When money is tight and the economy is in turmoil, people still need to have their mode of transport repaired and serviced, especially for example if their vehicle is using too much gas or needs new tyres or requires defective brakes to be urgently fixed for safety reasons.

However, many motorists looking for a good panel beater or garage to fix their car become more selective and careful in an effort to find the best bargain at the lowest price. A lot of motorists are also aware that some repair garages are eager to compete against competitors in their own field and will look around to see who is offering the best deal and superior customer service that will satisfy their requirements.

These day’s, many vehicle owners generally have their cars, trucks, vans, pickups and motor cycles repaired at a garage or motor mechanic outlet near where they live or work for convenience sake.

But in many densely populated areas there can be 2, 3 or 4 different garages within a stones throw of each other that specialize in fixing vehicles.

However, during an economic downturn some people instead of having their vehicle serviced regularly, for example every 6 months may stretch it out to maybe 9 months. To fill this void and to attract new customer’s, garage owners and mechanical repair shops that have empty hoists and workshops can take positive steps to offer special deals and exceptional customer service such as providing clients free tea/coffee, newspaper, internet and TV while they wait for their vehicle to be repaired. Also, if a customer needs transport to get to work many garages may offer clients the use of a courtesy car to drive until their car has been repaired.

By offering good customer service many garages and vehicle repair depots can build long term customer loyalty and repeat business.

To stay in business, garage owners rely a great deal on the repeat business of satisfied clients and especially customer loyalty to ensure their income stream and profit margins are maintained. It is therefore important for customer service skills and standards to be reviewed and where possible improved. This can be done through some basic mentoring and coaching of staff so that they welcome customers with a friendly smile and by ensuring they are not kept waiting.

Customers should also be given some idea how much it will cost to repair their vehicle and their phone number taken so they can be contacted when it is ready.