Hello all,
As an independent automotive shop we service most makes and models. We recently experienced a situation where a customer brought a vehicle for a no start diag, authorized certain repairs, and did not come to pick up vehicle since additional repairs were needed to complete the job.
We soon learned the reason why was because the owed balance isn't worth the cars value. I personally believe it isn't worth the headache, time, or money to deal with a mechanics lien for a car that's worth not much.
How do you guys handle diags? Do you collect the fee upfront to secure payment of your actual time covered?
And if a customer approves repairs, do you request a deposit? Only if repairs exceeds the cars value? (Older vehicles)
Thank you all for your thoughts and opinions in advance.