Hi Steph

I really feel quite uncomfortable when I read comments such as "(which women drivers like)". This rather implies that female motorists are different to their male counterparts. Your comment taken in context suggests that women motorists are thriftier than men & appreciate a bargain or possibly even a freebie!

I think that most fellas would feel slightly discriminated against if you are suggesting that, only women appreciate a good deal, waiting room facilities or collection service.

The majority of independent garages understand that customers need to be treated fairly, regardless of gender. I for one treat all customers with respect & I hope that my genuine approach & honesty shines through. On the other hand I do not tolerate bad manners or unjustified skepticism.

However, there is a "flip side" to this debate & that is the way customers perceive us "the repairer". I can understand that folks are slightly dubious when approaching a new garage, but I like to be given the "benefit of the doubt" before stones are thrown. All too often we find that customers are distrustful & wary, as they have often had their fingers burned elsewhere. This is not unique to the motor trade either.

As a garage owner I understand the importance of customer relations, but I fail to see why the female motorist should be treated with kid gloves, when they are generally just as savvy as the fellas. Actually if I am truthful, I think there are just as many male drivers who will freely admit that, they don’t know the first thing about cars & place their whole trust in what I tell them.

Don’t get me wrong Steph, but I hope that your crusade, or at least the need for it, is irrelevant in this day & age. The motor trade isn’t perfect, but problems are rarely gender related in my experience anyway.

Kind regards

Dave Hill