Know the Product
On occasion, a customer will ask a shop to install a product on their Mustang, only to find after the install it’s not what they wanted. Then they place the blame on the shop for not explaining the product to them. As a consumer, it’s your job to make sure you know the product that will be installed on your Mustang. Do your research before you pay to have the product installed. Ask as many questions as you can about the product. Contact the manufacturer. Ask other Mustang enthusiasts what they think of the product. If you can, find another Mustang owner with the product on their car and check it out in person. Remember, it’s the shops job to install the product. It’s your job to know what they are installing.
Before the Install
So, you’ve selected a product you like and you've enlisted a shop to install if for you. If you’ve done your homework, you know quite a bit about the product being installed. Before the install, make sure to:- Get a written estimate of the work (labor) being completed
- Obtain a detailed invoice of the parts being installed and the prices for each
- Let the shop know if you want replaced parts returned to you after the install
- Ask any final questions you might have
Most legitimate shops will be happy to assist you with these items. If a shop won’t tell you what labor will cost up front, something is wrong. Go somewhere else. The same goes for invoicing. If a shop doesn’t give customers invoices, something is wrong. Once again, look elsewhere.
Spread the Word
If more customers were vocal in their business dealings with shops, it would make things easier for new customers who know nothing about the business. If you have a problem with a shop, notify the owner as soon as possible. If they can not resolve the issue, contact the Better Business Bureau. Most importantly, let others know about the service you received. Tell your friends and family. Spread the word. Power is in the numbers. If you have something to say, good or bad, tell as many people possible. It pays to be vocal. You might save someone else money later on down the road.If you'd had an experience with a local tuner shop that you'd like to share, talk about it in our forums.
