What would YOU do?

[FROSTY]

Awrighty Mr/mss biker I need to ask the collective opinion of you lot.
Heres a situation. You drop your bike into a tradesman for some minor work. The work in no way requires the bike to move.
You spot your bike an hour later parked outside a parts supplier several k's from the workshop. The bike was used to pick up parts for another job.

What would you do/say??
Not hypothtical chest beating but honest hey I would do.... answers if possible please

[kave]

I would name and shame and would not use them again. I doubt confronting the tradesman will get you anything other than plattitudes.

[Danae]

Written complaint, phone calls etc

That's pretty fukken unacceptable

[MSTRS]

I would be telling them that would be the last time I'd be using them, and why. I'd also be telling them that 'bad news' travels far and wide...

[3L4NS1R]

fair go that shizz. everyone gets scared then.

[buellbabe]

I would spit the dummy, demand a discount and never use them again...plus diss them on a public forum. Oh and get photographic evidence as well...just in case they try and deny it.

A 'test ride' is ok but using your pride and joy to pick up parts or whatever??? Thats just not cricket mate...

[slofox]

1. I think a complaint in writing would be far better than just talking to them. That way you have a paper trail and so do they. Things that are said can be forgotten rather more quickly than things that are written down...

2. Vote with your feet. Don't use 'em again. It's often the only option we have.

[one fast tl1ooo]

thats not on, i would be hittin them up about it, and not going back at all

[ManDownUnder]

Not hypothtical chest beating but honest hey I would do.... answers if possible please

Assume there's a reasonable explanation for what happen - and ask for it.

... be prepared to accept it, but keep the BS detector on.

[Big Dave]

I have no issues with a qualified mechanic taking my bike for a test ride and evaluation. If it involves him doing errands on the way - good for him.

If it's joyriding and just because it's my bike and petrol - or convenience - he a thief.

[bogan]

Assume there's a reasonable explanation for what happen - and ask for it.

... be prepared to accept it, but keep the BS detector on.

agreed, and if you dont beleive him, ask him to make it right, discount + disciplinary action if it was one of his lackys. If he doesnt then name and shame and dont go back there.

[stify]

My years in the trade have seen many many similar or worse "bad judgement calls", most required a written apoligy along with a heavily discounted invoice and/or the next job was a freebie.

[Mikkel]

Ask the tradesman in question what the reason behind your bike leaving the shop would be. What happens after that would depend very much upon his reply.

Unless he'd been taking it for a major ride or been thrashing it I wouldn't be too concerned - if reasonable explanation is provided. As a matter of fact I don't understand why bike mechanics doesn't, as a matter of course, take bikes out for a quick spin just to have a listen and get a feel for whether everything is working as it should.

[short-circuit]

Find out who it was and kick em in the nuts

[buellbabe]

As a matter of fact I don't understand why bike mechanics doesn't, as a matter of course, take bikes out for a quick spin just to have a listen and get a feel for whether everything is working as it should.

My bike ALWAYS gets taken for a test ride... but its a test ride and thats all...

Using it for any other purpose is NOT OK.

[crazyhorse]

Awrighty Mr/mss biker I need to ask the collective opinion of you lot.
Heres a situation. You drop your bike into a tradesman for some minor work. The work in no way requires the bike to move.
You spot your bike an hour later parked outside a parts supplier several k's from the workshop. The bike was used to pick up parts for another job.

What would you do/say??
Not hypothtical chest beating but honest hey I would do.... answers if possible please

I would absolutely do my BALLS!!!!! I'm outspoken and no-one crosses me. However, I wouldn't be leaving my bike anywhere that I didn't actually know the person/trademan working on it.

[Stirts]

I would shit in the pockets of the tradesmans overalls!

[kunoichi]

Yeah taking the bike out for a spin to check everything is all good is a thumbs up to the tradesman, but using it for other purposes is unprofessional! Definatly talk to him about it and if he is being an ass about it then write a formal complaint. He should be able to give u a compensation for next time, if u choose to go back. But i always check how much K's i'v clocked wen i drop off my baby to the shop and check afterwards how far they'v ridden it, not to mention ask plenty of questions, (my mechanic knows he's gota spare a good 20mins talking me thru everything he's done and tips i should look out for). I hear that women get done over by their mechanics a hell of alot more than men!

[Kiwi Graham]

Write a letter to the company asking for an explanation why your bike was out and about in the city (place and time attached) when it should have been in his workshop being fettled. Your next course of action will depend on the answer. I think a letter is the way to go Frosty instead of a phone call, it will mean they will have to give a considered reply or it will look even more suspicious. Keep us posted.

[short-circuit]

I would shit in the pockets of the tradesmans overalls!

:blip:Would you allow spectators:blip:

[CookMySock]

That would make me frown a bit, but riding my bike is not like rooting my mrs. It doesn't bother me greatly. Different story if they crashed it, and then dunno what I would do for a few tense seconds there. Doesn't bother me greatly about rooting my mrs either.

Steve

[Stirts]

:blip:Would you allow spectators:blip:

The temptation to fling would be too great!

[short-circuit]

The temptation to fling would be too great!

Yuk.

Too freaky for me lady

[dogsnbikes]

Road testing the bike I don't have a problem with.....but not for Work shop USE:shit:

If by Asking you dont get a satisfactory Answer,then proceed to a written complaint and enclose a invoice for hiring a motorcyle for the day including cost of k's travelled and cost of a full tank of gas...because Im sure they forgot too fill the tank up before giving the bike back:shutup:

[-df-]

I would ask why I saw my bike parked there, listen to the answer (altho I can't think of an answer I would accept) and then grab my keys and take my bike telling them they can get stuffed on payment.

How do you know they haven't thrashed the bike?

Name and SHAME!!

[MotoGirl]

I can't think of any justification for a tradesman using my bike for tiki touring, even if the other stops were on his way. I refuse to have someone doing other work at my expense.

Also, if I was led to believe that the bike didn't need to move then I would be at the shop and looking for blood. My bike would be removed from that environment quick smart and no apology or excuse could convince me otherwise. Riding a customer's bike is a privilege, not an entitlement.

Edit: I have an agreement with my bike shop that they contact me if there are any changes to pre-agreed plans.

[Winston001]

I have no issues with a qualified mechanic taking my bike for a test ride and evaluation. If it involves him doing errands on the way - good for him.

If it's joyriding and just because it's my bike and petrol - or convenience - he a thief.


Ask the tradesman in question what the reason behind your bike leaving the shop would be. What happens after that would depend very much upon his reply.

Unless he'd been taking it for a major ride or been thrashing it I wouldn't be too concerned - if reasonable explanation is provided.

Possibly Frosty is referring to a small paint touchup or electrical job - not necessarily a mechanic. No need to ride the bike at all.

I'd think it was a bit cheeky but wouldn't be upset. Depends on how far, the purpose, and who was riding it. If it was an apprentice who wanted to try out a Duc, wouldn't be impressed.

Ask and listen.

[SPman]

Wot Big Bad Dave says..........

[bogan]

another idea, they rode yours for an errand, so ask if you can ride one of thiers for an 'errand', such as taking an R6 to get fish and chips form the other end of the country :shifty:

[YellowDog]

Awrighty Mr/mss biker I need to ask the collective opinion of you lot.
Heres a situation. You drop your bike into a tradesman for some minor work. The work in no way requires the bike to move.
You spot your bike an hour later parked outside a parts supplier several k's from the workshop. The bike was used to pick up parts for another job.

What would you do/say??
Not hypothtical chest beating but honest hey I would do.... answers if possible please
I would be pretty annoyed and I would see if I could negotiate a large discount from the work in lieu of bike hire.

On the other hand if the bike needed a road test to show that the work done was good, then I wouldn't have a problem.

Real riding is always better than test riding.

[Headbanger]

I would be telling them that would be the last time I'd be using them, and why. I'd also be telling them that 'bad news' travels far and wide...

This is what I would do. And I would have done it immediately upon seeing the bike.

[yod]

I would shit in the pockets of the tradesmans overalls!


:blip:Would you allow spectators:blip:

more importantly, would you wait for him to take them off?

[Stirts]

more importantly, would you wait for him to take them off?

Yes, I am shy.

[The Pastor]

If no damage is done, i wouldnt be worried, but i'd still yell at him. Maybe hed offer a discount, but probably unlikely.

If you dont do anything, it'll happen again

[short-circuit]

more importantly, would you wait for him to take them off?

I'd watch if the overalls stayed on (youtube though probably not live :puke:)

[shafty]

Frosty, is this the type of workshop which has the sign up "Bikes stored at Owners Risk" ?

I wouldn't be happy, but would ask - and expect, a good explanation.

If the bike was in the shop for a "non test ride" job, I'd expect no labour charges as an apology.

[The Stranger]

Awrighty Mr/mss biker I need to ask the collective opinion of you lot.
Heres a situation. You drop your bike into a tradesman for some minor work. The work in no way requires the bike to move.


I tend to agree with MDU.
However, I would also point out that anyone working for me that didn't test his/her work on completion would get their arse kicked.
This may sound obvious, however in my experience both as a Carpenter then as a foreman and in IT is that most don't actually check their work adequately on "completion". I use the term loosely as as a job is not complete until it is checked.
Every bike I have worked on here be it forks, engine, brakes or electrical work has been road tested.

That said, I guess if I could paint I wouldn't be raod testing it.

[Cheshire Cat]

I wouldn't go back there ever again.

[Katman]

Frosty, is this the type of workshop which has the sign up "Bikes stored at Owners Risk" ?



I think you'll find that most workshops store vehicles "at owners risk".

That simply means that they're not covered for theft by the workshop's insurance. The premium to cover theft of customers vehicles from the workshop is huge and most don't carry it.

[Maha]

Awrighty Mr/mss biker I need to ask the collective opinion of you lot.
Heres a situation. You drop your bike into a tradesman for some minor work. The work in no way requires the bike to move.
You spot your bike an hour later parked outside a parts supplier several k's from the workshop. The bike was used to pick up parts for another job.

What would you do/say??
Not hypothtical chest beating but honest hey I would do.... answers if possible please

Why didnt you just take a car??.....:shifty:

[Katman]

Why didnt you just take a car??.....:shifty:

Yes, I'm wondering, just which way around is this hypothetical situation?

[boman]

I have no issues with a qualified mechanic taking my bike for a test ride and evaluation. If it involves him doing errands on the way - good for him.

If it's joyriding and just because it's my bike and petrol - or convenience - he a thief.

What he said.

Especially if the bike is yours, being a competent mechanic and all, there would be no reason for a test ride then.

:2guns:

[Taz]

You been using customers bikes to run errands Frosty??

[steve_t]

Find out who it was and kick em in the nuts

+1 :laugh::laugh::Punk::Punk::done:

[R1madness]

Hmm a difficult one here.

For us it is company policy that every bike worked on goes for a pre and post work ride. Otherwise how can we tell we have made a difference? It also gives us the chance to let the owner know of any problems comming up.

If the parts store is within the distance required for a test ride then it would make sence for the mechanic to stop off there to save a courier charge to another customer.

Having said that tho i must say i would look at it altoghther differently if one of my staff took a customers bike for a joyride. They would be up for disaplinary action that could involve a written warning for serious misconduct or dismissal.

Go back and talk to the SHOP OWNER not the mechanic or the shop manager. Ask for an explination, remember this will be the first he will know about it so give him a few minutes to check with his workshop manager and the person on the job. If your still not happy tell him you want to make a formal complaint in writing and that you would like a written reply. DO NOT GO IN BANGING THE DESK OR YELLING ABUSE. That will get you nowhere. Be polite, listen to the answers and take time to consider your reply. Ask them how they would feel in your situation and what they are perpared to do to put it right for you. Have something in mind that you would accept as a sign of "contrition" on their behalf. Remember if you accept their appology (if needed) or their attempt to put it right it is only fair to let people know "they have put it right".

Sometimes even mechanics are human and make mistakes or judgement errors. If you let him put it right you can end up getting the best service at the lowest price for ever. Burn him and you will only get the satisfaction once.

[Cheshire Cat]

Find out who it was and kick em in the nuts

up the dick......kick em up the dick

[The Stranger]

Hmm a difficult one here.

For us it is company policy that every bike worked on goes for a pre and post work ride. Otherwise how can we tell we have made a difference? It also gives us the chance to let the owner know of any problems comming up.

If the parts store is within the distance required for a test ride then it would make sence for the mechanic to stop off there to save a courier charge to another customer.

Having said that tho i must say i would look at it altoghther differently if one of my staff took a customers bike for a joyride. They would be up for disaplinary action that could involve a written warning for serious misconduct or dismissal.

Go back and talk to the SHOP OWNER not the mechanic or the shop manager. Ask for an explination, remember this will be the first he will know about it so give him a few minutes to check with his workshop manager and the person on the job. If your still not happy tell him you want to make a formal complaint in writing and that you would like a written reply. DO NOT GO IN BANGING THE DESK OR YELLING ABUSE. That will get you nowhere. Be polite, listen to the answers and take time to consider your reply. Ask them how they would feel in your situation and what they are perpared to do to put it right for you. Have something in mind that you would accept as a sign of "contrition" on their behalf. Remember if you accept their appology (if needed) or their attempt to put it right it is only fair to let people know "they have put it right".

Sometimes even mechanics are human and make mistakes or judgement errors. If you let him put it right you can end up getting the best service at the lowest price for ever. Burn him and you will only get the satisfaction once.


How dare you post a considered response.

The mindless zombies want to feast - we will not be denied!

[nodrog]

i would write about it on the interweb

[Rosie]

I would seriously question their judgement and good taste.
A whole workshop full of bikes, and they choose to go for a joyride on the girly little sherpa? :mellow:

[PrincessBandit]

The temptation to fling would be too great!

Ah soo, your Japanese name Hoo Flung Dung?

Seriously, I would be pretty upset about my bike being taken for purposes other than test riding it after a job had been done. As for Big Dave saying "if they have errands to do on the way, good for them" all I can say is "on ya mate, but they better not do it to mine".

It has made me think though about how to approach that type of possibility in advance e.g. asking what their policy is regarding your bike leaving the premises when the job being done shouldn't actually necessitate it. (If I ever had to take it somewhere that I didn't have previous experience of).

[FROSTY]

Why didnt you just take a car??.....:shifty:
No ol son--If I ride a customers bike they know about it before hand.
Actually this is in R and R for a reason --um the "bike" concerned had a couple of er extra wheels :sick: but the same principle applies.
It was dropped in to have an accessory fitted which under NO circumstances required the vehicle to be moved at all but possibly out to the carpark for storage.
NO a test drive to make sure it works isn't even on the table a test drive was not nor ever would be needed.
Plain and simple the vehicle --($15000 worth) was used to drive to collect parts for other work.
I ask for feedback on how YOU would react

[kasper]

Use my spare keys to recover my bike from the "THIEF" who is riding my property with out consent.

When the company explains that the bike is lost, I would rip them a new one then start on their throat.

--kasper

[FROSTY]

Yes, I'm wondering, just which way around is this hypothetical situation?
Definitely a "they" did to me rather than Me did to them--if ya get my point.
I gotta admit I was pretty well ropeable.The workshop owner tried to apologise and I asked him to go away because I figured I'd say something I would regret later.
The vehicle concerned had NO WOF nor did it have number plates on it.
(I use a yellow plate that lets me drive most anything) so therefore no insurance if pranged.
The very BEST part of this story is that the new owner of the vehicle was the one that spotted it being driven not me.
Imagine paying $15000 for your new pride and joy only to see some spotty faced idiot carrying parts out to it -and a fair few KM from the place you bought it from.

[SARGE]

I would shit in the pockets of the tradesmans overalls!

some guys pay extra for that ...

[Owl]

Did the new owner happen to mention if the tradesman waved?

Seriously though, I'd be a tad pissed if it was my bike:angry: and I'd be having words. My car on the other hand wouldn't get a second glance.

[Hawkeye]

Awrighty Mr/mss biker I need to ask the collective opinion of you lot.
Heres a situation. You drop your bike into a tradesman for some minor work. The work in no way requires the bike to move.
You spot your bike an hour later parked outside a parts supplier several k's from the workshop. The bike was used to pick up parts for another job.

What would you do/say??
Not hypothtical chest beating but honest hey I would do.... answers if possible please

I would use the second key to bugger off with the bike and then watch them cringe as they try to explain to you what happened. - " your bike got stolen mate whilst we were out joy riding".

[sidecar bob]

Hmm a difficult one here.

For us it is company policy that every bike worked on goes for a pre and post work ride. Otherwise how can we tell we have made a difference? It also gives us the chance to let the owner know of any problems comming up.

If the parts store is within the distance required for a test ride then it would make sence for the mechanic to stop off there to save a courier charge to another customer.

Having said that tho i must say i would look at it altoghther differently if one of my staff took a customers bike for a joyride. They would be up for disaplinary action that could involve a written warning for serious misconduct or dismissal.

Go back and talk to the SHOP OWNER not the mechanic or the shop manager. Ask for an explination, remember this will be the first he will know about it so give him a few minutes to check with his workshop manager and the person on the job. If your still not happy tell him you want to make a formal complaint in writing and that you would like a written reply. DO NOT GO IN BANGING THE DESK OR YELLING ABUSE. That will get you nowhere. Be polite, listen to the answers and take time to consider your reply. Ask them how they would feel in your situation and what they are perpared to do to put it right for you. Have something in mind that you would accept as a sign of "contrition" on their behalf. Remember if you accept their appology (if needed) or their attempt to put it right it is only fair to let people know "they have put it right".

Sometimes even mechanics are human and make mistakes or judgement errors. If you let him put it right you can end up getting the best service at the lowest price for ever. Burn him and you will only get the satisfaction once.

Being in the vehicle repair industry i fully agree with the above.
The complainant, being a dealer, is no doubt screwing the repairer to the wall on price & probably not paying on time as every dealer i ever had the misfortune to work for ever did. So the poor bastard has to offset the losses by using a bit of his gas to efficently test ride it in conjunction with picking up parts.

[FROSTY]

Being in the vehicle repair industry i fully agree with the above.
The complainant, being a dealer, is no doubt screwing the repairer to the wall on price & probably not paying on time as every dealer i ever had the misfortune to work for ever did. So the poor bastard has to offset the losses by using a bit of his gas to efficently test ride it in conjunction with picking up parts.
SMART ASS:2guns::laugh:
No losses from this boy.Bills paid on propper completion of the job. Keeps the books tidy.

[Maha]

No ol son--If I ride a customers bike they know about it before hand.
Actually this is in R and R for a reason --um the "bike" concerned had a couple of er extra wheels :sick: but the same principle applies.
It was dropped in to have an accessory fitted which under NO circumstances required the vehicle to be moved at all but possibly out to the carpark for storage.
NO a test drive to make sure it works isn't even on the table a test drive was not nor ever would be needed.
Plain and simple the vehicle --($15000 worth) was used to drive to collect parts for other work.
I ask for feedback on how YOU would react


Yeah was taking the piss with my previous post, but honestly, not sure what my reaction would be...my first thought was, it wouldn't bother me a great deal but, if it was $1000 bike for example. Something worth a great deal more?, I guess I would have something to say, but in a stern and matter of fact sorta way, let it be known how I felt about what had happened. I am non -aggressive and cant remember the last time I raised my voice at anyone. Chalk it up and get on with it, lifes to short for anger.

[Tigadae]

Id be bro did you have a good ride, good fun ah, dont she sound sweat as, cheers its all good, catch you up next time,,,

[Maha]

Id be bro did you have a good ride, good fun ah, dont she sound sweat as, cheers its all good, catch you up next time,,,

Fah-oi is what you would say bro?.......Meke as bike eh....:Punk:

Bling sent, thats beautiful.

[Ixion]

Welll. yes. And no. Or, no. And yes.

Depends on the several ks I guess.

If a mechanic has a vehicle out for a test drive/shake down, and goes by a supplier where there are (small) parts awaiting pick up - seems a bit precious to say "No, you cannot stop and collect them". After all, global warming, saving Gaia, reducing uneccesary journies etc etc.

Question is I guess, the "job that doesn't need the vehicle moving" bit.

On the one hand , if I take my car in for (say) a new windscreen washer motor - why on earth should they need to move the car let alone take it for a test drive.

But, on the other hand. Let's just imagine an (exaggerated) scenario.

PoorSod Motors fit a new windscreen washer motor to my Clapmobile.

10 minutes after I leave a procession of emergency vehicles hurtles past on reds and blues.

That evening the Daily Bugle bugles in huge headlines "Shocking massacre. Car runs into school children. 19 little kiddies dismembered".

Next morning , Daily Bugle: " Kiddie massacre latest : Car's brakes failed because of defective workmanship - Police say lack of brakes must have been quite obvious".

That afternoon , the plod call round "Did you carry out service work on this car before it crashed?" You explain "yes, but, but, but". Plod "So, you agree that the cars brakes may may have been inoperative when it left your shop? " : "Well, yes I guess but but but"

That afternoon , Daily Bugle : " Scandal : Kiddie massacre car had just been collected from repair shop. The DB can report that the car that massacred 19 darling kiddies had only minutes before been collected from PoorSod Motors who had been overhauling it. PoorSod admits brakes were inoperative when the vehicle was driven from his workshop. Blah Blah righteous indignation etc ".

Sure, legally PoorSod is probably OK. But, y' reckon he'll stay in business?

I think if I were a repair shop I'd want very vehicle that left the premises with my sticker on it to at least be started up and driven round the block. And the customer warned about anything obvious. And asked to sign a written waiver if he wants to ignore it.

[short-circuit]

Id be bro did you have a good ride, good fun ah, dont she sound sweat as, cheers its all good, catch you up next time,,,

I'd be "bro the overalls smell like kaka"

[FROSTY]

No-- sorry Ixion "poor Sod industries" were doing work of a nature where their work in NO way could be associated in any way shape or form with the safety of the vehicle.

[pzkpfw]

Seems familiar: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Community/MessageBoard/Messages.aspx?id=36883930&threadid=36883930

[The Stranger]

"poor Sod industries" were doing work of a nature where their work in NO way could be associated in any way shape or form with the safety of the vehicle.

Why not share the nature of the work with us, and state it from the outset and that it is a car for that matter?
Not trying to infer any misinformation, but this is information within your knowledge in this hypothetical situation isn't it?

[R1madness]

Sorry Frosty but i have to agree with ixion on this one (for the first time ever). Hence my test ride everytrhing policy.

In his statment it is not about the facts or laws its about the misinterperated truth presented as facts to the unsuspecting public causing a business to fold due to the public perception of guilt and shonky workmanship.
I stick to my original post, go see the shop/workshop owner rather than getting all heated....

As always there is only 1 side to the story posted here.

[FROSTY]

Sorry Frosty but i have to agree with ixion on this one (for the first time ever). Hence my test ride everytrhing policy.

In his statment it is not about the facts or laws its about the misinterperated truth presented as facts to the unsuspecting public causing a business to fold due to the public perception of guilt and shonky workmanship.
I stick to my original post, go see the shop/workshop owner rather than getting all heated....

As always there is only 1 side to the story posted here.
So Ok tell me if a customer took a bike to you for a replacement headlight bulb to be fitted then you would require a test ride? If a customer required part of a fairing painted would you require a test ride ??if a customer wanted their seat recovered you would require a test ride?
If you groomed their bike you would require a test ride?(on a wet winters day)
I stated catagorically that the nature of the word did not ever require or have a test ride/drive. NEVER had before in 10 years in the business.

[short-circuit]

So Ok tell me if a customer took a bike to you for a replacement headlight bulb to be fitted then you would require a test ride? If a customer required part of a fairing painted would you require a test ride ??if a customer wanted their seat recovered you would require a test ride?
If you groomed their bike you would require a test ride?(on a wet winters day)
I stated catagorically that the nature of the word did not ever require or have a test ride/drive. NEVER had before in 10 years in the business.

So just to clarify - In the OP you state that this is not hypothetical? So what exactly did you have done to your bike?

[R1madness]

So Ok tell me if a customer took a bike to you for a replacement headlight bulb to be fitted then you would require a test ride? If a customer required part of a fairing painted would you require a test ride ??if a customer wanted their seat recovered you would require a test ride?
If you groomed their bike you would require a test ride?(on a wet winters day)
I stated catagorically that the nature of the word did not ever require or have a test ride/drive. NEVER had before in 10 years in the business.

Test ride for replacing the headlight buld? Yea why not, that way we can determine that vibration is not causing it to blow. Fairing panel removed and refitted ? Yep then too, to ensure it has been fitted properly and no vibrations. Seat recover? probibly up and down the carpak would do to make sure it was fitting properly and secure but it would still get a little ride.
No ride no fix. simple.
Grooming is a different story tho. Nothing gets removed or refitted no tools on the bike. I would expect my team to point out anything they find wrong and lsit it on the job sheet. Note i do not class grooming as workshop work. It is sales prep work.

Mate you asked my opinion and thats how it is for me. It might be different up north but down here we like to look after our customers.
Bike grooming is different as we do not remove or refit anything.

[Brownstoo]

Do the minor work yourself?

[short-circuit]

Test ride for replacing the headlight buld? Yea why not, that way we can determine that vibration is not causing it to blow. Fairing panel removed and refitted ? Yep then too, to ensure it has been fitted properly and no vibrations. Seat recover? probibly up and down the carpak would do to make sure it was fitting properly and secure but it would still get a little ride.
No ride no fix. simple.
Grooming is a different story tho. Nothing gets removed or refitted no tools on the bike. I would expect my team to point out anything they find wrong and lsit it on the job sheet. Note i do not class grooming as workshop work. It is sales prep work.

Mate you asked my opinion and thats how it is for me. It might be different up north but down here we like to look after our customers.
Bike grooming is different as we do not remove or refit anything.

Doubt it bro you're avin a laugh.

[FROSTY]

So just to clarify - In the OP you state that this is not hypothetical? So what exactly did you have done to your bike?
Quite simply the CAR needed an interior groom. dry vac followed by cleaning followed by polishing.
But We also have towbars,alarms,painting,mechanical work done.Unless the work specifically required a drive afterwards I don't expect my cars driven. One huge issue is that the car did not have any registration--ie no plates. No plates means not legal on the road.

R1 sorry I don't see your answers to my post above as being reason for a test ride. There are reasons for a test ride. I would be pissed off if someone rode my bike under the circumstances I outlined. Its not customer service to me its just joy riding.

[FROSTY]

Begs another question of course.
Had the vehicle got a ticket or been in an accident who gets to pay?

[The Stranger]

Begs another question of course.
Had the vehicle got a ticket or been in an accident who gets to pay?

It's the drivers responsibility.

[alanzs]

Whenever I get a WOF, the guy always goes for a test ride of 5-10 minutes. He's cool, rides a bike and always passes my WOF's. So, he goes for a bit of a ride, who cares???? But, every circumstance is different.

You may want to vote with your feet if you don't like the service.

[sidecar bob]

Personaly i rekon you should chill out & stop stressing out & losing sleep about small stuff that is hardly going to make a scrap of difference in the world.
You will live longer & be happier if you do.

[FROSTY]

Sorry SB it aint small stuff. not unless you think $15000 is small stuff.
As stranger said hey if impounded or damaged the drivers responsible. I don't somehow see a spotty faced 18 year old working as a car groomer having a spare $15000 rattling around in his pocket.

[gatch]

Frosty, in the instance you described I'd be pretty pissed off, any kind of incident could have happened and with the vehicle on dealer plates it would have been complicated to resolve. Not necessarily the fault of the person driving it, whoever made the call to use the vehicle should have immediate damage dished out to the bum region..

[sidecar bob]

Sorry SB it aint small stuff. not unless you think $15000 is small stuff.
As stranger said hey if impounded or damaged the drivers responsible. I don't somehow see a spotty faced 18 year old working as a car groomer having a spare $15000 rattling around in his pocket.

If you were dying of cancer it would seem small.

[R1madness]

So. did you go back and have a chat to the business owner? Its the right thing to do. He may not be aware that you are not happy. I would bet he doesn't want to lose your business because of his staffs stupidity. Give him the chance to put it right. If he wont then its a different story i guess.

[marty]

If you were dying of cancer it would seem small.

if you won big wednesday last week it would seem pretty small too....

[R1madness]

Just an interesting side note.....
Workshops are not allowed to contract out of their responcability to look after a vehicle while in their care. Infact the signs stating "stored and ridden/driven at owners risk" are against the law. Also you can not contract out for work not completed to a suitable std if it makes the vehicle unsafe, even if the customer says its ok just bodge it up to get him home and you get them to sign a waiver you are still liable if something goes wrong and they crash.

[Mully]

How did the new owner know it was his car if it had no plates on it?

[geestring]

thats not on, yes shame them. let us know so we dont go there. hope you didnt pay for the wof.

[The Stranger]

Just an interesting side note.....
Workshops are not allowed to contract out of their responcability to look after a vehicle while in their care. Infact the signs stating "stored and ridden/driven at owners risk" are against the law.

Is that a recent change?

Many moons ago a garage was servicing the brakes on a Dodge truck that belonged to the company I worked for.
The calipers were sitting on the A arm and someone stole it from the garage. Needless to say, they didn't get far, but they did cause a lot of damage in not getting far.
We (our company) was unsuccessful in recovering cost as it was held that the "all care, but no responsibility" sign actually meant no care and NO responsibility.
Our argument was that the sign was void as "all care" meant NOT leaving he keys in the ignition.
Despite their failure to provide even basic care (locing kesy away), case law meant no responsibility for the garage owner.

As I say though - many moons ago.

[R1madness]

The law change was about 10 years ago i think.... Might be a little less. I personally think its a good change. Why should you trust your pride and joy to a place that will not even cover it while they are working on or storeing it.

[buellbabe]

Only a few years ago the keys were stolen out of my Buells ignition while it was in the workshop at AMPS...they used to be pretty slack and would let all sorts of gang member rif-raff/hangers-on wander around...

Well fortunately I had a spare key but that meant that I now only had one key for the bike...my stolen key will ONLY fit my ignition so the theft was pointless anyway but AMPS were very apologetic and were totally prepared to cover the costs of a new spare and even an entire ignition barrel if necessary.

Not so long afterwards the thief was in a pub in Napier showing my keys off and boasting about what he had done...well unlucky for him cos he was in a biker bar and one of the bikers took offence, decked him and posted my keys back up to AMPS LOL.

Bit of a long winded post sorry but my point was that AMPS admitted full liability and were absolutely horrified by the incident.OH yeah and they have tightened up on security since then LOL.

[R1madness]

Good on them for doing it right. Good on you for telling people.

[buellbabe]

I believe in giving credit when credit is due... (and the opposite LOL)

[DEATH_INC.]

SMART ASS:2guns::laugh:
No losses from this boy.Bills paid on propper completion of the job. Keeps the books tidy.
Yep, I can attest to this,this customer pays on the spot. Even though he has an account.... :niceone: wish they were all that good
But back to the subject.....
If the work did not warrant a test drive, then not ok. If a test drive is warranted, then I have used a custys car to pick stuff up, but within reason....I wouldn't drive the car 5km to pick something up if it only needed a quick squirt round the block....

[FROSTY]

So. did you go back and have a chat to the business owner?
Yep sure did.He wasn't aware of the dumb call made by a staff member.


How did the new owner know it was his car if it had no plates on it?
It was a pretty darn distinctive vehicle.

[Mully]

It was a pretty darn distinctive vehicle.

Hmm, must have missed the "Hey, Mully. I have an interesting car that you might want to test drive"

Must be on the voicemail, right?

[FROSTY]

Hmm, must have missed the "Hey, Mully. I have an interesting car that you might want to test drive"

Must be on the voicemail, right?
NO mully trust me on this one --from your point of view its far from a cool car to drive. I mean who would want to drive a v8 holden commodore manual -I mean boooring.
Now if I get a toyota vitz 3 door auto 1000cc in pink I'll be sure to let you know :innocent:

[Mully]

Now if I get a toyota vitz 3 door auto 1000cc in pink I'll be sure to let you know :innocent:

Or a Honda Jazz.....

[Marmoot]

I have no issues with a qualified mechanic taking my bike for a test ride and evaluation. If it involves him doing errands on the way - good for him.

If it's joyriding and just because it's my bike and petrol - or convenience - he a thief.

I agree with this sweaty big man.

[kiwifruit]

Nothing...because if i take it to small claims court it will just drain 8 hours out of my day, and if i finally got the judgement they'd just stiff me anyway, and so what i gonna do is piss and moan like an impotent jerk and then bend over and take it up the tail pipe!

[Mully]

Nothing...because if i take it to small claims court it will just drain 8 hours out of my day, and if i finally got the judgement they'd just stiff me anyway, and so what i gonna do is piss and moan like an impotent jerk and then bend over and take it up the tail pipe!

Can I take a guess at what movie you watched last night, please?

[R1madness]

Yep sure did.He wasn't aware of the dumb call made by a staff member.


It was a pretty darn distinctive vehicle.

Good on ya mate. Did you get satisfaction/apology/compensation from him and an assurance it will not happen again? Do you feel better having talked to him? Is it resolved?
I bet the staff member in question has a sore bum now....

[McJim]

I'd charge them mileage - but then I'm a tight fisted jock.

[Murray]

Or a Honda Jazz.....

I just Jazzed in my pants!!

[short-circuit]

I just Jazzed in my pants!!
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[FROSTY]

Good on ya mate. Did you get satisfaction/apology/compensation from him and an assurance it will not happen again? Do you feel better having talked to him? Is it resolved?
I bet the staff member in question has a sore bum now....
Staff member in question is aparently looking for a job now.
Company owner was livid. He saw as I did the possible ramifications.
Ie LEARNER licence driver,in a customers vehicle with no number plates with NO reason to drive the vehicle.
Aparently this isn't the first time this particular worker has taken liberties with customers vehicles. The worker got a written warning.
Worker concerned genuinely did not see the issue.
The looking for a job bit is the workers choice.