Bad paint shop - painting a rear bumper.

[Simon_Fuller]

It seemed such an easy thing to do.

I decided to get parking sensors for my vectra. I ordered the vauxhall fitting kit for £18 so that I would have the template to allow a perfect fit.

I bought a new used bumper as mine was not in the best condition. I then went to Fleetline in Croydon to get the work done.

I asked for the bumper to be painted, deformation corrected and two holes to be filled, so looks like new. I supplied the template, 4 caps and 4 sensors. I also gave them my VXR diffuser for painting.

I was quoted a fair price so accepted.

I left the items with them and was told they could not give me a timescale to left it for two weeks.

I called on friday and they was pleased to hear from me. Apparently it had been done some time and they had lost the paperwork.

I agreed to pop down on Saturday or Monday to collect.

I went there today and quite frankly disappointed.

1. They sprayed over the mounting clips for number plate
2. They sprayed over old number plate fixing stickers
3. Drilled four holes big enough for the sensors but not the cap or holder (Not to the template spec)
4. 2 holes not filled and deformation not repaired.

On the edge of the bumper near the umber plate i can see cracking and old paint.

The diffuser was okay except it had a small scratch on it.

When I moaned about the lack of preparation, was told the estimator was on leave and they would call me.

I left it till late afternoon. When eventually the general manager called.

I tried to explain my concerns, i.e the drill holes not the right size and not as per the template. The lack or preparation (i.e painting over clips and stickers) and the two small bumpers holes not filled. He stated the holes would be fine as they will be covered by a nameplate unless i use a non standard number plate (but as he reminded me, would be illegal!) I mentioned the rippling on the edge which could be seen through the paint. He then stated that the bumper needed a repair as opposed to painting. He then referred to us having an 'adult' conversation and that last year they did 10 million. I asked him why he kept refering to adult conversation and was promptly informed I either "take it away now and deal with it"or wait a week and have a meeting with him and the estimator. He was unwilling to listen that I just want the holes filled, correct the parking sensor holes and sort out the deformities as agreed.

Well I have a meeting next week and no doubt he will remain arrogant and will get nowhere.

Their website states"We take pride in our reputation for getting our customers’ ‘mobile assets’ back on the road by ensuring all vehicles are expertly restored to their original condition quickly and to the highest possible standards."

[06sri]

please record this conversation, it may proove helpfull and will protect you, if your not happy then do not pay, or if you need to pay to get your bumper, then use a credit card.

hope it is all sorted to your satisfaction as it should be.

[new boy]

If youre not happy dont pay or get them to redo the bumper till youre happy.

[Caveman_nige]

typical bad service we see in this country these days... it winds me up, they can put any crap they like on their websites, it means nothing. I hope you took before and after pics. See how it goes next week mate, if they are still playing cowboys you can see if BBC Watchdog are interested...

[06sri]

agree you go to a trade for a job to be done and no doubt spend good money, they then fail to do what you have paid for or do it in a bad way, then when you complain they try to blame you and palm you off, this needs to stop and the customer stand up for themselfs - thats why the most important thing is to always pay with a credit card,which gives you section 75 protection.

[Rebellion]

"Adult conversation"? Tell him if he wants an adult conversation he should ring a premium rate sex line.

[06sri]

lol your quick

[Simon_Fuller]

lol your quick

I have sent an email to the Chief exec, cc'ed the goodgarage guide and the BSI as they have a kitemark

Fingers crossed. All I want is a decent paintjob!

[rozzer2006]

********! a would tell him to ram it and prep it myself, and get someone else to put the colour on it.

[Simon_Fuller]

********! a would tell him to ram it and prep it myself, and get someone else to put the colour on it.

Tempting! you never know, it might just come to that!