what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

[sea wolf]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

leaving your boat at a marina to have it worked on is no different than leaving your car or whatever vehicle u own at a repair facility. u leave the keys. if u have your car worked on by a pro, do u pull the batteries? don't blame others for your own lack of common sense.

 

[rsfeller]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

once again seawolf, you don't seem to read my posts in your quick attempt to get to the insult...<br /><br />the owner's wife whom i spoke with on the phone to "set up the deal" asked if i was going to pull my batteries myself and store them, or have them do it for a fee. i said i would take my batteries and charge them in the spring instead of having them do it. therefor i wasn't lacking "common sence" as you write of. if i'm taking my own battery to save money, why would i turn around and 'want to get' billed for not having them!! and as far as the logic that having my car worked on and my boat stored is not the same in my oppinion. if i was storing my car for the season, i could see your argument. plus every mechanic i've ever had has asked for the key or "is it in the car", when i drop them off. your comments would be acceptable if there was no discussion between me taking the battery with the owner's wife. plus i think my car mechanic would call me for the key if i didn't leave it, as stated in your analogy. i don't think they would "hotwire" it w/o my consent...so it seems to me there is a lot of assumptions and different standards in the "boating world" of maintainance in comparison to the automotive. obviously those who commented on me having to learn the hard way were accurate...the fact that you support their behavior has me suspect of the business ethics in the boating world.<br /><br />if your done insulting me i'll drop the topic.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

Being in the business, I'll add my opinion. I may not have charged that much, but you would have been billed for the extra time. This marina probably had a base rate for winterizing and didn't take into account the added time taken on your boat. Most boat owners leave the keys in the boat either in the switch or side compartment. Why take them home and take a chance of losing them. If anyone wanted to steal the boat, keys wouldn't slow them down. Maybe the mechanic saw you remove the battery, but hey, its not his business on what you do with your boat. You say you live an hour and a half away so you are saying if they called you and said they needed a battery and the keys, you would drive that distance to bring them the items. I don't think so but if you did, you'd really be a tight wad. But what you paid for is called a pain in the butt charge. This probably isn't the first time you've caused them problems and if you took your business elsewhere, you'd probably not be missed. I can see the mechanic now as he gets ready to work on your boat. First there isn't any key so he wastes time searching the boat for one. Then he finally decides to hot wire the engine and then crap, ain't no battery either. Climb down out of the boat, fetch up a battery and install it. Winterize the boat then undo everything he had done. Same as the customers that ask me to call them when I work on their boats so they can watch. Sure I say, then when they come in several weeks later and ask if the boat is ready, I reply, Ya know, every time it came time to work on your boat I remembered that you wanted to be here and you wasn't home when I called, so I moved it to the bottom of the list again. Its kinda like saying " If you have a problem with my work, tell me and we can solve the problem, if there isn't a problem, leave me alone so I can work"

 

[lifestyletoys]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

shawn fellar<br /><br />Seems to me you have been registered with iboats since September 2002.During that time this forum ,as have many others,offered advice on winterizing and lots of tips on maintaining your boat.You SIR,do not appear to have read any of this valuable information but have just spent about 32-hours of worthless time, trying to obtain information on wether or not $75.00 is a reasonabe charge for battery/keys!<br />I do believe that the only person(s) that can rightfully explain/correct this, is the Port Clinton marina.So quit your whining and approach the Marina to settle your dispute!!

 

[lifestyletoys]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

P.S><br />shawn feller portrays himself as an innocent boater with limited knowledge!!<br />I would suggest that before helping this unfortunate person,we check out his profile.<br />Ah-Ha..seems to me he does his own maintainance on of all things a SAAB.Not a very conventional piece is it?Hell no!! Just to start the thing one has to know that the key is located on the floor at the gearshift.With the DIARY of Repairs this feller knows a thing or two.<br />Just got one-upped by the marina and does not like it.As someone in the post suggested maybe this is not the first time he has "rubbed" someone at the marina the "wrong way".<br /><br />Keep smiling they are coming to get you!!

 

[MrBill]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

Shawn: I'm with you... reputable, customer oriented businesses would have done things differently. My marina give instructions for drop off in writing, and a check list for you to complete of items you want serviced, whether you're leaving the boat for the winter or not.<br /><br />Plus....don't you sign an estimate for service to be completed. Find someone honest......

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

I agree, *****ing over 75 bucks for what they had to do is wrong. In a perfect world though they should have called the owner and asked if he knew where the keys and battery were and gave him the option to either bring them back (and go to the back of the winterizing list waiting for them) or be charged the service charge. "IF" they could have got a hold of you (no answer.....to the bottom of the list). I think you would have gone for the 75 bucks. Your just pissed off because they didn't call you first.

 

[clanton]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

Should have been signed work/service order with required work/service that owner signed, any added work shop should have called owner. Key should stay with work/service order.

 

[rsfeller]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

lifestyletoys,<br /><br />you fall into seawolfs catagory of assuming quite abit. you may be a decent mechanic yourself, does that mean you "rubbed" mechanics the wrong way too? as i mentioned in my posts, i've never had issues when i take my "big needs" to one of my competetant saab mechanics...so why assume that i've rubbed this marina the wrong way before. anyways, i know saabs not boats. again if you guys read the posts, you'll see i'm a first time boater and called many many facilites before i could get prices that were even reasonabily close, and getting info from many of them was painful at best. it seems they want the rich dumb consumers who bring their expensive toys in and just open the checkbook...not guys like me trying to do as much as they can so they have $$$ for next season to enjoy their hobbie.<br /><br />i would have loved to take my boat home and try to winterize it myself...but nobody in port clinton (marina and mechanics) would transport at a responable price. i got quotes of $500 one way for a 1.25 hr drive for a 21ft bayliner!!! that means it would have cost me $1000 plus materials...so until i buy a trailer i'm at the mercy of the wolves...<br /><br />i found one company with a decent reputation and resaonble prices, that was recommended and that's why i took it there. i made the mistake of asking the opinion and not the fact from this BB if the cost/charnge/reasoning was acceptable so that i may address them in a logic fashion, as it seem unreasonable to me. so for all you who are telling me to quit whinning and talk it over with them...that was my goal...i was just trying to educated before i did.<br /><br />thank you again those who gave me logical oppinions, facts and customer perceptions. those who who decided to assume, judge and berate me...FU.

 

[P.V.]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

Shawn, it looks like you got a consensious of opinions on WHAT should have been done!! You should have left the items IN the boat,you Should have told them you removed the items, you should have ASKED if that presented any concerns, they should have ASKED you if the items were IN the boat, they should have told you of additional charges for the items not BEING in the boat, they should have called you. They are as "guilty" as you!!!!!!Don't take this TOO personally! BUT both of you are to blame for this senario!! Now, when you DO go and talk to them, I bet they will be willing to modify the $75 bill (as long as no one gets into a real pis*$ing match over machismo and ego). And you know what? I bet they will remember you in the future and you will TELL 'em about the lack of batteries and keys and THEY will "mention" the additional charges, $75 or otherwise!!! <br />Now, if you remember my orginal post, I mention'd that I wasn't willing to argue with everyone who presents me with this problem, AND it happens more often than not. Yes, I try to call customers , but SOMETIMES, (I don't know why) they aren't home durring the day). Now, what amount do you think that a marina SHOULD charge for hot-wiring your ignition?? Remember, some are ezier than others and more or less accessible on one boat than another???? In my part of the country, we are trying to beat the freezing weather. For some reason, people who have not boated since Labor Day feel they should wait till the night of the first -28 degree cold front to show up at my door!. When I get twenty boats at once, it's MY rsponsibilty to drop what I'm doing and go and drain THOSE boats so they won't freeze up ,"On my watch"!. Now tell me, do I charge them for this service?? I'm saving them thousands of dollars due to their "lateness" BUT do I charge them?? How much?? Yes, I should tell them how much? But do I make them pay? What's the dollar figure? OR, do I do as some may and JUST slide the charges into the regular bill as some may do??? <br />The answer is I don't charge! I should but I don't!!! And I don't hide the charges into the bill somewhere else!!! For some reason, too many people believe that "we" are just crooks and are only out to take your money. You want crap?? That's crap!!!!I spend my day just trying to get the customers taken care of, boats done, go home and mow that d*#m grass and take the kids where-ever the hell they need to go to today!!!And tomorrow, I go through the same thing again, JUST like you!!! <br />Most "problems" are just solutions waiting to happen!! Hope you find a "middle ground"!!!!

 

[rsfeller]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

PV, thank you...you've had the most constructive and bias points for my education on this topic.<br /><br />my goal is to discuss it with them, and feel we will me at a comprimise at best. just be cause i few people got personal on this site, doesn't mean i'm into p**sing matches...i seldom raise a stink!!<br /><br />i agree about a could have asked if they needed the keys...but i still think they were misleading on the battery topic. as i mentioned previously they asked if i wanted to store my own batteries or be charged! i got charged either way, where there questioin was implying some discount if i took care of it myself...<br /><br />thank you again.

 

[speed29668]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

Shawn,<br /><br />Quite a few marinas and marine mechanics have a cocky attitude and act like everything is an inconvenience to them. Quite a few are good at repairing and maintaining boats but don't know much about running a business. They forget it is the customer that ultimately pays the bill and the paycheck. Not all, not most, but quite a few. If they were decent and organized they would have called you about the keys before adding the charge. Take your money elsewhere if they don't compromise on the charge.

 

[rsfeller]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

thanks speed, i'm with you on the comment about being very good mechanics...but some (read: not all) are very poor on the business end.

 

[Beaux]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

All the boats I have owned were on trailers so I possess no specific experience with storage/winterizing. However, I do have a good base of knowledge and lots of experience dealing with charges that people do not feel are "worth it". Shawn- I agree with you that a phone call(s) should have been made to prevent charges from being applied to the bill that were not discussed and agreed to be paid. To me, that is common professional courtesy and goes along way towards having a thriving business and satisfied customers. I do not think the other posts were trying to accuse you of anything, just pointing out the hassle that was created when the mix-up occurred. Believe me, most issues arise because of a lack of communication in my profession(and most), and I accept the responsibility that since I am the knowledgeable (professional) the burden is on ME to inform the customer (patient in my field) of the "obvious". I do think that if you discuss it with them, most mechanics/shop owners would adjust the bill because they would want your business and future referrals. Just remember that you should make it cordial and not threatening. I am always swayed by friendly patients not the pain in the neck ones. Sorry for the long winded post! good luck!!<br /> Beaux

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

On the battery topic only, IF you store any 12 volt battery for any period of time;<br /><br />CHECK LEVEL (if not maintenance free) and CHARGE BATTERY(ies) FIRST BEFORE STORAGE. <br /><br />Otherwise those same dealers will only be too happy to sell you another battery in the spring.

 

[vinney]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

THE NEXT TIME YOU HAVE SERVICE DONE. I BET 75 BUCKS THE KEYS WILL BE IN THE IGNITION. I WISH I HAD A DOLLAR FOR EVERY SET OF KEYS MISSING. YOU GUYS HAVE MADE ME GREAT AT HOT WIRING A BOAT. I CAN DO IT MOST OF THE TIME FASTER THAN WITH THE KEYS.(MOST). MOST REPAIR SHOPS WANT YOU TO PLAY BALL BY THEIR RULE THAT WHY ITS THEIR BUSINESS.I MAKE THE RULES IN MY SHOP AND CUSTOMERS PLAY BY MY RULES. THERE CAN ONLY ONE BUS DRIVER. VINNEY

 

[rsfeller]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

vinney. thanks for the view. i'm amazed that mechanics think like this, it's the only business i've ever dealt with that acts this way! it's really a throwback way of buiness from the world i work in...but if that's the way it is i'll have to deal with the mentality. i've never had a car shop act so busy and condensending...but i've experienced this attitdue with many of your peers.<br /><br />so if it's an acceptable and common fact that keys are never dropped off and you can make money everytime, i guess i see why a less than customer service oriented shop would squeeze money anyway they can. why not charge a oil disposal fee, or a "i had to snap the mooring cover back on" after winterizing the boat fee!!! they don't seem to far off, considering with your attitude of how to run a shop! i'm sure your comments had to be somewhat sarcastic. i hope you have more work than you know what to do with, i know in my line of work that attitude would put me out of business very quickly...<br /><br />but really, why charge the fee if you can hotwire a boat quicker than you can start it?

 

[vinney]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

I HAVE ALWAYS HAD PLENTY OF WORK. WE HAVE WORKED VERY HARD OVER THE YEAR TO BE THE MOST EDUCATED IN OUR AREA WE HAVE ALL THE LASTEST TOOLS, HAND HELD, SCAN TOOLS AND LAB TOPS. MY GUYS GO TO SCHOOL EVERY YEAR AND I PAY THEM ON EFFICENCY. NOT ALL BOATS ARE EASY TO HOT WIRE. MOST JOBS WE FLAT RATE ITS FAIR TO THE CUSTOMER AND FAIR TO THE TECH. EVERY ONE IS ON THE SAME PAGE. IF THE KEYS ARE NOT THERE. IT SLOWS THE PROCESS DOWN. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE SERVICE COST EFFICTIVE. WE ARE NOT THE BAD GUYS. WE ARE TRYING TO KEEP A PRODUCT UP AND RUNNING. WE DIDNT BUILD THEM, MANUFACTURE THEM OR DESIGN THEM. MOST OF US WANT YOU BOAT TO RUN THE BEST IT CAN RUN.

 

[rsfeller]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

i agree with your goals completely, it just that some of us are skeptical of the process to get there. as you can see from a couple other posts people are skeptical at times, especially with the "it my way or the highway" attitude. remember percpetion is reality, and many of us don't do business with people/business if the experience is not postive...regardless of the work, and i'm quite sure you are very competant.<br /><br />i don't know if you had time to ready the far to many posts above...but the whole argument from me as transformed it the question: why was i not notified at the time or post dropping off the boat of the key or battery issue. i know your perception maybe that you are to busy to give good customer service, but that is 49% of a great business plan. if you know that 50% of us "morons" (from seawolf) are not going to drop off the key...then why not ask for it (keys) during the many oppurtunties that this facility had...they should be looking for it. they had plenty of time to "shoot the breeze" with me on many other issues...or check several days before my boat was due if they were with the work order, on the board or in the boat. i could have placed a key in the mail for 50 cents!!<br /><br />anyways, keep up the great work but remember that perception is everything. we all know there are a**holes for customers, people that want things for free and other who are never happy...but if you have people that feel they are wronged, then it doesn't matter if they were or not. the customer is not "always right" in my business, but i do my best to make their perception postitive whenever i can.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: what is this crap charge from my mechanic/storage...

hey shawn, i'm not a boat mechanic or dealer, and i'm just putting in my 2cents because everyone else is... <br />i definitely understand the things the experienced guys list, like clanton and PV.<br />but from my point of view, as if i had taken my boat in for a service request - i'd not expect that kind of service. <br />but it seems many feel the same way, so just try to dispute it, and if it fails, you'll know better next time