I agree with you dave almost 100% we havent advertised in over 15yrs and are always booked up at least 2 or 3 days in advance. i believe in treating your customers how you would expect them to treat you. Common sense is a main factor to doing well in this trade and in life if you ask me.I must admit i am now "tailoring" the business to pick and choose the jobs i take on and the ones i dont want now,which i was very dubious about doing 12 months ago and to be honest it was a good move. I can see your point dave about the good garage scheme and yes it is mainly a marketing ploy to use forte products which are good quality anyhow. i joined the scheme just over 2yrs ago,with every doubt you have in my head aswell. i am surprised to say tho that a lot of new customers are seeing the signs or feedback on the website and using us because of that,we know it isnt a governed body but to the everyday customer it looks very real and with the tv and radio adverts they believe it and come to us,which is the overall goal. the £23:50 a month i didnt agree with but the gg scheme insurance company (aviva) have just added me a huge amount of extra cover on my new policy and saved me £1600 off my origional quote so i aint gonna argue with the £23:50 p/m.
regards
sean