Customer wants me to fix his broken window?

That's crazy! He's def trying to scam you. And I wouldn't give him a dime nor would I touch anything else of his. If he tries to trash you on public/local forums, I'd expose him for the tool that he is. MOST get what normal wear and tear is and will quickly turn on him (although it seems a few in this thread are struggling with the concept) Maybe even explain what libel is- that might get his attention.
 
The only way I see you being responsible other then if you damaged it yourself is if he told you not too open the window and you did. Even then your not really responsible you just look really stupid.

I think it would have helped your cause to take some pictures of the damaged part. The pictures might be pretty helpful if you find out he is posting bad reviews about you somewhere.
 
I had a similar problem detailing a late 1990's VW Jetta (apparently a common problem with faulty window regulators). Fortunately, I was doing this detail as a favor for a friend and he understood (His VW suffered a multitude of quality control problems)
 
geekdout said:
The only way I see you being responsible other then if you damaged it yourself is if he told you not too open the window and you did. Even then your not really responsible you just look really stupid.

I think it would have helped your cause to take some pictures of the damaged part. The pictures might be pretty helpful if you find out he is posting bad reviews about you somewhere.
Click to expand...

As it happens I did take a photo of the damaged part ;)

Yeah after sleeping on it I've decided to stand firm and politely refuse to offer any compensation. People like this need to learn that they can't get everything for cheap or free just because they complain.
 
L67James said:
As it happens I did take a photo of the damaged part ;)

Yeah after sleeping on it I've decided to stand firm and politely refuse to offer any compensation. People like this need to learn that they can't get everything for cheap or free just because they complain.
Click to expand...

Good for you my friend!!!!!!
 
L67James said:
As it happens I did take a photo of the damaged part ;)

Yeah after sleeping on it I've decided to stand firm and politely refuse to offer any compensation. People like this need to learn that they can't get everything for cheap or free just because they complain.
Click to expand...

Just in case he does post a bad review, you can always do a rebuttal using this photo.
 
Ok so the issue is resolved for now.

I went to his business to speak to him in person, politely declined to pay for his window which he came to his senses about. He did however have a few issues with the detail (some dressing overspray) which I told him I'm happy to fix for him as that is part of my work.

Thanks for all your help guys, greatly appreciated!
 
L67James said:
Ok so the issue is resolved for now.

I went to his business to speak to him in person, politely declined to pay for his window which he came to his senses about. He did however have a few issues with the detail (some dressing overspray) which I told him I'm happy to fix for him as that is part of my work.

Thanks for all your help guys, greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the update! :xyxthumbs:

I'm glad that both sides were motivated:
"To get the deal done"...
Also glad that the finalizing of the "negotiations" wound up
being very amicable.

Bob
 
smokinfastlegend said:
If the detailer displayed gross negligence and pushed down on the open window while it was cracked to clean the edge of the glass (which inturn caused one tooth to break) then maybe, but to see that the whole mechanism was worn out and multiple teeth were in various states of disrepair, there is no reason he should have to be responsible.

But this is the reason why a detailer should not open a window to clean the edge. Its not because they are being lazy, its because the good detailer knows that a customer may pull this kind of stunt. Having worked in an independent repair shop, unless opening the window was critical for the repair, we had a policy of not opening a customers window for this very reason.

Next time, to protect yourself, have a form that you and the customer use upon vehicle arrival. Have it state that you are not responsible for the vehicle's mechanicals while in your possession. Also inspect the vehicle when it arrives and have the customer actuate the windows to ensure that they all indeed work. If they refuse to do so, you refuse to roll them down for complete cleaning.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. We do not roll windows down unless the customer asks so when they pick the vehicle up, which is maybe 1 out of 1000. Unfortunately its difficult to get the window completely clean up in the molding/frame, but you played it safe!
 
Hope a lesson was learned here. Always do a inspection while the customer is present. I check nav screens , electric windows and seats , horn , lights , radio etc. Make sure no check engine or warning lights are on. CYA
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top