I'm getting worried

"4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30" (4muddyfeet)
07/27/2016 at 08:45 • Filed to: Land Rover

The shop that I dropped my Land Rover into for partial restoration and a chassis swap isn’t answering my calls or emails. It’s now been 9 weeks and I’ve managed to speak to them once.

The phone just rings out, and I know for a fact that it redirects to the boss’s mobile phone when left unanswered.

These guys and gals have done great work for me in the past and are widely well regarded, especially in performance Ford and Land Rover circles (I know, an odd mix).

I’m going to try turning up there out of blue, or do you have any other suggestions? I’m not full of hellfire yet, so I won’t go in with a hot head.

DISCUSSION (28)

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 08:48

Should we ready the troops?

Slant6 > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 08:52

9 weeks sounds excessive. I used to get worried when my BMW shop would go 2 weeks with no contact. Granted they were busy, and I was just some nervous kid. It’s also the only car I had to have overnight at a shop, ever.

I’d definitely go visit, you are paying them for this after all, you should have a right to know what’s going on.

Slant6 > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras
07/27/2016 at 08:53

WITHOUT the Land Rover? This is an uphill battle.

BvdV - The Dutch Engineer > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 08:53

That sure is weird.

Have you tried calling with a different phone number, or with a blocked caller id? Maybe they haven’t done anything yet and they don’t want to break that to you, which could be why they are ignoring you.

BReLp7dzHM3ytYsE > Slant6
07/27/2016 at 08:54

This. Go to the shop and see what’s going on.

kanadanmajava1 > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 08:54

Could they just be having their vacations?

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Slant6
07/27/2016 at 08:56

I’ll bring mine.

Arrivederci > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 08:57

It’s not John Hennessey, but it’s John Hennessey’s British Landie-loving cousin?

That’s a bummer they’ve gone MIA. As Slant6 said, I’d make a point to go down there - if you can’t return my calls, I’m giving you an unexpected pop-in visit.

Laurence > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 08:57

I'd try calling with a different phone so they don't know it's you, then if they don't answer or it seems like there's any funny business, turn up and see what's going on, 9 weeks is a long time

Slant6 > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts.
07/27/2016 at 08:58

I think Toyotas are the way to go here. The shop might lure in the LRs and take them prisoner. Gentle beasts they are, they know those who understand them and won’t do them harm.

CalzoneGolem > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 08:58

I’d roll on up there but be friendly until you figure out what’s up. I’m sure you can find some blokes willing to shoot the shit about Range Rovers and you can get a feel for what’s going on.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 08:58

I’d say pop in for a quick chat and ask about the progress. It could be they’re just busy though, but better you get peace of mind. The problem I find with good mechanics is that they’re normally terrible at managing customer expectations.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > Slant6
07/27/2016 at 09:01

This is true however I need a tetanus booster first as it’s been a while since my last one.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 09:01

Not good. Perhaps not bad, but certainly not good. Hopefully they’re just heavily queued and embarrassed about it.

Slant6 > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts.
07/27/2016 at 09:02

The shop won’t know what hit them!

MonkeePuzzle > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 09:09

I can understand a shop no answering, but no voicemail is odd. My mechanic is just a small shop, with no receptionist, so they often dont answer, but they call back.

Can you email or text them, just to give other options for communication? And sadly, although it shouldn’t be needed, sounds like you should drop in in person.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Slant6
07/27/2016 at 09:15

There’s a chance I have little work on Friday, so I’ll pop down then. It’s the lack of communication that gets me, I’d rather a job done properly rather than quickly.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > MonkeePuzzle
07/27/2016 at 09:17

I’ve emailed for a new price based on the additions I specified, and then followed up with 3 or 4 unanswered calls. I’ve tried again twice this week but with no answer.

I’m going to try and pop in on Friday.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts.
07/27/2016 at 09:18

It’s his missus who handles all the customers, and she’s usually bloody good at it. Dunno what’s happening over there but I’m wondering if it’s to do with their new premises.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > BvdV - The Dutch Engineer
07/27/2016 at 09:19

I did think of that. I’ll borrow a phone and try ringing again. If not I’ll make a new gmail and ask if they do SIII chassis swaps and restorations :D

MonkeePuzzle > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 09:23

keep us updated. fingers crossed they are just poor communicators but good at their job.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > CalzoneGolem
07/27/2016 at 09:27

I know them pretty well, and I definitely wouldn’t go in angry! Bot the best way to get results :)

McMike > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 09:28

I would pay them a visit and raise hell for their shitty communication.

However......

That’s a hard point to make with some people. They can’t separate between that and anything else. Mad = mad, no matter how clear you are.

There could be 10 legitimate reasons progress is delayed, but if you go in pissed about communication, some people just won’t get it.

Why the fuck aren’t you returning my calls?

We haven’t made any progress.

Never mind the progress, you haven’t returned my calls.

We had no updates, we’re waiting for the powdercoaters.

I realize that, but why didn’t you call me back?

Dude, chill out. It’s not our fault the powdercoaters are the ones slowing us down.

YOU. AREN’T. RETURNING. MY. CALLS!

Please come pick up your car.

CalzoneGolem > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 09:32

Ok mate. Keep us posted!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 09:42

Sounds completely unacceptable from a customer service standpoint.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 09:57

If you know them well enough just rock up and ask how things are going :)

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 10:13

Could be, either way I’d pop down if I were you.

RallyWrench > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
07/27/2016 at 12:51

That’s worrisome. Are they nearby? Pop in or if that’s not practical, have someone nearby at least drive by and see if the doors are open. I’ve found with large-scale projects that it’s much better if the owner is available for regular in-person consultation and progress reports. That way all parties are on the same page.