For those that don't know, I'm a fixed operations (parts and service) consultant for car dealerships. Been doing it since 1981. Our industry works pretty good most of the time, but we are loosey goosey, and sometime work with gentlemens agreements. Read this whole link, but at least from page 5 on http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/07_AutoRepair/Auto_Rep_Guide.pdf This is Hal's Cliffnotes California BAR requires a written estimate on service work. Any change needs an approval in person or by phone. The vendor is required to put the time, date, and the revised amount. The price can’t be changed from a complete original estimate for any reason, including tax, if it included tax. So a vender has to state if the estimate includes tax or not. Can’t be even a penny over the estimate, the rumor of 10% over is OK, is false. The supplemental increase for more parts or labor is the only reason for a revised estimate. Never sign a blank repair order. I, myself would require an email stating the changes in price for additional parts and labor, not a change in the original estimate. If I was a vendor, I would want my customer to approve the increase in cost for parts and or labor. We have email now. Send the customer an email laying out the increase in cost, have him respond to the email authorizing the increase from the estimate. So, if you take your car to a shop in CA. Three things need to happen. The vendor is required to open a repair order for the job. You must sign it, authorize the repair, and be given a copy of the repair order. If the estimate can't be given at that time, it should be noted that the estimate will follow. If there is an estimate fee for tear down, and the customer declines, he will have to pay the tear down fee he authorized. The tear down fee must include the labor to put it back together in case you decline to work. Most states have similar laws to protect customers and vendors similar to California. These laws are there to protect both vendors/dealers and their customers.
Since 1974 Josh Read page 5 on http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/07_AutoRepair/Auto_Rep_Guide.pdf
wow, thats scary that he didnt know this. it would be like me going into his business to set up his computer systems, quote him 120 an hour but bill him 200 an hour because the work was harder than i had originally thought...
LMFAO...............................I was thinking the same! I guess I know where I will "NEVER" take my car:zorro: Scary to think how people will flap their pie hole without even knowning what they are talking about. You know what they say about, "ASSUMING"! A huge :thanks: to Hal for posting this:magic:!
When I first opened my business, this was done under the Davis campaign and laws and regulations where different then. I just got off the phone with Marvin at the BAR concerning this, and yes the laws are different now. Laws change all the time and nobody is going to call you from an agency and say btw did you know the law changed. Thank you Hal for pointing this out, I have an appointment tomorrow with the BAR.
that makes sense dude, but only to a point. it really is up to the business to know and practice current business standards. i just find it amazing you havent heard anything about this. a major reason why you should be up to the current business standard is to cover your ass. thats why i do it. i need to make sure i have all my ducks in a row just in case i screw up and possibly get sued.
First hand Experience I recently used the Bureau of Automotive Repair and they responded in 30 days. The case is still active and open and recently I found more documents to send them. For business removing exhausts, changing estimates after your car has been worked on, NOT INSTALLING WHAT YOU SPECIFIED, or not filling out the required estimate sheet, the BAR will come down hard with your case and they refer them to the California Attorney General. Trust me I know!!!:bigwink:
Recommended Member/Vendor Agreement Reply to Thread When I first started out my company, this was done under the Davis strategy and rules where different then. I just got off the cellphone with Marvin at the BAR concerning this, and yes the laws and rules are different now. Laws modify all enough some time to nobody is going to contact you from an organization and say btw did you know the law modified. Thank you Hal for directing this out, I have an consultation the next day with the BAR.