Large Job Contracts?

[b1qwkbird]

Ok here is a new one on me. Usually when a customer approves a repair large or small we either get verbal approval over the phone where we list the time and method of call (whether we called them or they called us) or written approval through a signed estimate, whether in person or by email.

 

Well a new customer brought us a 2001 F150 with severely worn timing chains and guides that turned out to be broken as well as leaking valves from kissing the pistons. Of course this led to a replacement engine.

 

After going back and forth for about a week with the options of a used engine (which did not last long) or a reman engine (which he chose) he finally approved the work. He brought in his deposit for the engine along with a contract for me to sign basically stating all that is getting replaced and the warranty involved. Nothing above what we agreed on but a little out of the ordinary.

 

Now the customer is an electrical contractor by trade so I'm assuming this is where this comes from. I signed the agreement since nothing was out of order and I wanted to make him feel comfortable since he is a new customer.

 

What are your thoughts on this?

 

PS- The main frustration with the customer comes from having to go through explaining what I could research as to the pros and cons of different brands of reman engines, only to end up ordering a Jasper unit like I quoted at the beginning. I have always had good luck with Jasper products and the one time I had an issue it was resolved quickly and painlessly.

[mspecperformance]

I dont know what I would do in that situation but food for thought... If it was exactly the terms you had agreed on next time print it on your repair order/invoice and have the customer sign it.

[b1qwkbird]

That is our standard procedure and he did that as well. Just an odd situation from the get go

[alfredauto]

He wanted to be in charge by the sound of it. Definitely different.

[xrac]

Sounds to me like a contractor that has gotten burned and learned to put everything in writing. We use to do mechanical/environmental contracting and there were a few times that a contract saved us with a dispute with a subcontractor.

[Joe Marconi]

So, he brought you a contract/warranty to sign? That is a first with me. I would rather the shop create its own documentation and not be subjected to someone dictating to me the terms. It's my business, and I determine the terms. This contractor must not trust others, would he accept a contract from you, if he does work for you?

[b1qwkbird]

To me it almost seems like what Frank said, he's been burned before. Everything was as we discussed it. He was actually surprised when I pulled out my own itemized repair order for him to sign. It seemed to ease his mind.

[xrac]

It was my privilege to meet Ben Davis from Davis Auto Repair and Performance in Woodstock, Georgia today and to see his shop. He has a nice large shop and several classics in various states of repair. He started this thread and is the third participant I have met in person but hopefully not the last.