Bumper Scuffs And Scratches

[jd_1984]

Yesterday I was reversing my wife's car out of the drive and made contact with the wall. I have been backing out of the same driveway for months and for some reason I had a moments lack of concentration and BANG!! As well as the utter frustration, damage to my ego and severe telling off I got as I sheepishly explained what I had done comes the need (and cost) for repair.

There are several body shops local, one in particular has a very good reputation. But I was wondering if anyone has any experience with a company called "Chips Away". They appear to be national. They have been suggested to me by a friend and they claim to be specialists at minor body work repairs at a "fraction" of the price of a body shop?

[ummmm]

I think Chips Away are OK....well they used to be when we were in the trade. They'll have everything they need to repair minor scuffs without the overheads of a bodyshop.

Companies like Chips Away often pay their employees on a price work basis so if they do a crap job they don't get paid.

(we paid our employees a wage and they got a bonus per job completed)

[TWR]

Never used chips away but gather they are good at their work, are the scratches down to the undercoat? if so it will be a Pro Job.

[gingejbee]

Most of these "smart repairs" operations are franchises...so quality of the end result can vary a lot. Many car dealers (usually without their own bodyshops) use them to fix minor damage before sale....you could ask around at one or two to see if they'll recommend the one that they use.

[THEMOTLEY1]

They are as good as the individual who turns up to do the job.

[jd_1984]

Yes the paintwork damage is right down to the undercoat and as its made contact with brickwork the scratches are quite jagged. I would say there are about half a dozen 5-6cm scratches and then some light scuffing. Some people could probably live with it but the wife only got the car in February and has kept it immaculate so I want to get it sorted and to a good standard.
We have been told to use the company that Mercedes Benz dealer uses to get cars up to show room standard but to expect a premium price. I am slightly concerned that there may be a difference in quality depending on the individual that comes out!??

[ummmm]

Take it to a body shop for a quote and decide from there.

[Old_Geezer]

You pays your money, takes your chance, and notes the result for any future decision. Had a company called Ding Master sort out problems I had some while ago. Did a good job. Would use again. But like all places you need to take a chance first, or pay top wack via the dealers.

[jd_1984]

We have 3 quotes on the table now (although 2 are pending physical inspection and therefore approx. based on the description)

Chips Away - £230 plus VAT
Recommended Mercedes Body shop - £360-£380

Local Body repair shop - £160 and they have actually seen the car. BUT I got a feeling that they are MOT/Service guys who do a bit of respraying and the price reflects this!

[ummmm]

jd - the body shop will have at least the same equipment as Chips Away.

[ummmm]

And they'll be easier to go back to if not up to standard.

[woofgang]

I would be asking them all about guarantees. I have used chips away three times over 8 years (only one of them was my fault, I had just dropped a dog off at the vet for removal of potential cancerous lump and misjudged my manoeuvre reversing in my drive) each time they were very good and did collect and deliver in the price which is helpful to me. BUT as gingelbee says they are a franchise and your experience may not reflect mine.....

[jd_1984]

All the advice has been great, thanks.

The testimonials for the local place appear to be very good and they guarantee their work for 3 years. Maybe I have judged them too soon and need to eradicate the "you get what you pay for" mind set - they may do a top job for half the price. As mentioned above you have to chance it and see..