Although I continue to have serious health issues I am forced to write this blog about this new motor vehicle repair business started by the Chinese in Kingston
Government should trod carefully on this one, or else there might be a significant political cost and economic cost to pay for any attempt to close this business.
Jamaicans have not been getting a fair deal across this country. Many have lost thousands of dollars at the hands of inept mechanics. A few years ago, I spent over half a million dollars fixing something on a car that should cost less than JAD20,000. I had to drive the car as is for over a year before I was able to afford to deal with the matter.
We know many people are unable to maintain their vehicles due to the high cost of maintaining them. Probably that is why some vehicles never reached the depot to do the fitness test. If we make it difficult for people to do the right thing, then what do you expect.
The car repair business needs competition. Work permits should not be a means to protect a sector which gives consumers a raw deal. Note that we have not been quick to lock down the ad hoc motor vehicle repair shops across the country. Many are probably facilitating the stealing of motor vehicles.
Let us welcome a few qualified foreigners into some sectors of the economy. We can learn from them about improved productivity, customer service and reduced cost of service.
Policies which protect inefficient businesses, inept workers, and those who literally rip off consumers can not be considered as policies which are in the best interest of the Jamaican consumer.
Let us get that auto-repair business going. Let them sort out their work permits so that consumers can get good service, good customer service at a good price. The consumers were dying for this break.
What do you think.
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I totally agree with you, Vernon. I could not have said it any better. I gave my vehicle to my sistren's mechanic from June 22, 2024 and to date I cannot get it fixed. This is after taking it to several mechanics but none could correct the problem. They just ripped me off because I am a female. When I heard about the Chinese Mechanic, I call my sistren's mechanic and told him i am sending the Chinese with a toe truck to get my vehicle away from him, and now to here that service has stopped because of some stupid work permit. That sounds badmind and grudgeful. Cant wait for them to open back up
ReplyDeleteTrying to delete this as there are errors that I corrected and reposted but can't. Pls delete for me Vernon
DeleteJust add a new comment.
DeleteI totally agree with you vernon. They are providing a great service an Jamaicans recognize this. Too many dishonest players in the auto repairs business.
DeleteMany years ago I had a mechanic who I trusted, but for 15 years he was ripping me oiff! When I found out that he was overcharging me on oarts AND service I dropped him immediately. For month he would be calling me "bring in the car for a free check." "Is what me do you?" Etc
totally agree with you, Vernon. I could not have said it any better. I gave my vehicle to my sistren's mechanic from June 22, 2024 and to date I cannot get it fixed. This is after taking it to several mechanics but none could correct the problem. They just ripped me off because I am a female. When I heard about the Chinese Mechanic, I called my sistren's mechanic and told him i am sending the Chinese with a tow truck to get my vehicle away from him, and now to hear that service has stopped because of some stupid work permit. That sounds badmind and grudgeful. Cant wait for them to open back up
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I agree with you. The current system seems to prioritize protecting certain sectors over providing quality services to consumers. Allowing qualified foreigners to contribute to the auto-repair industry could bring much-needed competition, innovation, and better customer service. It us time to prioritize the needs of Jamaican consumers and support policies that promote efficiency, productivity, and fair pricing. Let us get the auto-repair business going and give consumers the break they deserve !
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing sir, I cannot begin to share my story after purchasing my “brand new” vehicle from a “dealer” and after having my vehicle for years it still wasn’t fixed while they demanded a sizable sum that it was fixed, all the parts were removed from the engine and were stocked in the trunk!! I’ll probably write that book one day! Set me back years!
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ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Vernon; right on target!!! Jamaica has been learning from the USA how to exploit consumer to the maximum. Let this new entity be a model to Jamaica, let them teach and demonstrate to us how to run vehicle maintenance business.
It is very worrying that citizens would support such illegal actions. Operating a business without the proper permits and licenses is illegal. It doesn't matter how good the service, right is right and wrong is wrong.
ReplyDeleteThe car repair industry is greatly unregulated, like everything else in the country. That is why there are so many incompetent and crooked mechanics. Because there is an environment ripe for them to flourish and thrive.
Also, this should be a wake-up call for citizens to realize how they are facilitating the breaking of the law. It also serves to show that car repair doesn't have to be expensive nor the service of poor quality, but it's because these mechanics are crooked and believe the clients lack options.
The government needs to regulate the sector. Physical inspections, registration and licensing, they should be certified and there should be a grading system in place as well. A one star to five star rating scale like hotels.
How would citizens know about "illegal actions"? Are people supposed to do a background check everytime a new business opens?
DeleteYour concern should be about the fact that motorists so desperately need to seek an alternative to what currently pass dor automobile repair locally
My point exactly is that any and everyone, a part from a few are operating according to the law. That's why the Chinese were able to set up shop. Permit and licenses are usually on display, or a certification speaking to their competence in the field. There should be a website to see a list of verified mechanics or auto repair shops.
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