© 2006
Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Winter 2006
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 58
15 Service Tips From Automotive Experts
For the last century, the automotive world has had its struggles
with unscrupulous repair shops. Being a few decades older
than the garage door world, the auto industry is a few steps
ahead of us in recognizing and promoting excellence in repair
practices.
Here are some principles of excellence that have been developed
by leading automotive groups such as the National Institute
for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the AAA Approved
Auto Repair Network (AAA), and the Motorist Assurance Program
(MAP).
Does your garage door company follows these principles?
1. Do you offer free maintenance inspections? (AAA)
2. Do your written estimates guarantee that actual repair
costs will vary by no more than 10 percent (unless authorized
by the customer in advance)? (AAA)
3. Can you demonstrate that your company offers “fair
pricing”? (AAA)
4. Do you give the customer the option of keeping or inspecting
all old parts? (MAP)
5. Do you secure the customer’s prior approval before
performing any repair work? (MAP)
6. Do you include a (free) minimum limited warranty that covers
parts and labor (e.g., for 90 days)? (MAP)
7. Do you provide written recommendations for repairs that
are explained and based on (a) system failure, (b) improved
system performance, or (c) preventive maintenance, according
to accepted industry standards? (MAP)
8. Do you identify all replaced parts as new, remanufactured,
rebuilt, or used? (MAP)
9. Do you encourage your technicians to receive continuing
education and/or (IDEA) certification? (MAP)
10. Are your technicians certified by a nationally recognized
independent non-profit organization (like IDEA)? (ASE)
11. Do your technicians wear a patch that signifies their
(IDEA) certification? (ASE)
12. Is your business known for community service and civic
involvement? (ASE)
13. Does your company hold membership in the Better Business
Bureau? (ASE)
14. Does your company hold membership in a nationally recognized
professional association (like the International Door Association)
and follow its Code of Business Conduct? (ASE)
15. Are all labor rates, fees, guarantees, and methods of
payment clearly known to the customer? (ASE)
For more information on these automotive organizations, go
to www.ase.com, www.aaa.com, and www.motorist.org.
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