Independent Mercedes Specialists

[219]

Since there are a great many threads on this and other forums regarding the merits or otherwise of using a good 'indy' once your car has reached a certain age , and there are often enquiries from newcomers asking for recommendations , isn't it time the reputable 'Indies' got together and formed an association .

The advantages of this would be that only those who met certain standards of expertise , facilities and service delivery would be accepted , thus prospective customers could view membership as an assurance of quality .

Furthermore , there could be a countrywide network of 'Indies' who could have a reciprocal arrangement to carry out goodwill/warranty work for each other if a customer had a problem far from home .

Whilst there are no doubt some 'cowboys' scattered across the country who would not be admitted for membership , I'm sure the majority of 'good' indies know of and respect each other , therefore would be happy to form such an association .

Once set up , such an association could put together a website showing locations of the members , what customers can expect , general advice , links to members individual websites , owners forums .......

Please discuss .......

 

[MOCAŠ]

Sound idea.

 

[grober]

I think its an excellent idea --in theory----but would fall down in practice. Perhaps one reason is that like good trade associations, they need effective policing to maintain standards and that costs time and money. Another aspect is the perceived loss of independence membership of such an organisation might convey. I would guess that many independents chose the path they did to "do their own thing" and be free of any bureaucratic ties so might not be too keen? They are of course also business rivals competing for customers-- and while this may not figure highly for specialists widely geographically apart it might be different in say the South East of England. Just a few thoughts of my own on a very interesting topic - thanks for bringing it up.

 

[219]

A very good point , Graeme , and no less relevant in the West of Scotland where there must be half a dozen specialists in and around Glasgow alone .

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Good idea, but I don't think it would work in practice.
In the same way when 'independant' politicians band together, it becomes a contradiction in terms IMHO

 

[del320]

What constitutes "reputable"?

It would be no easier to set standards for indies than it presently is for dealers.

This Forum is littered with contradictory opinions and opposing viewpoints about both.

 

[grober]

There is a similar discussion going on the "dark side" but the one thing that did catch my eye there that might work was the suggestion concerning the possibility of a Joint publicity campaign from indy specialists to raise awareness to consumers that the dealers are not making it clear to the buyers of cars that they can get their cars serviced anywhere as long as certain conditions are adhered to.

 

[219]

What constitutes "reputable"?

It would be no easier to set standards for indies than it presently is for dealers.

This Forum is littered with contradictory opinions and opposing viewpoints about both.

I would guess that 'reputable' would apply to a workshop which enjoys a good reputation throughout the MB community ( these various owner forums ) , promulgated by good customer feedback and few , if any , complaints - with any that do arise being dealt with to the customer's satisfaction ?

 

[219]

There is a similar discussion going on the "dark side" but the one thing that did catch my eye there that might work was the suggestion concerning the possibility of a Joint publicity campaign from indy specialists to raise awareness to consumers that the dealers are not making it clear to the buyers of cars that they can get their cars serviced anywhere as long as certain conditions are adhered to.

A very good suggestion .

 

[The Boss]

i like!

 

[MD5]

The problem with co-operatives, as stated earlier, is that they require policing, or managing. The managaing body requires funding, and will itself become ambitious and greedy. Next step - franchise and higher costs!

 

[Charles Morgan]

The reason the best indies are successful is that they put all their effort into doing a good job and good prices, without wasting their time and money on branding, corporate bureaucracy, managing, liaising, supporting layers of incompetents etc etc etc. So I think the chances are rather slim to start with, even before you take into account the effort of establishing, regulating and policing said body.

A friend is a seller of rare books, who is on the Council of the British Booksellers Association. The time he has wasted on pointless meetings is astonishing. The only reason he does it is to stop them setting absurd standards that benefit no-one.

 

[crockers]

I would guess that 'reputable' would apply to a workshop which enjoys a good reputation throughout the MB community ( these various owner forums ) , promulgated by good customer feedback and few , if any , complaints - with any that do arise being dealt with to the customer's satisfaction ?

Haven't seen that word used for years .. Always thought it was more of a legal word - declaration of a law or some such....

 

[219]

Oh well , the consensus seems to be that it is a good idea , but impractical .

 

[ss201]

Sorry Derek, but I think it's a poor idea. Both the independent specialists I use simply don't have the time to even consider something like this. The reason they're busy is because they're both very good at what they do, have all the right qualifications, experience and equipment - all of which is recognised and appreciated by their customers - which is why they're busy in the first place.

They are also decent people who, if a Mercedes owner was away from home and needed assistance, would more than likely go out of their way to help and wouldn't dream of overcharging.

The Mercedes-Benz Club Directory already serves as an unofficial (free) listing of independent recommended specialists - so why ask them to pay for something they already get for nothing? I doubt any of them would thank you for the additional bureaucracy - they probably already had enough of that when working for Mercedes dealerships - something all good independents will have done before branching out on their own.

 

[jpwilliams]

Oh well , the consensus seems to be that it is a good idea , but impractical .

I thought it an excellent idea.Why not let the recognised leaders(Olly,MBS,Alex,etc) tell us if it will work or not?
Regards
John

 

[219]

I would be glad to hear their thoughts .

 

[grober]

The Trade Section of this directory might be of interest to some folks. Mercedes Directory

 

[st4]

an likely go out of their way to help and wouldn't dream of overcharging.

The Mercedes-Benz Club Directory already serves as an unofficial (free) listing of independent recommended specialists - so why ask them to pay for something they already get for nothing? I doubt any of them would thank you for the additional bureaucracy - they probably already had enough of that when working for Mercedes dealerships - something all good independents will have done before branching out on their own.

This is key, and a search on google/forums brings up all you need to know about ones in your area.

Further more, off the record, some indies do have a recipricol arrangement and some will ask advice from others to get the job done.

I know for a fact, that one specialist commissioned another one to finish off a job they were contracted to do.

 

[hawk20]

What constitutes "reputable"?

It would be no easier to set standards for indies than it presently is for dealers.

This Forum is littered with contradictory opinions and opposing viewpoints about both.

Absolutely. Try this thread for contradictory opinions and running down of a forum member here: -
aproved indie listings - Mercedes-Benz Owners' Forums

Who would choose the judges? How would bad practice be penalised? few trade associations have any worthwhile teeth or do more than just publicise their own members.