Complaining after 3 day wait turns into 6 day wait?

1. 89

   WryLiltposted 13 years ago

   Someone reversed into our car in a parking lot and fortunately they gave us insurance details so they are paying to get our car fixed.
   
   I booked it into a local repair place that is well known locally. Originally they told me it would be five days but after I explained that it was our only car and we really needed it, they said they could do it in three.
   
   I was meant to pick it up Friday and then this morning, but now I've been told it won't be ready till 5pm this afternoon. That makes it six days they've had it. I've already cancelled three different places and things I was meant to go to, on the weekend and today.
   
   Since I have a baby, it's not that easy to get someone to just pick us up, without a car seat. So I've been stuck in the house for six days.
   
   What would you say or do in this situation? I don't want to be the 'evil customer' but I definitely want them to know that it's not acceptable to put me to that level of inconvenience.

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      equipmentproposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      This is a tough situation because to sue the garage is probably going to cost you more time and money than you would ever recover.  I think your best option is to go after their reputation and their pocketbook.  Post your thoughts on how you were treated in on-line review sites like Angies list and epinions.  Also, make sure to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.  This really works because the BBB tracks these complaints and uses them for referral purposes.  You can also complain to your local Chamber of Commerce.  None of these things will get your car back any sooner, but it might warn someone else who is thinking of using this shop that they are not dependable.  Good luck!

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      1. 89

         WryLiltposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you, that looks like a good option. I've already commented on my facebook that I'd never recommend them to anyone. I'm hoping they did a good job, because if they didn't I'll be doubly upset!

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2. 63

   Wendy Krickposted 13 years ago

   Contact their insurance company. They may pay to put you in a rental car. It doesn't hurt to ask. Since it was their fault.

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   1. 89

      WryLiltposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Already did that. I'd have to pay $100 extra to get a rental car. Not in the budget!

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      1. 0

         Toby Hansenposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         My insurance covers a rental car if the garage does not give me a courtesy car. Maybe you need to change insurers/gargages? I am with RACV... brilliant!

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         1. 89

            WryLiltposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            I had arrangements for my husband to borrow a ute till the weekend and managed to get to this morning, however I needed to do some things before work tomorrow. However with this much time there isn't much point in getting a rental car, and anything like that seems to make a note on my insurance. And as mentioned above, they were going to charge me $100 if I got a rental on the other person's insurance.

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3. 60

   KristenGraceposted 13 years ago

   Ugh, truthfully I don't know how to assist with this situation, but I can certainly sympathize with you.  If I were in your shoes, I would feel so aggravated right now!

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4. 76

   Hugh Williamsonposted 13 years ago

   Hi Wrylilt. Sorry to hear you're having problems.
   
   If you can show that you've been financially damaged by an unreasonable delay by the garage, you can avail yourself to the usual legal options, including small claims court.
   
   Many states have a Garage Frauds Unit - If yours has one, you can call and ask them if you have any recourse available.
   
   A lot may depend on what you have in writing from the garage.
   
   Hope it works out for you.

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   1. 89

      WryLiltposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hmmm don't think I want to take it that far. Too much going on right now to go through more red tape!

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5. 80

   schoolgirlforrealposted 13 years ago

   This may not help at all, but this is my idea:
   
   Go down there (or call them) and say:
   
   Listen, you've taken way too much time to fix this car, and I'm incapasitated with my baby at home, I cannot go to the store to buy food cause I live too far, and without that car, I will starve!
   If you don't fix that soon, I will "haul you into court!!"
   
   
   
   did that help??

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      schoolgirlforrealposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      that's my brother's humor. He loves to use that phrase "haul you into court" I think he wanted to be a lawyer.
      Anyways, I actually said stuff similar...thou I don't know if it helped anyways, thought it may give you a bit of a laugh.
      
      

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