I took my boat to the same mechanic that I have been using for a couple of years. I am due for my 100 hr service and only wanted him to check the thermostat, check anodes, tighten bolts and lube where necessary. All of this was written specifically on the work order and we also discussed it face to face. I specifically told him NOT to change fluids; I would do that myself.
I was told today that all of this was done plus the routine 100 hr. service-(oil and filter changed, L/U fluid changed) was completed. He said that since there was a “misunderstanding”, he would knock one hour of labor off (two instead of three), but still wanted me to pay for the materials.
I called back, refusing to pay for more than what work I authorized. He used some profanity and cursed Jesus, but finally agreed to take the labor and cost of material off the bill “if that would make me feel better.”
What would you do in this situation?
Pay the man and never use him again.
quote:
Originally posted by BW2150
Pay the man.
why?
If the shop done more than was agreed then its their loss. Seems to me the mech was trying to drum up some more cash on the job.
stupid is as Stupid does. I'd get my boat and cut my losses with that shop.
If it is on the work order then you should not have to pay,that is why you sign the work order.I have had that happen before and the lost $ will teach the best lesson.
To the people telling him to “pay the man”, if you took your car somewhere for an oil change and they put 2 new tires on your car would you pay for them?
www.advoutdoors.com
“I have tomorrow open!”
Capt.Fritz-
I like the way you think! I used the exact same analogy with the mechanic. My situation is difficult, because I need someone who is Verado qualified. I will have make a haul from Columbia to Sumter (or farther) just to have the boat serviced.
Sandlapper - This may sound really stupid to some but I’ve been haulin my boat from Irmo to Charleston Marine for the last year. Course gas was $2.59 last time I did that but I think they are worth it.
SeaPro 23 WA Yam 225
Key West 17’ Stealth Yam 115
High Tide 15’ Yam 50
hey, it wasn’t South Lake Marine was it?
Boatless
Thanks MM-
I am really considering doing the same thing. I have a feeling just by seeing Chris V’s post that he is a person of character. Driving that extra distance may be worth the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are getting what you paid for.
No and don’t really want to call the owner out, but it was on the Ballentine/Chapin side of the lake.
I would not pay him either. 2 new tires on the car analogy is a good one. Also in this economy there are a lot of struggling boat dearlships that would not cuss a customer over THEIR mistake. Don’t go back.
Set the trap boys, we going to pass through them again!!
quote:
Originally posted by sandlapper1977
I took my boat to the same mechanic that I have been using for a couple of years. I am due for my 100 hr service and only wanted him to check the thermostat, check anodes, tighten bolts and lube where necessary. All of this was written specifically on the work order and we also discussed it face to face. I specifically told him NOT to change fluids; I would do that myself.
I was told today that all of this was done plus the routine 100 hr. service-(oil and filter changed, L/U fluid changed) was completed. He said that since there was a “misunderstanding”, he would knock one hour of labor off (two instead of three), but still wanted me to pay for the materials.
I called back, refusing to pay for more than what work I authorized. He used some profanity and cursed Jesus, but finally agreed to take the labor and cost of material off the bill “if that would make me feel better.”
What would you do in this situation?
This is a difficult situation, but you did get the materials and you would have had to buy them somewhere anyway. It’s not like the tire analogy, the tires can be removed and resold, the oil and grease cannot.
If you want to keep using this mechanic, be nice and pay. He “owes” you a favor for your understanding. If you are willing to take your boat somewhere else from now on and will never need his services in the future, you can refuse to pay for the additional fluids. Of course, if he still has your boat, he doesn’t have to return it to you until you pay. You can take him to court and possibly win but you won’t have your boat in the meantime. What’s it worth to you?
Me, I would pay and go boating.
Ron
2000 Camano Troll
North Charleston, SC
OK, since you asked for general opinions here, I’ll chime in.
Honestly, it sounds to me like there was a mistake or some miscommunication, and the guy tried to compromise and take SOME responsibility by knocking off an hour of labor to meet you more or less in the middle since you would have had to buy the materials if you did it yourself, anyway. Then, when you insisted that it was still not fair, he dropped the whole bill and let it go, even though he was probably strapped for cash. The fact that he used foul language just tells me he’s like about 75% of the people in this town and may have been stressed out by circumstances. I think I’d at least pay the guy for the materials, even if it’s really not your responsibility. To be honest with you, this may sound soft, but I’d personally go ahead and pay the whole bill and, if I felt he was rude to me in a professional capacity, I’d look elsewhere in the future. We all make mistakes, and there are two sides to every story. It’s always more rewarding in the long run to err on the side of being gracious than on the side of being hard-lined, because what you sow toward others now will be reaped later, and you never know when you’ll find yourself in his shoes.
According to you, it was his mistake, and if that’s true, then it’s your choice. You can choose the fair answer or the best answer. You can do what’s right or what’s gracious, which is even better than right. I can’t say that I always choose the best answer, but Jesus chose the best answer, so He’s the role model (not me).
Sow the seeds you want to reap.
Edit: Just so you’ll know, if the guy on the other end of this situation asked for advice on the same thing, I’d tell him the same thing in the opposite direction, with some added commentary about keeping customers happy. Personally, whether I am on the selling end or the buying end, if there is a legitimate misunderstanding, I think it’s wise to err on the side of grace. If I make a mistake, I take care of it and do not expect the cu
I would not pay for something I didnt ask to have done.
Sounds like your mech. is trying to get you.
Offer to pay for materials at his cost if you want to be a nice guy That would be gracious enough of you. Don’t pay ANY extra labor. Don’t go there again.
Unless he aplogizes for the screw up and losing his cool you should post the name of the shop. We all make mistakes sometimes. Reasonable people apologize and try to make up for them, not cuss the customer who did nothing wrong.
If this guy has done a good job in the past, I’d at least cover his costs. If his work is marginal, or there is always some issue and you don’t plan to use him again, then that’s another story. I’d still cover his costs, but I’d never go back to him.
I’m sure the situation is different down at the coast, but in the upstate there aren’t that many good, honest boat wrenches. If one of the two I use did this, I pay it all, because I’d know they just screwed up. They are always looking out for me with reasonable repairs, and fixing things that need to be fixed, regardless of whether we discussed it or not.
quote:
Originally posted by Mandopickr
If this guy has done a good job in the past, I’d at least cover his costs. If his work is marginal, or there is always some issue and you don’t plan to use him again, then that’s another story. I’d still cover his costs, but I’d never go back to him.
I’m sure the situation is different down at the coast, but in the upstate there aren’t that many good, honest boat wrenches. If one of the two I use did this, I pay it all, because I’d know they just screwed up. They are always looking out for me with reasonable repairs, and fixing things that need to be fixed, regardless of whether we discussed it or not.
Could not disagee more about bad mechanics in the midlands, I think it is pretty much the same everywhere some good and some bad.
I have owned four offshore boats and kept them in Gtown and Chas and while I will not name names there are plenty of outright crooks posing and preying on boaters, and I thats a fact.
I would reccomend Gregg with General Diesel, he did me right and he actually fixed my boat instead of changing out parts on my Blackfin.
I would pay and walk away…never to darken his door again and never recommend his service to anyone.
Gottcha you put this whole thread into perspective for me. I wouldn’t be happy but now that I’ve had time to think I probably would at least pay for the materials. Thank you Sir.