So... I see a lot of 1 star reviews on here, and 5-star reviews... I thought I would give it an even three based on my two experiences.
The first time I took my car here, it had been hit overnight while parked on the street.. just some bumper damage.. I was hoping the damage would be under $1K so it wouldn't affect my insurance (not sure if it would have anyway, just something some friends told me) and Rich's gave me a good quote (less than $1K), and got the job done. After ordering the parts, I think I may have left the car there for something like 3 days before getting it back. Good. Five-star review. Fine customer service. Work looked brand new. Also the owner is a good guy.
Fast forward a few years and I've hit a deer with the same car. Took out a headlight and bent the hood a little. Damage looked minor to moderate, but no damage to radiator, hoses, belts, etc. Very drive-able; I drove it there. Right off the bat things seemed like they have changed -- people up front are less courteous, don't acknowledge your presence, don't really make eye contact, don't smile. It seemed like maybe there was some internal office politics going on -- whatever though, not my business. I just want my car fixed.
So the estimator takes a look and gives me an estimate -- very professional -- it is drive-able but they say why don't I just leave it there to be safe; shouldn't take long to do the repairs-- maybe a week. OK fine. The printed estimate says "Days to Repair: 8." I've got it highlighted in front of me right here. Honestly I was hoping it would be faster, but thought they gave me a high estimate so I wouldn't be disappointed if it took longer.
It is now day 21. I've been on my bike for 3 weeks...
During this time I've called them three times -- once after the 8 days just to check in -- still waiting on this or that, going to be another week. OK. Next week? Exact same story. Today? Exact same story. I'm beginning to suspect they have a script that they just read from whenever somebody calls. I've tried to convey my displeasure with the situation, but all I've got is lip service. Right now as I type this I'm waiting for a call back from either my insurance agent or Rich's auto body -- although I'm not really holding my breath on Rich's auto body. I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't touched the car at all -- and I'm about ready to Drive It (no need for a tow, since it's drive-able) over to campus automotive, or somewhere who can do the job.
Anyway I guess the take home is this.. I'm not really sure what is going on there, but it sounds like they have enough business these days, and they don't much need or care about Yours. So if you're insurance company tells you to go here and you've got all the time in the world for repairs to be made, and you don't much mind being treated like a number, I guess go here... when they eventually get around to it, they'll probably do good work.
If you want to be treated like a person though, and one who can't afford to wait around for weeks without your vehicle, I would probably go somewhere else... The sad thing is... even if this review caused two or three people to take their business elsewhere, I don't think they will do things any differently, or start finishing jobs on time. I think Rich's has contracts with insurance companies, and stopped giving a shit about the customer at about that time.
Those are my thoughts anyway. I'll try to update when I get my car back, if anything changes for better or for worse. read more