What Do You Look for In An Auto Repair Shop?

by Marjorie, Social Media Manager

Here at the shop lately, we've been brainstorming ways to keep our customers happy (and get more of them, of course!). In the process, it's occurred to us that our customers aren't always predictable! What we feel is most important in quality auto repair service isn't always the same as what you - the West Michigan driver - feel is most important.

Educating our customers is an important part of our business, because we want you to feel that you KNOW what your car needs and what work is being done on it. In the spirit of a well-rounded education, we recognize that we could stand to learn more about our customers! This weekend we'll be launching a giveaway (with a juicy prize) that will help us answer some of these questions, but in the meantime we figured it wouldn't hurt to open up the discussion here.

To provide better service, we'd like to get into the heads of car owners and find out what's most important to them when it comes to auto repair. For example:

What do you look for in an auto repair shop?

How do you, your friends or your family choose a new mechanic?

What unpleasant experiences have you had in repair shops that you'd like to avoid?

So if you have any thoughts, go ahead and pitch in! Tell us what makes you keep coming back to your favorite auto repair garage or mechanic - or what makes you run. We appreciate any feedback you have to help us provide you with better service.

Don't forget to stay tuned for our giveaway later this week!

Safe driving...

A Woman’s Point of View: A Tribute to the Customer

by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager

We have the most wonderful customers in the world. The excitement of waiting for your car to be worked on ranks somewhere between going to the dentist and watching paint dry. You know - the “good news/bad news” syndrome. But mostly, it is just plain boring. Every person who comes into the waiting area adds something quite special to the space they occupy and gives off their own unique charge of energy to the whole room.

There is the businessperson who closes deals on their cell phone. The mother with two young children who got maybe 3 hours of sleep last night, gently reading or singing to her fussy babies. The young entrepreneur who is madly working on his laptop, making all the pieces fit into his new, fledgling endeavor. The author, who is writing the next chapter in his head and mentally is a million miles away. The sportswoman, who has too much energy to sit and wait and finally jumps up and out the door to take a “small” 3 mile run. The retirees, who have all the time in the world and a treasure trove of wisdom to share with anyone wise enough to listen. The woman who quietly sits and knits newborn baby caps she donates to the hospital. She also brings us the best Banana Bread you ever tasted in your life. Every person met in a day has something positive to bring into our lives. Seize the opportunity.