Should know better

[westernind]

I have been stupid.

When taking a car in to be serviced or to do repairs, I know perfectly well that you should get a quote, preferably written, and agree a schedule of work to be done. Also to agree what level the garage can go to without ringing you for authorisation. And check whether prices include VAT.

I did none of these things on Wednesday. It was a verbal agreement to do "a minor service", as per the servicing book which I left in the car, and fix the knocking noise probably caused by a duff cv joint. So this is why the garage bill is now considerably higher than expected, also higher than the 'rough idea' they told me on the phone, and the VAT on top was an additional surprise because I'd foolishly thought it would be included. Unsupported assumption is the mother of all f*ckups.

Have to go get the car in a bit - really, should go now. Don't want to do it because the bloke is probably going to have a go at me like he did on the phone yesterday afternoon, and I hate loud confrontations, and I'm scared.

Am particularly kicking myself because the garage is only 200 yards up the road and it would be convenient to use it again. If I'd done things properly, no problem. Aaaggghh.

Comments

[pax-draconis.livejournal.com]

...have a go at me like he did on the phone yesterday afternoon,

What??

This doesn't sound like you, Roz. Go armed with a bat. You're a customer. Give him bloody hell and damn, and threaten to report him to MUWS^[1] if you do not have immediate satisfaction.

Anger carries you through it. I know, I've done it recently.

^[1] Made Up Watchdog Society

[westernind.livejournal.com]

I preferred to use other means...
"When you surround an army, leave an outlet free"
I asserted - in private so he wasn't forced to verify it - that his minion had given a verbal indication of cost. So he was able to retreat without loss of face and 'for goodwill' reduce the price to something more acceptable.

---

I'm less good at anger nowadays. Out of practice. Or getting soft? Anger is better than apathy; but it needs to be the right sort. As a focus of sheer force of will, will to change, for the right reasons and against a valid target; that's OK. But not if it dissipates the coherent force into irrationality and impotence - anger as an end in itself. I want that force of will - mostly, have it. Perhaps anger is most useful as the catalyst to awaken it.

This started about garage fees, but as I type I'm thinking about politics. Hmmm.

[cookwitch.livejournal.com]

Don't you DARE let him have a go at you!! The cheek of it. Come on girl, stand up to the idiot. Oh and QUESTION EVERYTHING on that bill too. They really do try to fob off girlies when it comes to cars. Honest.

Now, for future reference, this is our mechanic's number. He does H's friend Beccy's car, my Mum's car, my neighbour's car and is AMAZING. He's a good guy, the labour charges are very low (£35 to strip out and replace entire exhaust system) and he will never, ever cheat you.

His name is Dave.
Mobile No: 07766 088 836
Workshop:01708 724 372

Oh and plus he usually can collect your car from you. He's extremely busy though most of the time, just to let you know.

[westernind.livejournal.com]

I think that's Dave Hair at Bodymech. He did some work on my car last year; I got the number from jfs. It was very cheap, but I didn't find him reliable. I had to go back three times because the car kept not being ready when he said it would be, and the car stank of tobacco because the mechanic had been smoking in there. And I had to take the car back twice because the tickover was too high, and each time hang around for half an hour waiting because he wasn't there at the time we'd arranged.

So decided to look for someone possibly more expensive, but giving a better service.

[cookwitch.livejournal.com]

He doesn't work for Bodymech any more. That was when he was back in Goodmayes wasn't it? He has his own company now and, I'll be honest, he has never ever let us down. Our car's always been ready for the time he said. Oh well, each to their own.

[caffeine-fairy.livejournal.com]

1. Hug. I hate confrontation too.

2. Well done on what sounds like a solution saving face on all sides.

3. Don't do it again ;o)

[westernind.livejournal.com]

No miss, won't do it again!

btw I like your LJ icon :-)

[caffeine-fairy.livejournal.com]

Isn't it cool? bytepilot made it for me...

And have another hug, just because.