Independents, dealers on par

“There is no longer a divide between what a dealership can offer you and what an independent workshop can,” says Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (Miwa).

He says consumers are finding that independents are versatile in repairs to all makes and models of cars, their technicians have a wealth of experience and knowledge and the repairs cost less.

This comes after the quality of servicing at independent workshops came into question during debate around the Right to Repair Campaign. The campaign aims to allow consumers to select where their vehicles are serviced, maintained and repaired at competitive prices in the workshop of their choice.

Ranft says for years Original Equipment Manufacturers have been tarnishing the reputation of independent workshops without supporting evidence.

“This is a public scare tactic which, we believe, needs to be addressed,” he says. “The standard of service and workmanship at independent workshops is on par, if not better, than consumers would receive at dealerships.

“Many independent workshop mechanics were trained at dealerships and OEMs before entering the independent workshop space.”

Accredited independent workshops, as with dealerships, have to meet certain standards and criteria to achieve accreditation. They also have to undergo regular audits to ensure their accreditation remains valid. MIWA members, for example, of which there are over 2 400 workshops nationwide, have to go through a strict accreditation and grading process.

“When choosing a graded workshop, consumers can trust that they receive reasonable pricing and quality service and workmanship, but they also have recourse for complaints if any problems arise,” says Ranft.

Five-star is a prestigious rating because graded workshops have to comply with the highest level of accreditation. “To become a five-star graded workshop, Miwa workshops must be fully audited and deliver on requirements around workshop design and equipment, customer satisfaction assessment tools and service options, such as vehicle washing prior to delivery and free delivery and collection service. “Many of our workshops are graded as five-star, but we also have four- and three-star workshops that offer excellent service. By choosing a Miwa graded workshop, consumers have the assurance these workshops have passed – and continue to deliver on – strict accreditation criteria.” The liability will fall on the workshops to ensure the repair is done correctly so they make sure to use oil and parts fulfilling the right specifications. Ranft says competition in the market will also result in everyone “upping their game” – dealerships and independent workshops alike. – Own Correspondent