Why stick to accredited workshops (and dealers)?
LET’S SAY, you are looking for a mechanical workshop, motor body repairer, or even to buy a new car and you don’t know where to start.
Well, accreditation is a good place to start, says Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
Olivier notes that by using a business accredited by a reputable association, you can be assured of good workmanship and recourse in the unlikely event that the job (or sale) is not completed to acceptable standards.
“Accredited businesses will be run by highly-skilled professionals, with excellent service-levels, administrative support and quality parts and repair equipment,” he adds.
The CEO says that during accreditation processes, a business undergoes a thorough assessment.
“Aspects including the health and safety operating procedures are scrutinised, as are the premises, tools and equipment, administration, waste removal, staffing and so on,” he says. “Even aspects of the business such as insurance of the client’s vehicle whilst on the property of the repairer, parking facilities, lighting, ventilation and uniforms are inspected. It is a rigorous process that we as the RMI believe is essential to ensure customers know they are dealing with professionals and feel protected.”
The level of staff training is also an important aspect of the accreditation process. “Unfortunately, skills shortages are a reality. To achieve accreditation, businesses have to prove their staff have sufficient training and onthe-job experience as well as specific qualifications to meet the needs of their customers,” says Olivier.
Possibly the most important benefit of using an accredited business, though, is the knowledge that there is an association you can lean on in the event of a bad service or poor workmanship (or unethical car purchase) experience.
“Owning a motor vehicle or a fleet is a big investment. The purchase price alone is a major financial commitment and repairs don’t come cheap. It is therefore very important that you can trust the repairer to do the best job at the most affordable price. If this is not your experience then you need to approach the accrediting association to assist in a dispute resolution process. The same applies when buying a car. If you are not happy with the product or promises have not been met by the selling agent then there is a body to hear your side of the story.”
Olivier says you shouldn’t be afraid or feel uneasy to ask for proof of accreditation when considering a business. You can contact the RMI via its website, www.rmi.org.za if you’d like to find an accredited car dealer or workshop.