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Thread: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

  1. #16
    Senior Member m287j's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    Good question, in theory I guess contractors and retail customers should be treated the same by a repair shop, retail clients pay full price for equipment usually plus full price on repairs so in theory they are worth more to the shop, contractors tend to spend a lot more but generally get some discounts on purchases and repairs.

    A lot of contractors I know expect priority service from a repair shop and I suppose I fall into the same boat, my livelihood depends on my equipment working, however unlike some other contractors I have 2 of everything so repair turn around times are in theory less urgent for me. I would expect to not wait any longer than a week for a repair job to be carried out though.

    A lot also depends on the relationship you have with your repair shop, I have good relations with two shops, there is a permanent discount on all my repairs and purchases of parts, furthermore any repairs tend to be done within 1 day so I can't complain.
    Competition in my area among repair shops seems pretty fierce and they all want the contractor's work so this is also a factor I guess.

  2. #17
    Junior Member GarciaS's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    I would expect a faster turn around time than 3 weeks especially if youre a regular and/or bought your gear from them.

    Actions speak louder than words, take your busines elsewhere. If you couldnt action a quote in the time frame a customer wanted they would choose someone else. If my repair shop cant fix my gear in an acceptable timeframe I tell them I need it sooner so will try and find someone than can do it quicker, in a nice way of course. 9 times outmof ten they ask when I need it by and fit it in.

    Give your business to someone that WANTS it, not someone that DOESN'T care for it.

  3. #18
    Member Mick's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    The guy that owns the shop that I go to was once a contractor himself and knows full well the importance of getting back out to work asap. Its how we make money to survive unlike some home owner that can always hire a contractor if he's desperate!
    He will look after a contractor before all others if at all possible.
    Just one example, I had a problem, taken the machine in, they dropped everything to get me out again. Job required partially dismantling the engine, taking off exhaust, welding and putting it all back together, all while I waited. Hell, Ive had stuff repaired (just quick easy stuff) on the spot heaps of times, sometimes they won't even charge me!
    For that kind of service they will get my continued business and loyalty, no haggling on prices etc.

    If a dealer told me I had to wait a week before they could even look at the machine, they would loose my business, probably for ever!

    The problem with most dealers is they have no idea what its like to be a contractor!

  4. #19
    Member Redeye's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    I'm with you Mick, my local bloke always fixes my problems asap, usually overnight - if a shop expected me to wait at the end of queue with mostly blokes who mow their lawn every couple of weeks, I'd be straight out the door

    edit - to answer the OP, yes, IMHO




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  5. #20
    Member hjl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    To answer the OP,yes,IMHO. +1
    Living in a rural town I have to wait a month or more at times to have things fixed. I have learnt to have 2 of everything. There is no Rover, Honda or Victa dealer in my town. So fend for yourself.
    Cheers
    hjl

  6. #21
    Senior Member RSM-Gazza's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    Every single item of my powered gear, accessories, parts and on going operational items, ie whipper line has been purchased from one well respected shop only.

    When ever I've had a break down that's requires a shop repair, they fix it whilst I wait, even the ride-on. This happens anytime of the year, even peak season.
    If the repair is bigger, then I collect by early the next morning.

    Support you local dealer and they will (or should) support you. Plus a I send them a professionally printed Christmas card with a slab of Au's finest on the last Friday prior to xmas.
    Some times when I come in on a mid morning I'm invited in for a morning smoko coffee with the team and some times when coming in just prior to lock up on a Friday for an urgent spare part I've been asked to have a coldie with the team.
    Shopping online sometimes doesn't pay in the long run for the mechanical rated business items.
    Cheers Garry

  7. #22
    Senior Member DavidS's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    I use the same shop for all my servicing and repairs, when I don't have time to do myself. They give me priority if I ask for it, otherwise I tell them I need it by the end of the week or in a few days time, they always have it ready for me. If I need a mower cord replaced they drop everything and do it for me while I wait. I pay my account as soon as I receive it, all this helps me get a priority service.

  8. #23
    Senior Member NLALM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    The guys I use are really good they even dropped a mower to my house today after hours so I can use it next week. I took it in on Wednesday got it back today, they put a new gearbox in ,good service so I drive the 20 mins to their shop instead of using the biggest Honda dealer in town which is 5 mins away. If I take the walker to the walker dealer they drop everything to see if the can get me going straight away, and they are good blokes so they get my business , stuff me around and you will get no more from me. 3 week wait fark off

  9. #24
    Senior Member troppo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    If any workshop has more than a 1 week wait, I'd love to see the storage area for the backlog of machines waiting to be repaired!!!!! Just can't get my head around a 3 week wait. Personally, at this stage I do all my own repairs including engine rebuilds, as parts are usually only a couple of days away at the most if not in stock.

  10. #25
    Senior Member HPM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    Quote Originally Posted by NLALM View Post
    The guys I use are really good they even dropped a mower to my house today after hours so I can use it next week. I took it in on Wednesday got it back today, they put a new gearbox in ,good service so I drive the 20 mins to their shop instead of using the biggest Honda dealer in town which is 5 mins away. If I take the walker to the walker dealer they drop everything to see if the can get me going straight away, and they are good blokes so they get my business , stuff me around and you will get no more from me. 3 week wait fark off
    Which dealers do you go to?

    I use the Thornton mowers and chainsaws for the walker
    http://mobile.whitepages.com.au/busi...onlineRedirect
    I go out to silveys
    http://www.silveys.com.au
    for Honda and shindi stuff..

    Both dealers treat me with great customer service...way better than any of the other shops in town.

    I would also highly recommend Brett at rathmines mowers for anyone in the west lakes area.
    http://www.yellowpages.com.au/nsw/ra...7-listing.html
    Hunterpropertymaintenance@gmail.com
    Work to live, life's too short..
    Specialising in small and Large area collection mowing with Walker Mowers.

  11. #26
    Member AB318's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    Quote Originally Posted by troppo View Post
    If any workshop has more than a 1 week wait, I'd love to see the storage area for the backlog of machines waiting to be repaired!!!!! Just can't get my head around a 3 week wait. Personally, at this stage I do all my own repairs including engine rebuilds, as parts are usually only a couple of days away at the most if not in stock.
    You'd probably be more amazed at the storage area required for the finished jobs that the customer needed fixed urgently..... 6 weeks ago!

  12. #27
    Senior Member NLALM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    Quote Originally Posted by HPM View Post
    Which dealers do you go to?

    I use the Thornton mowers and chainsaws for the walker
    http://mobile.whitepages.com.au/busi...onlineRedirect
    I go out to silveys
    http://www.silveys.com.au
    for Honda and shindi stuff..

    Both dealers treat me with great customer service...way better than any of the other shops in town.

    I would also highly recommend Brett at rathmines mowers for anyone in the west lakes area.
    http://www.yellowpages.com.au/nsw/ra...7-listing.html
    Yep thornton and silveys.

  13. #28
    Member duck-01's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    my preferred shop will sometimes fix stuff for me while I wait. been standing there while they do so when they quote resi guys 3 weeks wait.

    think about it, a resi customer, 3 weeks is ONE MOW he misses, costs him $50 to get his lawn done by one of us.

    one mow for me is half an hour from any given time - if they kept my main machine for 3 weeks, id go without 90 mows at $45 average, or $4,000.

    the resi guy buys his mower from bunnings, blades from supacheap once a year, then expects service.

    I buy a mower every year from my guy, all my spares, all my repairs, all my machines from the one shop. OF COURSE hes gonna give me priority over the resi bozo.

    if he don't i'll take my business elsewhere.

    in fact, I know the mower shop HATES fixing bunnings cr@p - they only do it to stay in business.


    if you had a once a week every week $200 CUSTOMER, would you put a $20 once every 3 month mow ahead of them if they both wanted work done on a Friday arvo?

    I know who I'd look after.

    have a good aussie day

  14. #29
    Member of forum johnnie5's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    its a business and you prioritise and cater for your work

    if the business doesnt value your custom and meet your expectations then you go elsewhere

    by the same token you be realistic and fair with them , if its not urgent then let them know

    they will see the home customers drop off something and not pick it up for a week or more after it is ready

  15. #30
    Senior Member Arfa Brayne's Avatar
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    Default Re: Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs

    (A) Should contractors repairs get preference over other repairs ??

    (B) Should politicians be honest ?

    YES - but it 'Ain't gunna happen "for real" !!

    A-(unless you service your own equipment)
    B-(unless you inject an overdose of truth serum)
    "Can't" is a dirty 4 letter word.
    If someone says "Can't" , take the "T" off the end and brew it.
    Sip on a mugfull, relax, and take a look at what you've got left to work with.

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