Quantcast
Jump to content

Beware Of Second Opinions


Recommended Posts

We got a call the other day from someone who asked us if we would give her a second opinion. The car was at another shop and she wanted to know if the diagnosis on the steering rack was correct. She actually wanted us the give a price and make the diagnosis on the phone based on the notes from the shops work order. We have been down this road before and we are VERY cautious on how we handle this.

 

I dont know how you feel, but when someone doesnt trust another shops diagnosis, it makes it very awkward for us. We want to get all the facts and try to drill down to find exactly why the customer does not trust the shop.

 

In this case, after a series of questions from my service advisor, we found that the callers brother-in-law checked the car before bringing it to this shop and he said the pump had failed, not the steering rack. The brother-in-law works in construction.

 

Seeing where this was going, the service advisor insisted on having us look at the car before any second opinion is given. He also said that he was inclined to believe the other shop, not the brother-in-law. She said she would call us back to make an appointment.

 

My guess? Shes probalbly calling other shops right now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We absolutely will not do it over the phone. I can't stand trying to diag something over the phone let alone comparing prices etc.

 

The only thing that's different with us is that almost all of the local shops, especially chains, are robbing people and not fixing the issues. So we see things daily that just boggle the mind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

always second guess the first opinion of the problem if you're the second opinion. In other words... I don't give out my opinion of a problem...EVER. I've had people come directly into the shop and ask about a certian repair (and they're not regular customers) I won't tell them a thing. All I'll say is bring it in and I'll check it out. The usual responce is, "But, you're Gonzo, everybody knows you already know what is wrong with. That's how I got here... I was sent by another shop." My answer is, well let me do my job. I'm not here to take a test on whether or not my guess is right and furthermore... I don't make a dime at guessing. You'll have to pay for my time.

That usually ends it... and I never see them again.

 

I'd rather do (or say) nothing than I would do (or say) something and get nothing. Sorry folks... the almighty dollar RULES!

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

We will not give estimates or second opinions over the phone. You need to see the vehicle before you can accurately tell them what's wrong. We are currently on the other end of this today. Great customer brought in his Oldsmobile Intrigue for a hard miss. He pays for a Level 1 Diagnostic and we perform it to the letter. We discuss with him that we need to do a Level 2 Diagnostic and what it entails. He doesn't want to do anymore diagnostics and just wants an idea of what is wrong. With somewhat loose lips my SA said he thought their may be a head gasket issue as the customer is adding coolant and oil and not leaking any. Now he is calling other shops asking for a quote on head gaskets when we haven't even verified the problem. Feel bad for those he may be wasting their time. For some reason he just isn't listening to what we are trying to tell him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 4 weeks later...

No I don't discount in order to get work. It's not fair to my technicians and it's not fair to me. Long story short, my customer came in and we discussed his vehicle. Turns out even after all the talks we had. He still didn't understand what we were telling him. I brought him out to his vehicle, explained everything in the simplest terms I could and he agreed to further diagnostics. He thought a blown head gasket was his issue. Service Advisor has gone through some more training and also learned a valuable lesson as to why we don't tell a customer what we "think" is the issue.

 

Sometimes you just need to talk face to face with someone.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         13 comments
      Most shop owners would agree that the independent auto repair industry has been too cheap for too long regarding its pricing and labor rates. However, can we keep raising our labor rates and prices until we achieve the profit we desire and need? Is it that simple?
      The first step in achieving your required gross and net profit is understanding your numbers and establishing the correct labor and part margins. The next step is to find your business's inefficiencies that impact high production levels.
      Here are a few things to consider. First, do you have the workflow processes in place that is conducive to high production? What about your shop layout? Do you have all the right tools and equipment? Do you have a continuous training program in place? Are technicians waiting to use a particular scanner or waiting to access information from the shop's workstation computer?
      And lastly, are all the estimates written correctly? Is the labor correct for each job? Are you allowing extra time for rust, older vehicles, labor jobs with no parts included, and the fact that many published labor times are wrong? Let's not forget that perhaps the most significant labor loss is not charging enough labor time for testing, electrical work, and other complicated repairs.  
      Once you have determined the correct labor rate and pricing, review your entire operation. Then, tighten up on all those labor leaks and inefficiencies. Improving production and paying close attention to the labor on each job will add much-needed dollars to your bottom line.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Ruben Van Zenden
      Today, we simply cannot ignore social media, everyone is using it whether you are a fan or not. Personally, I think it has its negative and positive sides. 
      I have been looking at 100+ car repair shops and noticed that only a hand full are using social media marketing, for example, Facebook advertising. 
      Why are so few car repair shops making use of this, in my opinion, great opportunity to increase car count? 
    • By ASOG Podcast
      Opening a Shop? Don't Make This Critical Mistake!
    • By carmcapriotto
      During Today's episode #104 The crew from SMP and I Talk About:
      What is a Chicken Flicker? Behind-the-scenes dirt on Kim & Brian from SMP What's the best part of your work day? What's the difference between a successful client and one that isn't? What would your advice be for a shop starting out that isn't able to hire someone like SMP? How cute is Dutton? Favorite Cartoon Character? What did you want to be when you grew up? What book are you reading now, if any?  
      This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:
       
      30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust 50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts 10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting  
      Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88
       
      Don't forget to rate and review us!
      Connect with Chris:
      [email protected]
      940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching
      Youtube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Will diagnostic work overtake remove and replace work? How will you position and present your shop as a technologically advanced repair center? What training will our employees need? How will artificial intelligence impact our industry? Will we be prepared? Join Jake Sorensen, Chris Chesney and Derek Kaufman as they discuss the shop of the future. Jake Sorensen, 2019 NAPA ASE Technician of the Year and 2019 Ratchet + Wrench All-Star technician of the year. Shop manager and diagnostic technician at McNeil’s Auto Care in Sandy, UT Listen to Jake’s previous episodes HERE
      Chris Chesney, Training and Organizational Development, Repairify. Chris’ previous episodes HERE
      Derek Kaufman, Managing Partner, Schwartz Advisors, President of C3 Network. Listen to Derek’s previous episodes HERE
      Show Notes:
      Looking up and reading service procedures is already a must, but even more so as technology advances. Example: ADAS systems now require calibrations when performing repairs like an alignment or bumper cover removal. If you change a headlight assembly that requires bumper R&R, you may need to perform a radar calibration. The only way to know for sure is to read service information. Reading technical information/technical reading skills- much different than reading newspaper or Facebook posts, a book etc. Evelyn Wood speed reading course- reading with purpose An explosion of information- computing power for all industries  2022 captures over a trillion data points that will be aggregated to provide insights AI- mining data for trends Diffusion of innovation curve- 17+ years for EV’s We have expected Technicians to be masters of everything.  Many better diagnostic technicians are inefficient at R&R and do not enjoy it. Shift mindset to a technology industry Even today, electric vehicles account for 18% of new vehicles sold, and those won't be in our bays tomorrow. By 2030 the population of vehicles in operations, over 300 million, and only 8% will be electrified. Get ready, or some other service industry will beat you to the punch How are you presenting your shop to the public?
      Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management getshopware.com Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. DelphiAftermarket.com
      Connect with the Podcast
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Subscribe on YouTube
      Visit us on the Web
      Follow on Facebook
      Become an Insider
      Buy me a coffee
      Important Books
      Support our partners:
           


      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Junior
      Looking to sell a hunter RM 8000 lb alignment rack I have, with Model 611 alignment machine. Its loaded up on a trailer and ready to go, will deliver in the Hudson Valley area if you have a way to unload it. Asking $6,000 for the whole setup.








  • By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

    By nptrb, in Automotive Industry,

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...