I signed up as a Bosch Service Centre when I opened up. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY! They tried to demand that I remove my (brand new) signeage! I refused and they relented.
They contracted a marketing firm who had no idea who they were marketing for or to. In order to benefit from this marketing you have to pay a 'contribution' towards it but the cost seemed to be very excessive (ie the full cost).
They stipulate that you MUST have Bosch KTS! (I assume I don't have to say what I think of this system!!)
They stipulate that each technician must attend at least two days worth of THEIR courses per year!
If you want their stationary you have to buy it, including point of sale stuff. And, of course, you must buy their products which, to be fair, are good quality but not perfect.
Then they put up the subscription to over £900 pa!
I never got a visit from the local rep until it was time to renew! I never heard from a 'mystery shopper' test as promised.
They want you to attend meetings in London when you are based in Yorkshire!
Forte's Good Garage Scheme costs a tenner a month towards stationary which is otherwise free(including disposable mats, etc).
The Marketing is excellent and we get someone round every couple of weeks so we can discuss the scheme and feedback ideas.
The customer feedback forms are effective and simple and my customers like the fact they are encouraged to comment.
I find the Forte products are excellent and do have a positive effect. I give my customers the choice. 99% choose to have the flushes. The only stipulation from Forte is that if the customers decline the flushes then you may not use the GGS service schedule/guarantee form.
I wholeheartedly agree that you shouldn't charge for anything without authorisation but it’s quite simple to give your customers the choice.
In the absence of proper legislation for our trade I think this is what many of us have been waiting for - Something to show a dubious public that we work to a high standard and are accountable for the work we do. I know you all already do, and are, but the simple fact is that the public at large do not know that and wouldn't believe us if we told them.
The GGS targets the poor public perception of garages in general. If it succeeds in improving that perception who cares if they are using it to promote their own products. The products work and are worth the money(just!).
Just my opinion - Paul.