Getting repair quotes - willingness

[B92 8NW]

Is it unorthodox or impolite to basically fax a whole bunch of mechanics with details of a job that you need done such that it is basically an "invitation to tender"?

I've rung quite a few mechanics who seem unwilling to do a job and don't seem to straight out say "sorry, I'm not interested in taking that on" / "it isn't feasible" / "I don't think it's worth my time" but rather just quote silly.

It seems sensible to me that if a firm isn't interested in the job, they simply don't reply back and if one is, they fax back you back with a roughish quote. At least it sorts who's only going to pass the job off without having to pay to truck it to them.

It's almost beyond me that any mechanic would turn a job down in the so-called "GFC".

[Basil135]

I do this quite often, most recently yesterday.

I was looking for some lights. Sent of 6 or so emails. Received a reply from most of them, and the price ended up nearly half from a local supplier.

It certainly pays to shop around.

I have found that if a largeish company doesnt bother replying, then I wont chase them up, and will go somewhere else.

My time is valuable, as is theirs. By sending an email (or fax) I figure they will get to it when they can. If I get a response within about 48 hours or so, then I am happy.

Sometimes, a follow up phone call is necessay, especially if you are particulary interested in a price from a specific supplier.

[mudmouse]

Their response may depend on if it's for the Merc or the Disco?? :p

I wouldn't think it a problem offering your business based on a summary of faults, as you say it's like tender and if they're not interested enough to respond with any level of thought, then that is probably a reflection of their work ethic...?

At the end of the day you're offering them money and, within reason, I'd be going with the mob who value your time and your business. I was once told, 'Mechanics are like Barbers - find one you like and stick with them'. Mind you, I've cut my own hair for the past 15 years...... :D

Matt.

[abaddonxi]

Spoke to my mechanic recently and he was flat out, everyone fixing up the old car not buying new - GFC.

Simon

[Blknight.aus]

grease monkies are in short supply....

I just got back from tindal and while there got sharked by 2 mech companies that we were farming work out to that we couldnt deal with....

OOC

What were you wanting done.

[hiline]

mate of mine owns a heads shop and he loves the thought of GFC happening

like someone has already said
you cant afford a new one you'll need to repair what you have