Finding the Right Body Shop: Balancing Experience and Quality of Work
When it comes to finding the right body shop, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, you want to consider the experience of the shop. Not just, “how long have they been in business?”. Do they have certified technicians working on your car? Experience is important because it can give you an idea of how well the shop knows what they’re doing and how much experience they have working on cars like yours.
But, experience isn’t the only thing you should keep in mind. You also want to consider the quality of work that a body shop provides. Are they using original equipment manufacturer parts, or cheaper aftermarket alternatives? Do they have certifications from reputable organizations? These are all things that can give you an idea of how well the shop does its work.
Experience
So, we’ve talked about the importance of experience when it comes to finding the right body shop, but why is it so important?
When you’re evaluating a body shop’s experience, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. One is the length of time the management or ownership has been in the industry. Shop leadership that has been around for a while is likely to have more experience than one that’s just starting out. Another factor to consider is the number of certified technicians they have on staff. Technicians that are certified have completed additional training and passed a test, which can give you an added level of confidence in their abilities.
Additionally, you can ask the body shop if they have experience in dealing with similar repairs, do they use latest technology and equipment, are they up-to-date with the latest industry standards, those are also important factors to consider when evaluating a body shop’s experience.
Quality of Work
It’s just as important, if not more important, to make sure that the shop is doing a good job on your car.
When it comes to the quality of work, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. One of the key things while finding the right body shop is whether or not they are using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. OEM parts are made by the same company that made the parts for your car when it was first built, so they’re going to fit and function properly. On the other hand, aftermarket parts are made by a third party, so the quality can vary. It’s important to check if the body shop use OEM parts and if not, ask why.
Another factor to consider is whether or not the shop is certified by OEMS or affiliated with reputable organizations. Are they aligned with nationally recognized organizations such as SCRS (Society of Collision Repair Experts) or the National Auto Body Council (NABC)? These organizational associations will tell a lot about the mindset of the shop’s ownership and management.
Final Thoughts About Finding the Right Body Shop
So, we’ve covered a lot of ground when it comes to choosing the right body shop. We’ve talked about the importance of both experience and quality of work, and the factors you should consider when evaluating a shop. But, before you make your final decision, here are some final thoughts and recommendations to keep in mind.
First of all, don’t be afraid to ask questions and shop around. You want to make sure that you feel comfortable with the shop you’re choosing and that you have confidence in their abilities. You can ask for references, pictures of their previous work or even visit their facilities before you make your decision.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Sometimes you get what you pay for, so don’t be swayed by a low price if the shop doesn’t have the experience or quality of work you’re looking for. Instead, weigh the importance of experience and quality of work against the cost and make your decision accordingly.
Additionally, pay attention to the warranties and guarantees that the shop offers. It’s a good indication of their confidence in the work they do, if they offer a warranty or a guarantee for the work, it usually means that they are quite sure that the work will last for a certain period of time.
Finally, Trust your instincts. If you walk into a shop and it doesn’t feel right, or if the staff can’t answer your questions or are not transparent, it’s probably best to keep looking.
In summary, it’s important to take your time when choosing a body shop, ask questions, shop around and consider factors such as experience, quality of work, warranties and guarantees, don’t be swayed by a low price, and trust your instincts when making your final decision. With a little bit of research, you can find the right body shop for your needs and get your car back on the road in no time.
Feel free to reach out to us at any time with any questions you might have.
