useful information about a body shop includes how many years it has been in business, any Better Business Bureau ratings, examples of its work, and references.
You can also check on the body shop’s certifications. Both general certifications and OEM-specific certifications are important indicators of the body shop’s ability to help you restore your vehicle. When you take the time to look into these things, it can reveal a lot about a company and help you decide if you are willing to allow them to work on your car.
Learn About the Body Shop’s Overhead and Location
Cost of labor may seem like a simple hourly rate charged for the work being completed, but it can be a sign of overpricing. Two factors influencing labor costs are the company’s overhead and location.
If a body shop has a front-office with extensive office workers, prices will be higher to cover those employees’ salaries. Though some people are more confident in companies with receptionists, managers, and shop foremen, the costs associated with those positions may cause your bill to be higher than a body shop with less overhead.
Location can also play a role in higher costs. Body shops in areas with a higher cost of living will charge more for services rendered than those in areas where the cost of living is lower. Taking these two factors into consideration when choosing a body shop may help you save money.
Compare Estimates
Don’t settle for the first estimate you get, shop around and find the best quote. If a body shop offers to do the job for an insanely low price, you may want a few other opinions before accepting this as the right choice. Body shops will often price match to gain your business, and this can be a good sign, letting you know they are willing to negotiate to have you as their customer.
Ask Necessary Questions
A warranty should cover the bodywork on your car, and the body shop should explain the details of such coverages before rendering the repairs. Complete paint jobs are typically warrantied for three years, while the bodywork is usually covered for two years. A one-year warranty is typically the minimum for this type of work. To ensure you are getting the best possible deal, you will want to ask questions such as:
- Is there a written copy of the warranty?
- How long will the warranty last?
- What is the warranty covering?
- Is the body shop carrying fire and theft insurance?
- How long has the body shop been in business?
- Will they use new, used, or aftermarket parts?
- How many coats of paint and clear coat will be used?
These questions will help you better understand how the body shop works and the quality of workmanship you can expect. They will also help relieve any concerns or worries you may have about entrusting your car’s repairs to the shop’s technicians. Asking questions is a crucial aspect of choosing the right body shop for you.
Ask for Your Mechanic’s Opinion
Unless you work in the automotive or a related industry, you won’t have common knowledge of which body shops are the best in your area. This is where someone like a trusted mechanic comes into play. Mechanics consistently deal with body shops and have enough experience with different shops to determine which ones are the best. Even when you get an outside opinion, don’t drop your guard and use the previous list of questions to help you make a final decision.
Pay Close Attention to Customer Service and Qualifications
You will benefit from rating a body shop’s customer service. If they are impolite, don’t return calls in a timely fashion, and seem to have no concern for your needs, you may want to walk away. You will also want to determine if their technicians have experience by asking how long they have been in the business.
First Impressions
Ultimately, the decision of which body shop to use is yours. After doing your due diligence to research, visit, and ask questions, you can make an informed decision you are comfortable with. There are cases where you do all the legwork but still don’t feel satisfied with a particular body shop. When you feel like this, it is best to go with your gut instincts and find another business where you can feel confident in their ability to perform the work.
When visiting a body shop, take note of how busy they are. If there are only a few repairs taking place, it could be a sign of poor services resulting in less business. Don’t hesitate to ask for examples of their work. Most body shops keep detailed records of repairs and photos to promote the quality of their services. First impressions can be a significant deciding factor to consider during your research.
Contact Rydell Auto Body & Glass
Dents, scratches, and cracks are not only unsightly but can reduce the value of your car. Besides, who wants to drive a vehicle with these types of damage? Your vehicle is an investment worth caring for, and when it is damaged, you should seek out the best body shop to restore your car to its former glory. Contact us at Rydell Auto Body & Glass for professional, certified body shop expertise.
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