Should know better
Oct. 3rd, 2003 08:47 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
westernindI 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.
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.
