What to do After a Bad Auto Shop Experience
Posted on March 7th, 2011 by Keri DeVrieze
If you’ve had a bad experience at a shop and think you may have been ripped off or charged for something you didn’t want, then here are a few tips to resolve the issue:
- If you can’t resolve the issue with the person immediately involved, then contact the next level of management. If you’re problem is with a new car dealer, then contact the auto manufacturer’s regional office or their customer satisfaction department. If your problem is with a chain store of some type, contact the regional or national office. If you’re dealing with an independently owned business, speak directly to the owner.
- If the problem absolutely can’t be resolved, you can register a complaint with your local Better Business Bureau. The BBB has no enforcement authority, but they can sometimes bring pressure to bear on a member that may lead to a resolution. You can also contact your city or state consumer affair office. They may take a more aggressive approach on your behalf, in order to reach resolution.
- If you live in a place where your repair facilities must be licensed, contact the agency that regulates auto repair businesses.
- If you believe that you have legitimately been a victim of fraud, contact your state attorney generals office (or the applicable government agency that polices auto repair fraud cases).
- If many avenues have been explored and there is still no resolution, you could actually contact your local television news station and encourage someone to “look into” the matter. Many stations often have a program that airs periodically where they deal with issues such as this.
- Word of mouth can sometimes be the most effective way to help prevent others from ending up in the same situation you’ve experienced. Let others know if you’ve been a victim of fraud or cheated by the shop.
- If you have explored all options and attempted to resolve the issue but have had no success, you may want to consider legal steps. Although that may take a toll on your wallet, it may be the best option if a shop has done serious damage.
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