“A Dash of Curry” is pleased to feature this guest blog post by Jody DeVere, the CEO and President of AskPatty.com, Inc. AskPatty.com
helps automotive retailers attract, sell, retain and increase loyalty with women customers, certified dealers are held to a high level of customer satisfaction. Curry’s Auto Service is a Certified, Female Friendly Auto Repair Shop.
Car Maintenance….Women Call The Shots!
Women represent between 60% – 70% of customers at automotive repair facilities. Women call the shots on the family car purchase and play an important role in the overall maintenance,so if you don’t know much about automotive maintenance, do yourself a favor and learn it. Here are a few tips:
- Begin shopping for a repair shop before you need one. By asking friends and associates for their recommendations.
- Look for a neat, well-organized facility with vehicles that are equal in value to your own on the parking lot and professional technicians in the service bays. Avoid establishments where you feel ignored, patronized or rushed.
- Look at the credentials of the business and the employees who will service your vehicle. Most shops will post educational certifications or accomplishments and professional business affiliations in their waiting areas. Some affiliations to look for include trade association membership, such as the Automotive Service Association (ASA), and membership in the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for certification or education offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), or are an AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® repair facility.
- Be prepared to describe your vehicle’s symptoms and supply a written list of recent problems. Then make sure a written estimate is provided prior to letting the business begin the repair.
- Before you leave, be sure you understand all shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees, and methods of payment. Have a written guarantee of all work performed and asks about the shop’s warranty.
- Start off with a minor job. If it is satisfactory, return with more complicated repairs.
- Request the return of all replaced parts for your assurance of installation. By asking for your old parts, you will be assured of the work done.
- If they make a service recommendation that sounds unnecessary, get a second opinion. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
- Is the work guaranteed? In writing? If not, watch out.
Jody DeVere is the CEO & president of AskPatty.com. Contact her via email at [email protected].