Repair Shop Timelines: Do they exist?

[fastricky]

Hi all, in your experience when having had to drop off your '02 with a shop:

 

1. You are given a timeline of when the work will be completed +/-, the shop keeps you informed of progress towards that timeline, and is prompt in replying to emails / calls to provide updates.

 

2. You drop the keys off and the car enters a black hole in which further communication becomes highly erratic, any previously discussed timeline is wildly overshot with no new goal set, and you're forced to simply shrug your shoulders / grin and bear it.

 

I've had both experiences, but recently am living with scenario #2 and it kinda sucks.

[KenH]

Unfortunately I think #2 happens too often at both good and not so good shops.  Not sure if this is due to most of these shops being small and getting more work than they can handle or not.  I know of a car in a well respected shop that has been there for several months.  The point is you can do you research, talk to other member and still get stuck in a #2 experience. Not fun at all.

[fastricky]

Additional info is that this is a super high end shop... I don't think asking for updates and working to a very generous timeline (8 months!) was unreasonable. Plus I'm paying absolute top dollar to boot.

[coloincaalpine RIP 2021]

Having had been a shop owner/operator for many years, regardless of how long it takes to complete a job, communication is key.

dq

[KenH]

5 minutes ago, coloincaalpine said:

Having had been a shop owner/operator for many years, regardless of how long it takes to complete a job, communication is key.

dq

 

Agree 100%, not knowing is the worse.

[1936spyder]

This question has been a concern of mine recently as well, as work should begin soon to fix the rear end damage that occurred to my car a few months ago. I've already waited almost two months just to get my car in the shop and the work started, so that begs the question of how long the work will actually take once it commences.

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[fastricky]

8 minutes ago, coloincaalpine said:

Having had been a shop owner/operator for many years, regardless of how long it takes to complete a job, communication is key.

dq

 

Yes! Doesn't seem to be asking for much, but it'd also wish that the timing goal posts stayed more predictable.

[fastricky]

What is really the worst part is having numerous unanswered emails and phone calls... did I mention this is a top dollar job?

[1936spyder]

What is really the worst part is having numerous unanswered emails and phone calls... did I mention this is a top dollar job?

What's being done? Bodywork and full repaint?

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[fastricky]

1 minute ago, 1936spyder said:

What's being done? Bodywork and full repaint?

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Engine rebuild (already finished), numerous trim fixes/front bumper alignment. Interior tweaks. Remove fuel smell from interior. Replace warm up regulator. Seal some underbody sections.

[conkitchen]

I always say whatever your budget is (time and or money) triple it and you will be close. 

 

I waited nearly 2 years to get my car from the body shop only and it was not 100% completed I just was done with the excuses and delay.  

 

Even if you are willing to pay top dollar, that does not mean you get top quality these days. The not so good shops all think they are better than they are while the good shops are too busy to tackle your project, but take on the work anyway cause it means making payroll with your deposit.  The really good shops don't even want your business, cause they have clients with blank check books the partner does not have oversight of.  

 

This is why I do most of my own work whenever possible cause it gets done right and on time for cost. 

 

but what do I kknow

 

 

[NYNick]

If it's the shop I think it is, yes, you're paying top dollar. They have a top notch reputation and I'm betting you'll be thrilled with the outcome.

 

Too bad they're so slow. It is Springtime however and everybody and their brother wants their car. I'd take a drive up there if I were you.

 

Nick

[fastricky]

6 minutes ago, NYNick said:

If it's the shop I think it is, yes, you're paying top dollar. They have a top notch reputation and I'm betting you'll be thrilled with the outcome.

 

Too bad they're so slow. It is Springtime however and everybody and their brother wants their car. I'd take a drive up there if I were you.

 

Nick

Yup, planning on that Friday thanks Nick

 

[1936spyder]

I'm curious to know how long you had to wait before they could start working on your car? Meaning, between the time that you spoke to them and agreed on what you wanted to have done and when you actually brought your car to the shop to commence work.

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[fastricky]

1 minute ago, 1936spyder said:

I'm curious to know how long you had to wait before they could start working on your car? Meaning, between the time that you spoke to them and agreed on what you wanted to have done and when you actually brought your car to the shop to commence work.

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Glad you brought that up:

 

I had work done on the car last spring. I picked it up @ this time last year and let them know I'd like the remaining work on the car it needs done, (engine rebuild + other asst work) and to put me on their queue as I'd be re-dropping off the car in October which I did. When I dropped off the car I already was getting a sob story about other customers jumping in and that they'd do their best to honor having the car ready by Spring. The car sat all winter until @ Feb when they finally began to work on the engine. I was sent a vid of the engine being tested weeks ago with a promise to give me a timeline on the remaining work. Nothing since and I called a few days ago to check in.

 

Now, what I wish happened was that they told me straight up BEFORE I brought the car in in October that they'd have trouble having the car ready for this Spring, so I could then weigh my options, rather than avoid the topic.

 

I'm going to just pop up in the next day or so and I won't be surprised if I don't see the car in the shop being worked on... Anyway, supposedly the work is sublime so there is that, but this taints that considerably. You'd think a quality shop would know a little something about customer relations.