Amazed!
November 8th, 2009, 04:51 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Korat, Thailand
Posts: 360
Amazed!
Just had to share this story as things never cease to amaze me here in Thailand. As some of you know I hate to work on electrical systems and especially if they envolve going under the dash. A friend of mine over here who is from England likes classic Mercs (Mercedes) and has a 62. I was talking to him about my electric windows not working (actually on the drivers side worked) and that my wipers didn't work. He said he had a auto electrician who worked on classic cars so we went over to his shop to see if he would work on the Olds. He said "sure" (in Thai) and said bring it in on Monday. I dropped the car off Monday at 8am. He told me it would take 2 or 3 days. I went over Wednesday afternoon to check on the progress and he still had the door panels off on the passanger side. He said to pick the car up on Thursday afternoon. Well I go by there Thursday around 5pm and the car is ready AND washed as it was dusty when I saw it on Wednesday. He shows me that all the windows go up and down and apologizes that the drivers side rear window goes down but needs a little help going up. The wipers now work and he put new blades on both wipers.
So now the big question...I ask him how much? He repies, 1500 baht and I almost fall down as that is all of $45.00 US dolars. Four days of work, plus parts (he also put a new relay in) for 45 dollars.
My wife whispers to me, You can give him a tip. So I give him 2000 baht ($60 US) and he asks how much change I want back. I told him none and he was so happy he bowed and said thank you about 3 times. Little did he know that I was way happier than him.
His brother has a shop and works on engines and drive trains. I think I will take the car over to him next week and let him fix the oil pan leak. Life is good.
Rokit
So now the big question...I ask him how much? He repies, 1500 baht and I almost fall down as that is all of $45.00 US dolars. Four days of work, plus parts (he also put a new relay in) for 45 dollars.
My wife whispers to me, You can give him a tip. So I give him 2000 baht ($60 US) and he asks how much change I want back. I told him none and he was so happy he bowed and said thank you about 3 times. Little did he know that I was way happier than him.
His brother has a shop and works on engines and drive trains. I think I will take the car over to him next week and let him fix the oil pan leak. Life is good.
Rokit
November 8th, 2009, 05:43 AM
#2
Captain of my ship
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Annapolis Valley , Nova Scotia
Posts: 1,880
Wow I bet you keep him in mind if anyone you know needs work done or if you need anything else done. You would not get that kind of service over here without paying for it. Tipping him was the appropriate thing to do so it keeps him happy and willing to fix any problems you may have pop up. Wish I had someone around here like that. My mechanic that I have used on all my cars got lung cancer and decided to retire. he was cheap relatively speaking and did a good job.
You lucky ,lucky guy.
You lucky ,lucky guy.
November 9th, 2009, 03:23 AM
#7
Trying to remember member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 4,112
November 9th, 2009, 06:19 AM
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Dallas Texas
Posts: 1,565
Our Shop Owner (and amazing "gremlin" finder
) has worked on all our cars for over 25 years. Treats us fairly on pricing, and always guarantees his work. Having spent many years in the Automotive Aftermarket prior to retiring, I have always recommended that you search until you find a fair/capable shop, and stay with and support them so they can stay in business and continue to service your vehicles.
) has worked on all our cars for over 25 years. Treats us fairly on pricing, and always guarantees his work. Having spent many years in the Automotive Aftermarket prior to retiring, I have always recommended that you search until you find a fair/capable shop, and stay with and support them so they can stay in business and continue to service your vehicles.
November 9th, 2009, 11:33 AM
#12
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Edmond, OK
Posts: 15,997
Have to go to the dealerships high price and not that great of service
November 15th, 2009, 04:24 PM
#13
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: The Southwest
Posts: 470
Just had to share this story as things never cease to amaze me here in Thailand. As some of you know I hate to work on electrical systems and especially if they envolve going under the dash. A friend of mine over here who is from England likes classic Mercs (Mercedes) and has a 62. I was talking to him about my electric windows not working (actually on the drivers side worked) and that my wipers didn't work. He said he had a auto electrician who worked on classic cars so we went over to his shop to see if he would work on the Olds. He said "sure" (in Thai) and said bring it in on Monday. I dropped the car off Monday at 8am. He told me it would take 2 or 3 days. I went over Wednesday afternoon to check on the progress and he still had the door panels off on the passanger side. He said to pick the car up on Thursday afternoon. Well I go by there Thursday around 5pm and the car is ready AND washed as it was dusty when I saw it on Wednesday. He shows me that all the windows go up and down and apologizes that the drivers side rear window goes down but needs a little help going up. The wipers now work and he put new blades on both wipers.
So now the big question...I ask him how much? He repies, 1500 baht and I almost fall down as that is all of $45.00 US dolars. Four days of work, plus parts (he also put a new relay in) for 45 dollars.
My wife whispers to me, You can give him a tip. So I give him 2000 baht ($60 US) and he asks how much change I want back. I told him none and he was so happy he bowed and said thank you about 3 times. Little did he know that I was way happier than him.
His brother has a shop and works on engines and drive trains. I think I will take the car over to him next week and let him fix the oil pan leak. Life is good.
Rokit
So now the big question...I ask him how much? He repies, 1500 baht and I almost fall down as that is all of $45.00 US dolars. Four days of work, plus parts (he also put a new relay in) for 45 dollars.
My wife whispers to me, You can give him a tip. So I give him 2000 baht ($60 US) and he asks how much change I want back. I told him none and he was so happy he bowed and said thank you about 3 times. Little did he know that I was way happier than him.
His brother has a shop and works on engines and drive trains. I think I will take the car over to him next week and let him fix the oil pan leak. Life is good.
Rokit
Last edited by Dan Wirth; November 15th, 2009 at 04:40 PM.
November 17th, 2009, 04:04 AM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 338
Half of that story applies in Germany: It's fairly easy to find someone to do dependable work (not that there aren't also scam artists!), but the prices!
A shop here charges a min of 60 Euros (that's about $90.00!).
Makes you pretty much do as much as you can yourself!
Ralph
A shop here charges a min of 60 Euros (that's about $90.00!).
Makes you pretty much do as much as you can yourself!
Ralph
