Almost half of motorists worry that they will be overcharged for work if they go to a garage they have not used before. That is the finding of a new survey of over 1,000 motorists, which was commissioned by servicing price comparison website, MyCarNeedsA.com.
The survey also found that just 28% of motorists completely trust the garage they use regularly, but one in eight motorists worry they may be overcharged by their regular garage. A further 49% of motorists will only use a garage if it has been recommended by family and friends.
Although a commonly held view is that women are more likely to be ripped off by garages, the research shows this isn’t the case, with more men (9%) claiming to have been overcharged by a garage over the last 12 months, compared with 6% of women. Men are also more likely to trust garages, with a third claiming to completely trust their regular garage, compared with 26% of women.
It’s no surprise the findings show that 23% of women feel intimidated by garage staff, while just 10% of men feel the same way. According to MyCarNeedsA.com, women have historically been treated differently from men by the automotive industry, but this is changing slowly. Managing Director of MyCarNeedsA.com comments: “Many garages are recognising that women should be treated in the same way as men and that all customers should be treated in a fair and professional manner. We know of several garages that have had excellent reviews from their female customers.
“We work closely with reputable garages to give consumers a quality service, at the right price. Many consumers feel more comfortable using our site to find a garage and source a quote, rather than dealing with garages directly. So it’s a win, win situation. The garages enjoy incremental income from jobs booked through us, which that they wouldn’t have otherwise.
“It is vital for garages to build a reputation based on quality and trust. Our research shows that in 37% of jobs, the customer feedback and ratings are the influencing factor in deciding which garage to choose. MyCarNeedsA.com helps garages build trust and ultimately, drive more customers through their books.
“We have taken extra care to select only the best garages to partner with us and we now work with 4,000 garage and workshop partners nationwide. Only Authorised Repairers provide quotes for work, after a thorough vetting process and genuine parts are used on all customer vehicles. Service books are stamped and a 12 month guarantee on all parts and labour is provided.”
