The Elderly

[alanh]

How do you treat these customers.

They always get a good deal from me as I feel sorry for them. I get elderly people come to me and show me the quotes they have got and I get really annoyed. I do not understand how anyone can rip these people off. I had one come in a few weeks back and they had a scuff on the arch and a tiny dent. The main Ford bodyshop quoted over £600
I charged £125 and it took me less than 2 hours. I would have charged a bit more but I wanted to help out.

I would never rip anyone off and always try to be fair. No I am not the cheapest smart repairer but my work is good (i like to think) and I am more than willing to sort out any problems if I need to.

I also find that the elderly are great loyal customers and always really grateful. I have got a lot of repeat business and referrals from my old customers. Better that dealing with some of the knob end car dealers any day!
Do you help the aged?

[AshfieldAutospray]

I agree entirely.  I do not in anyway rip older people off, in fact I probably give them a better deal like you.  I just find them so much nicer to deal with.  They genuinely seem to appreciate you repairing their car and seem to like somebody to talk to.  They're always good payers, keep you supplied in brews and usually recommend you to somebody else.

Much nicer in my opinion that the young kid with his Imprezza/Evo/GTI or the snotty git in the suit with his German car.

From my experience some people appreciate your help and others just treat you like sh*t.

[Owen]

Same goes here.  Fantastic people to deal with usually, and are genuinely appreciative of the work we do.  They don't seem to mind waiting a day or two if it's bucketing down either which is a welcome change compared to younger drivers who want everything done yesterday.

[Smart-Tech]

I went to look at a Volvo for an older customer who had taken a recommendation from a local garage. Paint transfer polished off and I The guy insisted on paying me £50. I had said FOC but he was amazed that I had told him the truth.

[Carfixer]

I go to a sheltered accomodation a couple of times a year, and when i arrive theres always some old boys come out with their chairs to have a chat, then the tea tray arrives and the kipling cakes, i've got it so good now that they even get my favourite in for when i turn up (Cherry Bakewell) an we have a good old natter whilst i repair the scuffs to the corner of a Micra,always scuffs to wing of a micra as theres four on site, I recon if i go enuf i can get them all to buy the same colour when they next come up for changing !