Do mechanics cheat women customers?

Question

I'm an intelligent woman, so I hate to admit this, but Im pretty much clueless when it comes to car repair. Every time I go into a mechanic shop, whether it be for a simple oil change or a flat tire, there's always something else that needs to be fixed. I've very skeptical of the easy sale of something that I dont really need, but also nervous that I may really need it (the repair)! Has anyone out there actually caught this or have advice for me to be able to detect it without having to go throught the trouble to get a second opinion?

Answer 1

Well, if they say something else is wrong, i.e., frayed brake line, tell them to SHOW YOU the frayed line. If they are honest, they will want to show you anyway. You can tell if something looks worn or bad. If you have a cracked power steering belt, you can see the cracks. If a part is loose, you can wiggle it yourself and think "yes, it's loose". Don't be afraid to get under there with the mechanic and at least let him know you want to see and feel. Get's your hands dirty.

Answer 2

Unfortunately yes. All the time. However, there is a difference between lying to the customer and trying to sell recommended services. Often time I would see it in my shop and it was just upselling. I'm not sure about in your area but in my state it is illegal to use scare tactics to make a sale. In other words I would not be allowed to tell someone that they would have to replace a cracked belt before they left my shop or they would end up stranded. I could just point it out explain the purpose of the belt and ask them if they would like me to replace it or not.
I had no hard feelings and I personally thought it to be a better business practice to tell the customer what all was recommended and then offer my personal advice, which was sometimes different or I might help them prioritize certain repairs by importance.
The truth is that there is always some maintence that your vehicle can use so I wouldn't say that the techs are lying to you. The only thing in question is how much does the vehicle really need a certain service at the time they are trying to sell it?
Unfortunately, without experience you really aren't gong to know. The best thing I can recommend is to become educated or if it is more conveinent/plausable find a frined that is or at least a shop and build a relationship with them. If you are a "friend" to them they will shoot you straight. I mean why do they need to try and sell you stuff when you don't yet need it? If you are a good customer you'll be back and eventually the time will come when the service is actually due. At that time they can make the sale and feel good about it. If they cheat you or try to. I would leave them, they are not a good shop or at least not good techs in the first place. But you should understand that upselling is part of the business and totally diferent from trying to take advantage of you.

Sorry, there is no short answer to this but I hope it was of some help to you.

Answer 3

Yes and no. I have worked in the auto field for over 20yrs and have had to deal with a lot of skeptical customers. I can tell you from my experience that when I am discussing the repair needs of a customer, male or female, I will always break the repair down for them. I will let them know what needs immediate attention, what looks like it will need to be serviced soon, what is recommended based on milage, and what are just periodical maintenance tips. So, how do you prevent yourself from being ripped off. First, ask questions, if they can't explain to you in terms that a normal person can understand, not auto jargon, or they try to give you a scare tactic like "If you don't get these brakes done right now, someone will die", then they are probably trying to get you. Second, ask them to show you what your car needs, have them show you the part they want to replace and then compare that with the new part, again if they are unwilling, don't trust them. Also, don't buy that "Our insurance regulations won't allow you into the shop", that is B.S. To sum it up, I can check out just about any car on the road and find something that needs to be repaired, so yes they will see things when they service your vehicle. Remember, your service advisor is in the process of building a good working relationship with you and he should be more than willing to take the time to show and explain what they need to do to keep your car running well. Ask, Ask, Ask.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Yes unfortunately I think sometimes they do. Alot of times I dont know that it is intentional. I think they assume and do not go into enough detail to explain the situation properly along with what needs to be done and why. I do know that I have found when I was in the autoparts business is the way to retain a female customer is treat her the same as you would your mother or grandmother be patient but dont talk to them as if they are stupid either ask lots of questions. I know if I walked into a make up store I would be lost and would apreciate someone taking the time to explain things. Also like anything else or any other business there is scum that will prey on anyone and yes sometimes women are found to be an easy target. Ways to avoid treatment is if you have the time take a friend or do research so that you have an idea what you are getting into before hand.

Answer 5

I've been a mechanic all my life.I've worked on everything from fighter planes to weed eaters.EVERY "REPAIR SHOP" I have ever worked at does that to women(men too if they're wussy looking).They do it because they can.Heres something else they do---Say you have a 85 Ford F150. You can go to NAPA and buy a starter for $50. Your "repair shop" goes to the same store and gets a discount on the same starter.They mark it up and sell it to you for $100.And its not just your independant shops that do it,dealerships do too.It makes me want to scream.I got tired of being part of that crap.I now work at a fleet shop that owns there own equipment.No more ripping off customers.And before dodgeman and all the other shop owners tell you they dont do it--THEY LIE...ALL THE TIME.

Answer 6

You should ask WHY this needs to be done. Usually a certified mechanic shop will not pressure you into other add-ons, but in the same tokken your vehicle may need it. When it comes down to it, take a few minutes of your time and get a second opinion. Whether or not you want to, it will give you a good understanding what your vehicle reallys does and does not need.

Answer 7

First of all, he's cheated on you twice before and you toook him back because you love him and have two children with him. There is an old saying, a leaporde cant change his spots. He will cheat on her too. Count your blessings, because he can't hurt you anymore. Don't take him back. What you can do is check into you local housing. There are government apartments that are based on income. Once you get into them, it's time to p[ay the piper. File for Child Support for your children. And stay ontop of it. When he gets a raise report it and you should be able to get more for them. Once you tell him you are filing he will turn on the charm. Be Prepared. Get out and meet people and find your Prince Charming. Don't let this little setback destroy you. It's not worth it. Concentrate on your children. They are Worthy of you. He is not. It will come back to haunt him.

Answer 8

Yes they do. I've actually tested it. I went in to a body shop by myself to get some work on my car done, they wanted to charge me $60/hour to install a window that had broke. I said i would come back the next day... Well my husband went, and talked to the same guy and that guy told him $35 for everything.

So try to always take a man with you that knows at least a little bit about cars. Or find a place that you trust.

Answer 9

They do. But they cheat men customers too.

You know what, back in the 80's and 90's, the YMCA used to offer courses in basic auto mechanics. Really simple stuff, but one did end up a bit less gullible. Maybe you could find out if there is any Y's in your area still offering this course. It's worth your time.

Answer 10

yes I believe most of them do. I know a little about cars &car repair. my father showed me some things.
and recently I took my car down to have it looked at. they totally gave me a quote of over $600 for something that had nothing to do with the problem. like I was stupid and would pay that much. then come back to repair the real problem for another $200.
needless to say, I went somewhere else. it only ended up costing me $4 for a cap for the radiator.
so,it's best to bring a man with you.