Tips In Negotiating With A Marine Repair Shop

By Elizabeth Robinson


Some people have boats and maintaining them properly is important for them to function well when used and last longer. This would help to prevent their parts from sustaining damages which might require them to be repaired or replaced. Doing this will save your money from being spent on things that were not expected and planned.

But no matter what kind of care you have given your boat, a time will come that some parts would get damaged or not function anymore properly. You can visit a marine repair southern California shop and ask their help for problems like this. Although repairing them is possible by yourself if you do have the knowledge and skills for doing these tasks but better have professionals do them.

Having a tight budget is fine as long as you will immediate inform the shop of your status so they can recommend the best course of action. They would usually suggest in having the project done in stages with the important ones being prioritized. Ask them also how much is the cost of similar repairs they worked on before.

Have an estimate written before they would start working on your project and remember that this is just an approximation. The chances of the cost increasing is there because of unexpected problems that may pop up later during the process. You could tell them to ask your permission before they will proceed repairing the new issues specially when it exceeds the budget.

Ask evidences showing they did repairs and replacements like taking pictures on those little works they did and giving back to you the damaged parts. This would prevent them from performing repairs which is not needed or charging you of things not done. This is a prohibited practice on reputable companies for their mechanics but still better be sure.

If the estimates given to you do not seem to look right then ask second opinions from marine surveyors and other shops. Doing so will make you have more options and determine which offers a better deal but those with extreme differences on prices are worrisome. Ask their reasons in having different fees compared with others.

Once you have chosen and approved an estimate, let them draw up a work order which the basic details about the project are written. This includes the instructions, cost estimates, forms, starting date and the assigned mechanic. Make sure that the estimated date of completion is included and the assigned mechanic has his own copy of this.

Determine what payment plan to follow specially on larger projects which usually requires a payment from you before the following stage is continued. Make sure that specific stage is already done before you pay them by verifying it yourself during a visit. Hire a marine surveyor if you are unable to go and do periodic checks on their progress.

Remember when requesting things with the shop, not everything could be given to you. Although if the company does not show interest with helping you during negotiation then find another one. Reputable ones always make customer service an important aspect of their business.




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