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Motor Codes #

Posted by Kelly Young on May 14, 2013, 8:29 am

Hi all

I'm rather new to this and was hoping we could have a nice discussion about Motor Codes! I'm the Sales & Marketing Manager at Motor Codes, and primarily I work with independent garages and would like to see some more of that 20 odd thousand on board!
We've come a long way since our inception in 2009; gaining OFT approval, and now under the stewardship of Trading Standards (as such all garages subscribed to us are Trading Standards approved). And we have put in place a number of marketing initiatives to help you feel like you are getting value for money out of your £75 subscription, such as our call monitoring facility which tracks how many of the consumers landing on your profile page with us actually go on to give you a call. How many have seen the benefits of this yet? (the call will be introduced as a call from Motor Codes).
I know a few may have been skeptical of Motor Codes when we launched the Code of Practice for Service and Repair but in the four years since government requested we tackle negative perceptions of the service and repair industry, Motor Codes has evolved to become the government’s approved self-regulator; an operation that helps cement trust with car owners and, crucially, puts business through the doors of its subscribers.
Adding a little substance to that claim, take a look at these vital statistics about Motor Codes:
• 7,500 – the number of service and repair centre’s in the Motor Codes network
• 110,000 – the unedited reviews of Motor Codes garages, left by customers for all to see at motorcodes.co.uk
• 150,000 – profile page views every month by people looking for a new garage
• 35,000 calls per quarter from the people that looked at those garage profiles
• £500,000 - the amount of revenue that Motor Codes generates for independent garages every month.
• 97% - the success rate of Motor Codes independent advisors in resolving consumer calls without the need for formal conciliation

Hopefully that's got your attention!

I really welcome your feedback, good and bad and hope that now I know how to post on here (!) we can work together on keeping the good guys in good garages looking good!

Best regards,

Kelly

Link: Motor Codes

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Paul Winwright on May 14, 2013, 12:53 pm, in reply to "Motor Codes"
Paul Winwright

Joined a couple of years ago,thinking that as the IMI were involved it would be well run.When I had my FREE assessment all he was concerned about was we did not have a complaints procedure in place.There were no questions about what technical qualifications we had or what training we carried out just NO COMPLAINTS BOOK.At the time there were only two us working here.As soon as are renewal was due I with draw from the scheme.
We were asked to join by a body shop we did work for, but have since stopped.Since then not one person who has come through the door or rang has asked if we belong to the Motor Codes.

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Nigel Yardley on May 14, 2013, 5:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Nigel Yardley

We have just joined as part of the auto-care group.

Being new to this kind of thing, I didn't put up all the signs and bunting, thinking that we would need our inspection first.

This week the man from the RAC arrived, unannounced, first questions "where is the membership certificate?" and "where is all the literature?".

His visit was early in the morning and he wanted to see some completed work, to check quality. Luckily a couple of jobs had been left from the previous day, but what if they hadn't been there?

So its early days for us, if it hadn't had been part of the auto-care scheme we probably wouldn't have joined, but we will see how we get on.

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Tony Sefton on May 14, 2013, 8:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Tony Sefton

Hi Kelly. I See that you have Main Dealer members and Independent Members as subscribers. ?

How do you feel about things such as Main Dealers Quoting £2200.00 + for a repair that is really worth in the region of £300.00 using the excuse that they wont repair "Anything" but are prepared to Remove a whole dashboard and 2 wiring harnesses for the sake of repairing 1 bad connection in a plug that is easily accessible under the bonnet,. ?? I Wouldn't want my 3 year old car pulling apart for the sake of 1 bad connection. ( The reason the repair cost was £300 is that it required a new airbag ecu too otherwise it could have been £60.00 )

Or them Condemning a £1700 + vat Diesel pump and then condemning the brand new BOSCH one that the customer had fitted unnecessarily because it wasn't a genuine GM one even though GM Buy them from BOSCH

OHH But it really needed the tank draining and some Diesel putting in it.

Then on the other hand I got a customer last week that sent me a Megane in that someone had put the Jump leads on the wrong way round, I said I will look at it and see what it needs but I won't be responsible for anything that goes wrong after the repair as anything electronic could be damaged.

The recovery driver said she had told him that she had seen smoke coming from under the dash, Anyway we checked it out, Checked Battery, Alternator, Battery drain etc and only the battery was faulty, We quoted for the Battery and fitted it, Then found a brake light out, fog light out and reverse light out and fitted new bulbs, The Airbag light was on due to broken wires under the seat so we removed the seat and repaired the wires, A front indicator light was out, So we twisted the bulb in the holder and it worked. ( we advised her that if it went again it needed the bumper off and headlight out to carry out a better repair but it would cost her ) We got the radio code and entered it and the radio worked.

We also advised her that 2 Electric windows didn't work but she knew about those and didn't want them fixing.

We advised her that if anything went wrong due to the Battery reversal it wasn't our fault.

She rang back the day after screeming that the indicator had failed again and the radio had packed up and we had had her Pants down.

I explained again that we weren't responsible, its likely to be due to the idiot that put the jump leads on the wrong way round, But we would look and see whats gone wrong. She wasn,t Happy as she said the radio worked before she brought it to us. Even though the battery was completely dead and didn't light the dash up.

Her Bill was £60.00 for the battery £75.00 for 1.5 hours labour + vat which got her wreck back on the road and She thinks that we have ripped her off.

These scenarios are worlds apart and show the range of people that we have to deal with.

Have you searched the archives for the previous posts that were done a couple of years ago to see what garages think about Motorcodes or other bodies. ? I Think being a mediator between customers and garages is very difficult due to the Customers attitudes as to what they think they should get and how much they think it should cost.

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by david cogan on May 14, 2013, 10:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
David Cogan

go for it tony, well put
Dave Cogan

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Andy Mason on May 15, 2013, 8:46 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Andy Mason

Tony, unfortunately its not only main dealers who rip people off.
We see many jobs that have been badly carried out and estimates for repairs that are way out by independants, mobiles and main dealers.

Kelly, the press always portrays the protection to the customer, what about the protection to the garage, when, as Tony says, they, they dont listen, or want more than they are prepared to pay for, are you impartial or just looking for good press?
As you are aware, you cant blame people for being sceptical, seeing as how this is about the fifteen millionth scheme to protect the customer, is there any protection for us, or are we paying £75.00 per year +vat plus inspection costs to give the public more ammunition to shoot us?
By the way, we are members of Motor Codes, but I am guilty of joining anything that promises respectability to our profession
Andy

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Dave Harney on May 15, 2013, 8:50 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Dave Harney

The only way you would get me to join motor codes is by legislation, I trust Chris Mason not even as far as I could throw him !!!

Kelly, I'd be interested in your response to Tony's post !

"Her Bill was £60.00 for the battery £75.00 for 1.5 hours labour + vat which got her wreck back on the road and She thinks that we have ripped her off."

This scenario, if the consumer went to arbitration would cost Tony £440 + vat to defend a £135 bill !! where is the justice in that !!!

Regards
Dave

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Steve Nicholas on May 15, 2013, 9:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Stephen Nicholas

I quite agree Dave.

Motor Codes is not quite the right approach and Chris Mason's responses when this all started-up a while ago were not convincing (actually, almost insulting).

My customers couldn't give a hoot about what professional organisations I belong to - they know and trust the level of service.

Regards,

Steve

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Peter Warman on May 18, 2013, 3:18 pm, in reply to "Motor Codes"
Peter Warman

Hi All

Some good points coming out here

Our workshop is now Motor Codes approved but for a small garage this works for us as most of our work comes via recommendation. Many car owners are beginning to recognoise the Motor Codes logo so it gives our customers a little bit more confidence that they are going to be treated fairly. We vary rarely get any complaints perhaps a few niggles down the years which have always been settled amicably in house, so we will probably never use the arbitration service anyway

The problem I see with Motor Codes is that it is a "one boot fits all" code and this is where the problems begin

We had out compliance check this week which went OK, lasted about 20 minutes the RAC was pretty impressed with our set up. We did have a chat with him though

Down the road from us is a very large BMW dealership that is also Motor Codes approved, the RAC guy visited recently and was talking to a few of the techs in the workshop and they were not aware that their dealership was part of Motor Codes

probably through no fault of their own as it is a big place with many staff doing all sorts of jobs, they were signed up a few years ago but it probably never filtered down the chain of command

So in actual fact I have paid £175.00 for complete compliance check that ticked all the boxes, but how can this same guy do a complete compliance check on such a large dealer (2 in all, one in Redhill and one in Crawley). They should be charged a much larger fee for compliance and make sure both sites (all staff) know all there is to know about Motor Codes the same as me

If the dealership had a grievance against them they would probably laugh off the £450.00 arbitration fee as peanuts and move on (couple of hours labour to them, make them pay a couple of grand, they will probably take more notice to get their house in order) for me that would be a big blow. So should the Independents and Dealerships be separated and a code for each?

We all know large dealerships have to make big profits and will swop out parts at big expense rather than repair as Tony rightly points out, so should all garages be tared with the same brush as we are all under the Motor Codes umbrella, seems a little unfair

Peter

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Andy Mason on May 20, 2013, 10:02 am, in reply to "Motor Codes"
Andy Mason

If enough independants sign up, perhaps we would have a bit more of a say about the split between independants and main dealers.
Motor Codes was set up, I believe, as a way of stopping the government legislating our trade, not as cheap advertising or a quick profit oppurtunity, which seems to be how its now being marketed.
Andy

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Peter Warman on May 20, 2013, 11:32 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Peter Warman

Hi Andy

There was a Q&A about Garage Licencing at the recent Top Tech 2013 hosted by Mike Owen, Brian Spratt and Stuart White (former top tech winner) I did get the impression that the audience was not really up to a drawn out debate but a few point did come out

One of them suggested that an ATA accreditation was the way to go and have a database of those who have it so the public can find one at a garage, but if the public find an ATA tech at a garage how will they know that tech is going to work on their vehicle, they will only see the receptionist

Stuart was the one that seemed to have his feet on the ground and knows exactly how things work in our industry. Stuart has a good tech who knows his stuff but has no interest in applying for the ATA and Stuart cannot force him, this probably applies to thousands of techs all over the country, they are all employed an more than capable of doing their job so why apply for ATA? Many in the audience who have ATA have let it lapse. Stuarts view on Motor Codes and Good Garage Scheme is that they may give the customer some confidence but most garages view them as great marketing tool and probably the main reason they sign up

Brian focused on the recent poll of complaints against the motor trade which in his opinion is unjust and I agree. The complaints are probably not against the quality of workmanship but a lack of communication between the reception (or owner)and customer. Most complaints could probably have been avoided if the customer is kept in the loop.

PS:
It's not always the workshops fault, some customers need educating that modern cars are now VERY expensive to maintain due to ever increasing complexity and VERY expensive parts. The Independent Garages should not take stick or the blame for Manufactures follies of over design, engineering and poor quality replacement parts........when it gets old (usually 3 years

) and breaks it's going to get expensive. This should be included in the information Motor Codes puts out in public info an videos

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Andy Mason on May 20, 2013, 11:54 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"

We are a member of Motor Codes and I think its a little unfair to link them in with Good Garage Scheme, unless they to have a range of chemical treatments that you have to sell to every customer whether they want them or not, to be a member. Thats probably one of the things they should be looking at.
Andy

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Peter Warman on May 20, 2013, 12:57 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Peter Warman

Agree Andy

I did look at the Good Garage Scheme again at the beginning of the year, but having done a bit of research I decided

Weather you love or hate any of the schemes from our point of view (garage owner) you have to put that aside and view it from a customer point of view, they are the ones seeking us out, Motor Codes does a good job on our behalf

I did some research on the Good Garage Scheme from a customer point of view and found quite a few comment on Google on various public forums that state quite clearly that it is a sales driven scheme and that additives may be added when not entirely necessary and push your bill up 30 quid, for this reason I declined

Viewing things from our garage perspective is a mistake that's often made by us, especially with websites. I have seen garage websites that list all the diagnostic equipment they have with all the pictures

when in reality 99% of the public would not know the different between an Autologic and Henry the Hoover, they just want to see that you can "Plug It In" (not how many). A few startigically placed Approved Garage Logs's will have much more impact on customers choice

Peter

PS: Sorry if I sound as if i am lecturing or sales pitching......not intended

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Andy Mason on May 20, 2013, 1:12 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Andy Mason

Exactly, Motor Codes is'nt meant to be an advertising oppurtunity, but more like a governing body, a bit like gas safe, but without the dangly bits to get hold of.
Andy

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Tom Williams on May 20, 2013, 3:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Tom Williams

Allegedly, Motor Codes was set up to prevent government legislation.
Would statutary legislation be a bad idea? A form of licensing laid down by law and strictly regulated would make sense.
If individual technicians were properly licensed it could go a long way to both enhance status and remove the unfair competition from the cowboy sector.
There are too many 'voluntary' schemes, which for the most part end up policing the very people that don't really need policing in the first place.

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Mark Duhigg on May 21, 2013, 6:24 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Mark Duhigg

I have been a member various associations/companys in the past only to find the level of service go down and prices go up and in the end just paying for a sign outside the workshop.
I now refuse to paid out hard earned money to these people who are in business to try to tell me how to run my business.
I agree with Peter keep customers informed and just do what is asked for and stick to your quote.
In the last 20 years the only complaint I think I have had is where one of my mechanics left his dirty hand or foot print on the carpet.
In the end of the day I want to go to bed at night knowing I have done a fair job at a fair price..
The only way to clean up the garage trade to have a government run scheme with licensed mechanics..

Mark

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Dave Harney on May 21, 2013, 3:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Dave Harney

How can they justify charging £175 + vat for a compliance "check" that takes only 20 minutes ???

Dave

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Dave Harney on May 31, 2013, 1:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"

Well, this thread is 24 days old ! don't see much of a "discussion" going on !!! 16 replies and not 1 response from Motor Codes... hmmmm

Dave

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Tony Bickers on June 3, 2013, 12:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Tony Bickers

About sums them up !

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Kevin Apps on June 10, 2013, 10:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Kevin Apps

Hi Dave and Tony

Another week with no reply !!!

Kelly
A sales pitch gone wrong ? and now you are keeping your head down ?

Kev.

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Steve Nicholas on June 10, 2013, 10:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Stephen Nicholas

I suspect that they've realised they're not dealing with a bunch of dumb mechanics!

A lot of us are successfully running businesses in a difficult sector and dealing with very advanced technology - we are not easily lead...

An indication of a bit more respect would be appreciated.

Regards,

Steve

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Dave Harney on June 11, 2013, 8:48 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"

Hi Kev,
Hope you are well, thats exactly what I was thinking..... "sales pitch" !!

They've managed to get a few people talking about them, so if 1 member signs up it was worth the effort !

Hi Steve,
There not worried about "respect" they are only concerned with numbers and your money !

Regards
Dave

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Andy Mason on June 12, 2013, 11:33 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Andy Mason

I must admit to being dissapointed at the total lack of response from Kelly and Motor Codes to a post that she started and has obviously lost, or got no interest in, once she realised that people may not roll over so easily as she thought, or do they not have an argument that they believe in themselves. Andy

Re: Motor Codes

Posted by Kevin Apps on June 12, 2013, 11:45 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes"
Kevin Apps

Peter Warman.

Hi,
is it possible for you to send Kelly an e.mail to continue the discussion !!

Kev.

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Peter Warman on June 12, 2013, 12:23 pm, in reply to "Motor Codes #"
Peter Warman

Hi Lads

Kelly will be out of the office until Monday 17th June (I presume on holiday)

I am sure we will get a response

Peter

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Simon Kefford on June 13, 2013, 11:17 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"

We are subscribers to motor codes and a UCCC neither of these bring us anymore business through the door. I have to agree with one reply that if subscription is voluntary it leaves out all the cowboy garages, therefore has little value. I would pay for proper money for legislation that made fred in a shed get his act together or get out. Unless back yard cowboys are eliminated from this trade it will never gain the reputation it deserves.

We know the majority of main dealers don't take motorcodes seriously as most have no feedback on the codes website.

There is hardly another "high street" service industry that requires so much knowledge, equipment, training, enviro legislation. etc etc.

All these garage schemes just scratch the surface of what can be a very demanding trade to be in. Most just offer lip service to garage owners to get them to sign up. I used to think other large reputable companies in the trade eg Unipart, Snap on, GEA etc etc were our allies. But over the years have realised they are the same as other anonymous corps (like utility companies) that are just trying to stitch you up. They come in promising the earth, you spend a load of money with them then they move the goal posts. You find your tied in for X time, time runs out you start all over again.

The other major risk with motor codes and any other web based business that allows public to comment and review is: Should someone have a problem with your business (regardless of fault) they can spend an evening ranting on different sites and potentially destroy your reputation - all over a greasy foot print on a carpet, that could have been resolved amicably by talking.

What this "service trade" needs is a big budget TV show that blends Top Technician and Master Chef. So eventually Jo public will understand that we dont work on Vauxhall Vivas anymore.
This is the PR motor codes need to be working on for us.

Master chef has meant that people will now pay £20 for a piece of 3 times cooked belly pork. So long as its cooked by an expert.

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Peter Warman on June 13, 2013, 12:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"

I spoke to Chis Mason yesterday at length about some of the posts on here

Rather than getting into a slagging match on this forum Chris was willing to set up a meeting for any members either at Motor Codes head office or a place of your choice to discuss any issues about Motor Codes, one of the Mechanex shows or Top Technician at MBW next year is also an option

Our workshop is Motor Codes Compliant and we have had the RAC visit and the comments made by the RAC are visible to the public plus customer reviews on our Motor Codes page. The RAC had me down as 95% compliant, this was because I did not have a customers terms and conditions on display or a complaints folder available (we do now)

The RAC report is quite comprehensive and would gives any potential customer an insight into our business and help make an informed decision to use us or not. A couple of weeks ago we bent over backwards to help a customer and get her vehicle sorted quickly, she then put an honest review on Motor Codes, our fist review but its good to get recognition when you do a good job

As for sorting out the cowboys, well I think the motoring public has to play their part, many customers now search Google to try and see any reviews of a garage they want to use (fact of life these days Google is KING), if the RAC or customers have given a bad review then hopefully the customers will stay away, this is the only way to stop them from trading, just starve them of business. Motor Codes does review any negative feedback before its posted, it's checked out to make sure its justified or not (we ALL know that some customers will never be completely satisfied as they have an inbuilt distrust of the motor trade)

We also discussed the Dealerships and that in my opinion they did seem to be targeted as they are obviously a big revenue stream. Chris did assure me that this was not the case and they will be working harder to get the message across to the Independents

As the Dealers are the biggest customer for Motor Codes often with many staff I would like to see more regular checks. On a recent visit to my BMW dealership there was a lack of Motor Codes signage and leaflets for the customers, are customers given the Motor Codes leaflet or info with their bill? (I think not) In the light of last nights BBC watchdog why are there not more complaints or rants about the cost of repairing their 2007 - 2009 timing chain failures? BMW would never want customers remarks to be posted on their Motor Codes feedback about this issue, but if customers are not made aware that they can give feedback via Motor Codes then how can they. So personally I think the dealership standard should be tightened and regulated more

Even though I am a Motor Codes subscriber these are just my personal opinions and how I see things from an Independent Garage owners view, We will probably never get a full blown Government Licences scheme but I do believe it is helping to raise our image and give customers an access point to choose who they would want to service their vehicle

We have since designed a Terms and Conditions form after our compliance check clearly stating prices and trading terms which we can email along with an inquiry or give them a copy when they pop in, should have done it a few years ago, certainly feels more professional

. Also have a complaint folder which should remain empty

Peter

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Keith Simpson on June 14, 2013, 10:01 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"

Without being shot down in flames. To be perfectly honest guys I cannot see what all the fuss is about. Yes it can cost you if a complaint went tits up.

What you need to ask yourself is would you have let it get that serious in the first place ( I don't think so ) so why worry about it. We get complaints from to time and like lots of other garages, are all handled in house, just like they were before Motorcodes came on the scene.

We joined Motorcodes and it has had it's advantages, it has brought in work from customers looking at it's website and the Trading Standards website. It's been a good bit of advertising if nothing else, also without the up sell e.g. Good Garage Scheme.

Motorcodes might not be everyone's cup of tea, and like many garage owners I am always sceptical. But it can work.

Keith

Trust My Garage

Posted by Peter Warman on June 18, 2013, 12:46 pm, in reply to "Motor Codes #"
Peter Warman

So now we will have "two" Government recognised garage schemes, think that will spark a bit of confusion for both customers and garages

As Harry Hill would say "Which is Best" Fighhhtttt.....

"The Independent Garage Association’s (IGA) Trust My Garage (TMG) scheme is set to become a government approved code specifically for the independent garage sector.

Following the move of the consumer codes approval scheme into the Trading Standards Institute (TSi) the IGA has announced that Trust My Garage will become the consumer facing badge of the whole independent sector.

The Trust My Garage consumer code will be unique as it will only be open to independent garage businesses. The code will highlight the qualities within the independent sector and promote peace of mind to its customers.

Stuart James, IGA Director, commented “Recently there has been criticism surrounding independent garage businesses which in many cases the IGA believes to be unsubstantiated and unjustified. With the independent sector being so huge the IGA believe that it is right to stand up for all the good independent garages.

“However, we accept there are a small number of garage businesses in the independent sector that cause consumer concerns. A Trust My Garage code will work with Trading Standards and other consumer bodies to address these concerns and offer assurance to consumers by driving out the cowboys.

“The code will start with the service repair industry and will help consumers identify good local garages who offer good customer service and a quality repair.

“The IGA is also evaluating the feasibility of extending the Trust My Garage brand to a code for independent used car sales. At this point Trust my Garage will truly represent the entire independent garage sector.”

UKAT

Re: Trust My Garage

Posted by Simon Kefford on June 18, 2013, 4:47 pm, in reply to "Trust My Garage"

Here we go again, and will this one have any teeth?

Does that mean those of us with motorcodes should jump ship or subscribe to both.

"driving out the cowboys" HOW? - pun intended.

Re: Trust My Garage

Posted by Steve Nicholas on June 18, 2013, 4:48 pm, in reply to "Trust My Garage"
Stephen Nicholas

The rate this is going we should each start our own scheme, invent a badge and put it on our own signage, letterheads etc.

The public will be none the wiser/no less confused - delete as appropriate.

Regards,

Steve

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Kevin Apps on June 18, 2013, 5:16 pm, in reply to "Motor Codes #"
Kevin Apps

Hi All

And still no reply from Kelly or any one else at motorcodes.

Kev.

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Graham Bullock on June 19, 2013, 12:00 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Graham Bullock

Peter, Any chance you could have some UKAT Member signs made up? You might as well join in

Graham

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Andy Mason on June 19, 2013, 9:53 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Andy Mason

Run by the RMI, where as Motorcodes is run by the SMMT I believe.
Not for profit organisations I assume???? just looking after the consumer
Andy

Motorists cutting back

Posted by Peter Warman on June 19, 2013, 12:36 pm, in reply to "Trust My Garage"
Peter Warman

This is an interesting article

http://www.theaa.com/newsroom/news-2013/cutting-back-on-servicing.html

Being a member of the Motor Codes or Trust my garage does not protect you from the motorist that is cutting back on regular maintenance

Customers need education that their vehicle needs to visit a workshop at least once or better twice a year for a service or an interim check. Ignoring maintenance until it is absolutely necessary makes the garage owner the BAD BOY as we tell them all the things that have accumulated because they have been ignored. I would imagine this would lead to a customer presuming he is being ripped off because of the ignorance of his owns vehicle maintenance requirements

Peter

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Nigel Yardley on June 20, 2013, 10:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Nigel Yardley

Thats not such a bad idea Graham, at least my money would be going somewhere useful.

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Peter Warman on June 21, 2013, 1:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Peter Warman

Hi Graham

We did get some done a few years ago

after reading the link below and seeing that the "Good Garage Scheme" may be looking for OFT Approval, then I think UKAT stands a good chance

http://www.aftermarketonline.net/News/Industry-News/News-2011-2012-2013/28607-/Garage-Schemes-join-Approved-Code

Peter

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Dave Hill on June 29, 2013, 10:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"

Good evening Peter

"I spoke to Chis Mason yesterday at length about some of the posts on here

Rather than getting into a slagging match on this forum Chris was willing to set up a meeting for any members either at Motor Codes head office or a place of your choice to discuss any issues about Motor Codes"

What a surprise!

Instead of facing up to the legitimate responses to Kelly's initial post, he finds it necessary to deal with it "off camera" so to speak.

What's that all about?

I thought that Simon Kefford wrote a very good reply, which should be studied by anyone who is considering preaching, or intending to regulate the motor trade.

simply put, a governing body needs to be credible. Credibility stems from neutrality, devoid of financial incentive & serving the consumer & provider alike.

Take a look at the current crop. Do any of them fit the model?

Perhaps we should all just go with the cheapest option & jump on the Forte "Good Garage" bad wagon. At least they are up front about what they want from you, in order to promote you as a professional body. Â£35 quid (+ VAT) worth of their products on every service. NO THANKS!

I am not sure that I wan't to be tarred with the same brush as some of the other local "Good Garages" either

My personal advice is.... plough your own field & make sure you do it right. Don't concern yourself with the weeds growing elsewhere!

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Simon Kefford on June 30, 2013, 11:46 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Simon Kefford

"My personal advice is.... plough your own field & make sure you do it right. Don't concern yourself with the weeds growing elsewhere!"

I agree Dave - this scheme, that scheme - none have any teeth.

Only some draconian legislation from Government would sort the wheat from the chaff.

We (independents) could start our own overseers group and produce lots of press statements that make us look great.

Any "new scheme" has to be looked at with scepticism as they all take money from us.

With my motorcodes audit I also had an audit for RAC approval. So we now have some cheap signs to put up. Previously (before approval) we were brought the majority of breakdowns because of our competence and service. Now we are "approved" we have to give a £15 kick-back for every breakdown brought in.

At a local level we all know our customers and most of our work comes from recommendations.

Does a web based self appointed garage police bring us in more customers?

Who is going to take a day off to go to a Q&A session when most of us work 50hrs a week just to keep the doors open?

blah blah blah - enough ranting...

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Tony Sefton on July 1, 2013, 8:51 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Tony Sefton

I have no objections to being regulated in some shape or form, But being regulated by a Company taking money off us in this way is not the way to go. I still think trading standards should be able to do this job on their own without the help of someone trying to make a business out of it.

I Used to get several jobs a week from the RAC But I have had non since the new £15.00 Kick back scheme was set up, I have enough work to not worry about joining any of theses "APPROVED" Schemes, And I wouldn't want to be paying commission to anyone bringing me work as its hard enough already trying to justify the costs involved in repairing the cars.

I Think the RAC guys have also realised that I am not thrilled about giving them free information over the phone anymore as I used to do in the past.

What happens now if a customer says "I want taking to such and such a garage". ??? Can they still be taken, Or do they get talked into being taken to the Approved repairer even if they haven't got the knowledge or equipment to do the job. ???

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Peter Warman on July 1, 2013, 9:29 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"

Hi Dave and all

Having spoken to Motor Codes a few months back I asked them if the wanted to put a post on UKAT, I did warn them (Kelly) that we are not an easy roll over bunch of techs, but they agreed to post anyway so please do not shoot the messenger

Their lack of response or wishing to discuss off camera is their choice, so you will have to draw your own conclusions, I have given them the opportunity to respond

On the RAC side I think that they are just used for the Inspections, broken down customers still get taken to a garage of their choice depending on their cover (cheap cover is usually nearest garage and upmarket cover is anyone you want nearest your home)

If the Government brought in compulsory licencing do you think it will be FREE

......of course not, it would be sent out to tender to police and bet your life it will be EXPENSIVE. Every company has to cover costs and pay staff, rent etc, why should Motor Codes be any different?

Motor Codes registered garages are now getting onto many approved databases such as the new "Trading Standards Institute" and "Citizens Advice" a good place for the public to check a garage before committing

A customer that goes for the cheapest without looking into them online deserves what the get if they get ripped off, they get onto the media who hype it all up and make TV programs about how bad the motor trade is. During these programs I have never seen them interview the owner of the vehicle to ask them why they chose that garage to do their repairs, did they check them out first?......that would not make good TV or news print, just make the customer look stupid......and that would not be allowed

Peter

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Dave Harney on July 2, 2013, 4:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Dave Harney

This is what there website SHOULD say.....

Also how is it a voluntary scheme ? As I understand it, Chris Mason had been in talks with certain Government ministers to persuade them to make all Mot garages sign up ! hardly voluntary is it !!!

Motor Codes is hood winking the public into thinking they are getting a guaranteed good service from a subscriber when I know of a certain garage that are members but still rip customers off !!!

As far as Motor Codes not wishing to discuss it further on here, I didn't expect anything different and for his offer of meeting up somewhere .......

STICK IT !

Dave

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Kevin Apps on July 2, 2013, 6:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"

Hi Dave
Well said.

Motor codes have shown to the public (this is an open forum after-all) that they are not even up for a discussion.
Too busy checking profits ??
Kev.

Motor Codes & DPF Removal

Posted by Peter Warman on December 10, 2013, 1:42 pm, in reply to "Motor Codes #"

Hi Kelly / Chris

I just wondered if you would care to comment on the new MOT rules regarding DPF removal

"An announcement this week by the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) highlighted the scale of the problems faced by the motor industry when it admitted that some firms are offering services to remove the factory-fitted diesel particulate filter (DPF), claiming it will improve fuel economy, when it is an offence to drive a vehicle that has been modified this way.

An investigation by Clean Air in London (CAL) earlier in 2013 showed that tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of motorists in the UK may be driving diesel vehicles illegally, face losing their car insurance and risk being found guilty of the criminal offence of fraud – many without realising it. Honest motorists purchasing a second-hand diesel vehicle are particularly at risk"

Taken from the EU website

Will you be warning Motor Codes members that the removal of DPF's is not legal and how does that relate to Motor Codes members who will carry on removing them? in effect making the customers vehicle unfit to drive on the UK roads (emission regulations) and invalidating their insurance

Peter

Re: Motor Codes & DPF Removal

Posted by Graham Bullock on December 13, 2013, 10:33 pm, in reply to "Motor Codes & DPF Removal"
Graham Bullock

No answers yet?

Graham

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Dav Littlewood on December 14, 2013, 9:53 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Dave Littlewood

>>>>>>> they get onto the media who hype it all up and make TV programs about how bad the motor trade is. During these programs I have never seen them interview the owner of the vehicle to ask them why they chose that garage to do their repairs <<<<<<<

I try not to watch these programs as it is too one sided. You never see a guy turn up that does a good & honest job, it's always the bad guy you see & we are all tarred with that brush...
Then the customers starts putting marks on spark plugs & filters thinking he'll catch you out not changing these items during a service.

Re: Motor Codes & DPF Removal

Posted by Tony Ludford on December 15, 2013, 5:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes & DPF Removal"
Tony Ludford

>>>>>>>>>>>>Will you be warning Motor Codes members that the removal of DPF's is not legal and how does that relate to Motor Codes members who will carry on removing them? in effect making the customers vehicle unfit to drive on the UK roads (emission regulations) and invalidating their insurance

Peter<<<<<<<

They probably wont Peter.

The main reason, I daresay, is most of their customers (ooops sorry, members) are Main dealers.
Who, I wouldn't think, would remove DPF's anyway.

Re: Motor Codes & DPF Removal

Posted by Paul A. Potter on December 15, 2013, 10:58 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes & DPF Removal"
Paul Potter

The total lack of response from Motor Codes in this discussion is disgraceful.

Kelly Young, are you still in employment with Motor Codes ? if so, common courtesy would be to offer some / any reply if only to say sorry guys, i screwed up.
"I thought my sales pitch would have you all contact Motor Codes and sign up asap "

Those members who have signed up, i trust you will deal with any complaint satisfactorily because i suspect Motor Codes will be in touch a damn site quicker.

Paul A. Potter
( member of my own in house, honest and professional scheme since 1978 )

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by Keith Simpson on January 22, 2014, 7:08 pm, in reply to "Motor Codes #"

I see Motorcodes have put up the yearly Subs from £75 to £125.

Keith

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by SImon Kefford on January 22, 2014, 11:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Simon Kefford

Yeah write 60% WHAT?

I had a b###h at them the other day (I am a subscriber and think its worthwhile, or did). They claimed a huge amount of money that they had generated for subscribers. The based this on £189 for every call or email through their site. I pointed out that Even though they put my stats at £800 odd I had no money from any pass thru enquiry. Most were shoppers or my own customers.

Still think some regulation is better than none.

Si

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by sean savage on January 23, 2014, 12:10 am, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
Sean Savage

Word of mouth is the only "true" code in our trade!! end of

Re: Motor Codes #

Posted by john Ritchie on January 27, 2014, 8:11 pm, in reply to "Re: Motor Codes #"
John Ritchie

Spot on Sean !! , word of mouth is everything

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