Choose an auto body shop
nyone who has experienced a car accident knows that it can be a calamitous event. Once you have dealt with any resulting health issues, you will have to contend with the damage to your automobile.
Whether your car has experienced significant damage or simply a scratch, it is vital to find an auto body shop that is trustworthy and dependable.
Even the smallest accident can throw your schedule into disarray. A good auto body shop will ensure that your car, truck, SUV or minivan is repaired quickly, affordably and correctly.
The shop you choose should be able to complete all manner of work, from a minor touch-up to a full-body repair.
Your friends, family and colleagues might have recommendations. After all, auto body shops are a necessary part of life for most people.
“[Prospective clients] need to ask by word of mouth,” said Nathan Garner, owner of Ron’s Body Shop in Benton. “It won’t take long to find someone with body work. The best way is definitely word of mouth.”
Once you have a list of names, research each shop, and seek out customer reviews.
Testimonials, negative and positive, should be considered. But keep in mind that no business has a 100 percent satisfaction rate. Someone will always be displeased. Also, more people are likely to leave a negative rather than a positive comment.
If your social network doesn’t have good recommendations, consult the Yellow Pages, advertising supplements or the internet.
Once you have created a list of shops, contact them on the phone. Describe the problem with your vehicle, and listen for the response.
If the person seems knowledgeable and friendly, keep that shop on the list. However, if the person seems rushed and uninterested, it can mean the shop is very busy. It might also have poor customer service. Eliminate that shop from your list.
When you have chosen an auto body shop, visit its location. Check for prices, certifications and guarantees. Understand that you will often get what you pay for when it comes to auto body work.
“We’ve been doing this since 1974, and the first and only goal is quality repairs,” Garner said. “We like to treat each and every vehicle as if it were our own.”
Low prices may be tempting, but they typically mean subpar work, used parts and paint incorrectly applied. Feel free to ask the manager or owner for references before the shop does any work on your car. The business should have previous satisfied customers whom you can contact.
You can also check the shop’s previous work. When you see a car with paint drips, panels that are misaligned or paints that don’t match, look elsewhere. You will not save money if you need to have the improper work redone.
The shop should inspect your vehicle for repairs that are not readily visible. Quality auto body shops should be able to complete an entire job on-site.
Our cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans get us to work on time, as well as back and forth to school, and transport our families to and from their destinations. Choosing a great auto body shop is important for yourself and your family. The right auto body shop will have superior customer service, great prices and an excellent quality of work. — Courtesy of Green Shoot Media, with contributions by Emily Edmisten, special sections writer.