Questionable shop ethics??
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland OH
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (GREENREAPER90)
I made this mistake once and buy did it hurt. My old local speed speed shop did the exact same thing that you described. Every week, it was "come and pay $xxx" and every week I'd stop in there and see that no additional work was done on the car. It was amazing to me how this could happen, but at that point, I was sort of stuck with a car half apart. I ended up seeing the job through. It took 3 mos total for a heads/cam/top end, and after all of that, the bearings spun just 3 runs later. Turns out that the old tuner is in jail now for theft and title forgery. Gotta love that...
Contrast that to my recent experiences with MORE Performance and I'll echo the statements that have been posted in this thread. Good shops cost money, and it's a lot different dealing with a top notch shop. I paid some 60% up front for my 396 job and was never asked for a dollar until the job was done. I got regular progress updates, and specific updates when we needed to add extra pieces. The total of the extras was less than 10% over the total charges. It was an absolutely fantastic experience with a true businessman and a gentleman. I can see why there's a waiting list to get into this place.
Ron
Contrast that to my recent experiences with MORE Performance and I'll echo the statements that have been posted in this thread. Good shops cost money, and it's a lot different dealing with a top notch shop. I paid some 60% up front for my 396 job and was never asked for a dollar until the job was done. I got regular progress updates, and specific updates when we needed to add extra pieces. The total of the extras was less than 10% over the total charges. It was an absolutely fantastic experience with a true businessman and a gentleman. I can see why there's a waiting list to get into this place.
Ron
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland OH
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (Jeffvette)
I've had no problem giving money to a reputable shop up front on parts and labor... .SGC, He needed 2k out of x amount to get started to cover his outlay on getting certain things done.
A regular mom and pop, screw that. Make sure your CC has a good history of siding with the consumer.
A regular mom and pop, screw that. Make sure your CC has a good history of siding with the consumer.
As for the customer centric cc, gotta love AMEX.
Ron
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: DAllAS Tx
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (RonRed89)
My 396 which was built by Agostino Racing Engines they requested a partial payment also,but in good faith I sent the entire amount,my point is I do'nt mind paying things up front if the terms\are intially laid out as such.Not lets change the rules/terms as we go along.Iwould rather spend the extra money if it meant that Iwould be dealing with a proffessional.Which mind you Ithought I this time around ,or I would'nt have taking him my car to began with.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 626
Likes: 2
From: Nashville
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (GREENREAPER90)
I once had my 79 L-82 rebuilt with all the goddies. In 2 weeks it broke a stock spring they re-used with 280 mag cam and ate a valve. Cracked the block I had a warranty on the motor but after 8 months they did nothing on the car. I had to get a lawyer and then they fixed in a week. Sold the car 1 week later not trusting the work. The owner ended up in prison for drugs and taxes. CARMA..... :nopity
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 5
From: Liberal Kansas
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (GREENREAPER90)
My 396 which was built by Agostino Racing Engines they requested a partial payment also,but in good faith I sent the entire amount,my point is I do'nt mind paying things up front if the terms\are intially laid out as such.Not lets change the rules/terms as we go along.Iwould rather spend the extra money if it meant that Iwould be dealing with a proffessional.Which mind you Ithought I this time around ,or I would'nt have taking him my car to began with.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Medford NJ
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (96BLKTN)
I've been into all Cars (Classics,Modified,Drag,etc,etc) for over 50 years.!!
I Never had to but $$$ up front for "ANY" repairs etc.
Untill the task was done to my satisfaction.
:confused: :confused:
I Never had to but $$$ up front for "ANY" repairs etc.
Untill the task was done to my satisfaction.
:confused: :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,411
Likes: 253
From: Little Elm TX
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (lbitp37)
I paid for 1/2 of my quote up front to cover parts and such and to pay for the machine work on the block. Not until I picked up the car did I pay for the other 1/2 and settle up on everything else.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,680
Likes: 752
From: NEwhere Ohio
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (R94 LT 1)
The one speed shop I have ever taken my car too charged me for parts up front, and then rest when I picked the car up. They said it would take them 2 weeks, it took them 3. No big deal.
But....They did say the total would be around $2500. Well, my whole bill was $4500
Always get a written estimate, like I didnt do.
Oh yea, and they misinstalled the timing cover seal causing an oil leak. the shop had a 60 day guarantee. I noticed this 90 days afterwards...as the car was sitting in winter storage.
They paid %50 of the labor to reinstall it, leaving me to pay the remainder.
I thought, in good faith, they should have paid the whole thing since they knew their improper installation caused that .
But....They did say the total would be around $2500. Well, my whole bill was $4500
Always get a written estimate, like I didnt do.
Oh yea, and they misinstalled the timing cover seal causing an oil leak. the shop had a 60 day guarantee. I noticed this 90 days afterwards...as the car was sitting in winter storage.
They paid %50 of the labor to reinstall it, leaving me to pay the remainder.
I thought, in good faith, they should have paid the whole thing since they knew their improper installation caused that .
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 0
From: Colleyville Texas
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (dizwiz24)
MTI did my 396. Not much more than the mom and pop shops. One year warranty parts and labor. No money paid out until the car was dyno'd and driven around Houston with the new 396 set up installed and tuned right.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (loiq)
Good speed shop protocol:
1. Agree on work to be done
1. Agree on work to be done
2. Pay for parts up front
3. Check in on car regularly
4. Pay labor as you go as long as when you check on the car it has been worked on.
EDITED: It's wrong to pay as you go. You have to agree on what to pay for the completed job, have a written estimate and pay when you pick it up. Otherwise, the shop has no incentive to do the work correctly and in a timely manner.
5. When it's done settle up. If it sits too long (two or three visits) - pull it.
[Modified by BBA, 7:04 PM 1/31/2004]
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 5
From: Liberal Kansas
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (BBA)
BU!! SCHIZN!T WRONGO STUPID
My guess is your 84LT1 is either a shop worker or is friends with some of the ones who would jerk you around.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (loiq)
It's especially irritating because half of it starts with good intentions until the shop screws up something and expects the customers to pay for it.
[Modified by BBA, 7:07 PM 1/31/2004]
[Modified by BBA, 7:07 PM 1/31/2004]
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 5
From: Liberal Kansas
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (BBA)
Your right...it's just I have seen so many get ripped off by shops trying to make a quick buck.
It's easy to assume that GREENREAPER90 is going to be ripped off. That hasn't happened- at least yet. Chances are it won't but there are now concerns. Personal I would be having a (civil) meeting with the owner espressing my concerns. That meeting would determine whether to leave the car there or not. Not paying until the car is finished doesn't necessarialy assure one of not being ripped off.
[Modified by Dan Plett, 6:32 PM 1/31/2004]
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL, USA
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (Dan Plett)
I never pay up front, and I always negotiate the time up front also. That is the few and far between times I leave my car anywhere. A SC is a 1-2 install in your garage.
Screw that guy, and dont ever take your car back, and dont recommend them.
Screw that guy, and dont ever take your car back, and dont recommend them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (GREENREAPER90)
I can't speak to your particular situation. However, regarding any work done by mechanics, whether custom or standard: a professional operator would let you know the particulars up front, before work is accepted and started. Method of payment, issues with special-ordered parts, and expected time in-shop should all have been communicated to you prior to you giving them the keys.
Communication is 90 percent of customer satisfaction.... :yesnod:
Communication is 90 percent of customer satisfaction.... :yesnod:
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 11
From: Savannah Ga.
Re: Questionable shop ethics?? (brdd)
THAT'S THE NATURE OF MOST PERFORMANCE SHOPS BASE ON MY LIMITED EXPERIENCE......... :U IT SUCKS .....BUT IF THEY DELIVERE ON THE WORK JUST SAY THANK YOU! :leaving:
