It is not uncommon to run into different auto body shops giving different estimates for the same work, with some of them charging a couple of hundreds and others going to the thousands. It might take us a while before we happen to find an auto body shop that we can trust, and we might even have to go through a couple of bad experiences before finding the right one. Therefore, we have put together some important aspects to keep in mind when looking for a shop that best suits our needs.
One of the most important steps to take before choosing to do business with a company we haven´t tried yet is paying attention to the word of mouth. This is particularly true when we are looking for a new auto body shop. If we have family members, friends, or business partners recommending a given shop, that means they have great knowledge and experience, and that they know how to keep their customers satisfied and taken care of.
There are many shops that work and charge based on hourly labor rates, and this practice is actually quite common. Therefore, we need to consider the location and overhead of each shop and company we are considering doing business with. The fact that a shop charges $90 per hour of labor doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best at what they do. This might be the result of the shop being located in a wealthy area, or because they have a large body of staff available.
Getting several estimates and asking around before deciding on the best auto body shop is a great way to ensure we are not being overcharged. It is not uncommon to run into auto body shops that will actually encourage you to get several estimates and then bring them back to them so they can match it. This is a very smart business practice, as this allows you to know they are giving you an accurate estimate. Also, try to stay away from the cheapest option, as they might not be professionals, or they might be missing something, which would later mean further problems.
Whenever we walk into a shop to ask for an estimate, we need to make sure we are asking the right questions, as this will give us a precise idea of the way a shop does business. One of the most important questions we need to ask is whether the shop offers a written warranty or not and for how long. This way, you’ll be confident and your car will be protected. Also, ask about the materials they use in the shop, whether they are new, used, or aftermarket parts. If you’re looking to save some money, this might be the way to go.