Sunday Driver Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 I've spent the last few weeks chasing up Bernard my friendly local menuisier for a devis for the replacement of my roof facia chevrons (which I reckoned would set me back a couple of thousand euros) and I eventually managed to pin him down this afternoon. He was very apologetic about the delay and asked his office manager to sort it out for me whilst we sat down for a coffee and a general chat. When the office manager came back in and handed me the envelope containing the devis, Bernard said "Don't worry, it's not dix mille euros". I joked "I hope you mean it's only deux mille euros" to which he replied "We've done better than that - have a look". Ripped open the envelope - 1,200€. He even gave me a very expensive looking hi-tech company pen to sign it and keep as a souvenir....Having got that lot nicely sorted out, it was off to my Mercedes garage to ask them to investigate a noisy squeek which has developed on the front suspension. Turns out it's a ball joint which (as you might guess) is an integral part of the complete steering arm - which is going to cost me 480€ to replace.At that point, Ivan the service manager wandered in to say hello, glanced over the receptionist's shoulder at the quote and said "Hang on, I think we can get that down a bit for you, give me five minutes". True enough, five minutes later, the reception printer churned out a fresh devis - with 100€ knocked off the price....I love French customer service......[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just john Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 Obviously the benefit of being a regular customer eh SD[;-)]I shouldn't laugh, my little runabout has just cost me more than it's worth for an MOT, (and it still wasn't as much as your ball joint!)[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbie Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 SD, so nice to read that you have had a good day[:)]. I needed cheering up after another damp grey dismal day here in England. And at least the tennis went the right way[:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted July 8, 2012 Share Posted July 8, 2012 Sorry but am I missing something ?It made you happy that the garage was quite prepared to rip you off and only the serendipitous appearance of the manager prevented it. How can you ever trust them again and what will you do next time when 'Ivan' isn't there, leave and come back later ?€380 for a steering arm still sounds like a rip off to me but then it is a Merc [;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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