SMART Repairs

In short...

We’re a member of the NFDA (National Franchise Dealers Association) 

What does that mean to you?

It’s great news for you, because as part of our membership we have to agree to very tight standards when it comes to your experience with any of our Retailer. Whilst the standards are second nature to us, they are also added peace of mind for you when you’re wondering what to expect from us when dealing with us for the first time.

Our promise to our customers

As a member of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) we commit to these Aftersales Standards to give you confidence when using our services. Our businesses employ expert technicians for the brands we represent. Our businesses use manufacturer-approved equipment, original parts or those which match or exceed manufacturer specifications and bespoke facilities operating to high standards of comfort, cleanliness and environmental compliance. We are committed to competitive pricing and always strive to ensure that we repair your vehicle to a high standard at the first time of asking. In short, our focus is on offering the right repair first time round by brand experts at a competitive price. We employ the best staff who are technically proficient, properly trained and passionate about customer service and passenger safety in whom you can trust. All NFDA members are committed to these Aftersales Standards as professional manufacturer-approved main Retailers.

1. Staff training

All staff will be trained to a high standard and able to assist and communicate with customers in a knowledgeable and professional manner, adopting the principles of good practice and treating customers fairly at all times.

2. Communicating with customers

• We will communicate in plain language and avoid jargon.
• We will agree and use your preferred communication method via email, text or telephone.
• We'll keep you updated with the progress of the repair or service while your vehicle is with us. If any additional work is required or there are any potential delays in completing the job, you'll be notified by the agreed communication channel.
• We will do our utmost to minimise inconvenience for you.
• You will be given the opportunity to give feedback which will be used by us to improve future standards.
• We will dedicate individual time to you when you drop off and collect your vehicle to fully understand your needs and expectations and, after completion of the work, we will explain the work we have done.
• An appropriate member of the team will be available to talk to you about the work on your vehicle.

3. Quotation and booking in process

• Our staff will communicate clearly to customers, avoid technical jargon and give a full explanation of work to be carried out.
• Quotations for work will include all labour charges, parts, sundries and VAT.
• We will offer you a range of appointment times, including while you wait servicing where practicable.
• We will ask you to authorise all work. For any additional work required, you will be contacted for further authorisation.
• We will offer clear and firm quotations for work to be carried out, but in the unlikely event that a price cannot be guaranteed due to further work or diagnosis being needed, an estimate will be given. Limits of authorisation will be clearly established and agreed prior to any work being carried out. If further work is found to be required, you will be contacted for authorisation.
• We will try to ensure that any inconvenience to you is minimised for example, by offering alternative transport where practicable, which may include courtesy vehicles, collection, delivery and ‘while you wait’ services.
• We will inform you of the methods of payment accepted.

4. Workshop practices and process

• We will supply parts that satisfy the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. If not readily available in stock, such parts will be ordered promptly to alleviate customer delays.
• If we offer you an alternative to a vehicle manufacturer sourced or approved part, such alternative part (as identified on the invoice) will only be used with your agreement. In any event, you will have the reassurance of knowing that the part will always conform to the appropriate technical specification for your vehicle.
• Qualified technicians will be available to offer advice and road test the vehicle with you (where appropriate) to aid your understanding and help an accurate diagnosis of a reported fault.
• Any additional work identified whilst carrying out agreed repairs will be notified to you and you will be asked to authorise this additional work.
• We will warrant all service and repair work for a minimum of 12 months following the repair.
• Replaced parts (or photographic evidence of the same) will be made available to you for inspection when the vehicle is collected where you have requested this facility beforehand.
• All servicing and repairs will be carried out in line with manufacturer technical specifications unless otherwise advised.
• We will use oils and lubricants that are correct for the vehicle specification.
• We will, whenever reasonably possible, advise you how long the work will take to carry out and will inform you if there is any delay.
• We will, as part of any inspection of your vehicle, inform you of any safety-related warranty work and safety recalls that may be required and these will be carried out free of charge.
• We will, as part of any inspection of your vehicle, inform you of any technical updates that may be required.
• Protective coverings will be used to ensure that your vehicle is kept clean whilst it is in our care.
• All franchised Retailer will have a quality control process in place to check the quality of the work carried out on your vehicle.
• Our workshops will have manufacturer-supplied equipment and specialist tools to allow us to complete work as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

5. Customer services

• We will offer a range of courtesy services which may include ‘while you wait’ appointments, complimentary WIFI, courtesy vehicles, a delivery and collection service, customer drop-offs and onward transportation.
• You can expect a clean and comfortable waiting environment in our Retailer with complimentary refreshments - courtesy vehicles used by customers will typically be current models.
• Courtesy vehicles will be checked regularly to ensure good mechanical condition and will be cleaned regularly.
• When required, customers using a courtesy vehicle will be asked to provide a copy of their driving licence and insurance details.
• Any charges for courtesy vehicles or insurance requirements will be made clear to you at the time of booking.
• Where reasonably practicable, we will offer a courtesy wash and vac as part of our service to you.

6. Collection and invoicing

• You will be informed of all the work carried out on your vehicle including what replacement parts were used, any work carried out under warranty free of charge and any relevant manufacturer software updates.
• All invoices will be fully itemised and explained to you. Service schedule reports and health check reports will also be provided where appropriate.
• As part of our customer commitment to you, you will be informed of any operating or safety implications of not having work carried out that has been identified as necessary.
• Only work authorised by you or subject to the agreed quotation will be charged for.
• We will clearly display the forms of payment that are accepted by the Retailer.
• Full records of all service work carried out will be kept by the Retailer supporting the validity of any vehicle manufacturer or other warranty you may have.
• In order to help improve the desirability and re-sale value of the vehicle, the service book or digital record will be stamped or authenticated by us, as appropriate.

7. Customer complaints

We have an effective and robust complaints handling procedure and, with this in mind, we will:

• Promptly record and acknowledge your complaint.
• Ensure your complaint is handled professionally by Retailer staff and management who have a clear understanding of our complaints procedure and are trained to assist you.
• Agree with you a timescale to resolve the complaint.
• Agree with you the method to resolve the complaint.
• Record the outcome of your complaint and implement any agreed remedial action swiftly.
• Where a complaint has been raised via an external body, such as Trading Standards, we will correspond with that body in a timely and professional manner.
• If a complaint cannot be resolved at the Retailer we will refer you to the RMI National Conciliation and Arbitration Service. This service can be contacted via ncs@rmif.co.uk