If you are of the opinion that all windshield repair shops provide the same level of quality service, take a few moments to google ‘auto glass horror story’.
At Glassy, we believe that each and every customer deserves excellent service and a great product, at a fair price.
Whether you’re looking to repair a cracked windshield for a 2001 Plymouth Voyager, or a 2020 Tesla Model S, here are some tips to find a trusted, reliable service provider.
Read Reviews Online
This one may not be rocket science, but it should be your first step in evaluating whether or not a service provider deserves your business. By nature, consumers are naturally inclined to provide feedback and spread the word when they have an extremely positive (or negative) experience. In the not too distant past, this came in the form of ‘word of mouth’ referrals. However, we live in the age of the internet, allowing consumers to voice their opinions much easier and to a much larger audience.
Checking online resources such as their business Facebook page, Google reviews, and even Yelp can provide a first glance at their reputation. However, it is important to keep in mind that one bad review does not automatically reflect their business as a whole. If there was a negative review, how did the management reply? Or did they even reply to the listed grievances? Often times replies to negative (and positive) feedback can shed just as much light on their values and standards as the original comment itself.
Check Better Business Bureau Ratings
On the spectrum of formality, if a negative review on Facebook or Google was ‘casual’, a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) would likely be business casual. While it’s not a black-tie event like a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it usually indicates a bit more severity.
Self-identified as a private, nonprofit organization focused on advancing on marketplace trust, the BBB assigns holistic business rankings based on a multitude of variables. A quick search on their website will reveal their BBB ranking, any customer reviews, and accreditation status. Accreditation with the BBB is optional but indicates that they voluntarily were vetted and have agreed to abide by certain ethical standards.
“If a business has been accredited by the BBB, it means BBB has determined that the business meets accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB accredited businesses pay a fee for accreditation review and monitoring for continued compliance and for support of BBB services to the public.”
Source: Better Business Bureau
Check the Warranty
When searching for the right provider, an important question to ask is whether or not their services include a windshield warranty. Many larger business chains offer a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship, and similar warranties are sometimes offered by smaller independently owned shops.
Even the best shop in the world occasionally makes a mistake. However, a warranty signifies that they stand by their work with pride, and value providing a quality service to their customers.
Ask a Friend
Despite living in the age of the internet, there is still plenty to be said for getting an educated opinion or account of the experience from someone you know. Whether that be a relative, a friend, your parole officer (no judgment), they might have a viewpoint not represented online.