Recently a student from DeAnza brought his car to a repair s

Recently a student from DeAnza brought his car to a repair shop for a brake job. The service writer gave him a written quote of $300 for the repair. The student agreed and signed the quote. As he was leaving, the student mentioned to one of the mechanics that he needed an oil change. The next day when the student came to pick up the car the bill was for $330 - $300 for the brake job and $30 for the oil change. The student told the cashier he had not authorized the oil change. How should this be handled by both parties? What are the risks for both? Make sure you examine both sides of the issue in discussing your answer.

Solution

Issues such as this gives rise to the necessity of having things documented and signed. The mechanic should have done two things:

1. Take it down as a request and get it signed by the service writer.

2. Ask for a written declaration from the customer.

The student, on the other hand should have given in writing and taken the new quote, untill and unless he wants to commit a fraud.

Now, since the service shop doesn\'t have any documented request for oil change, they can either get the charges from the mechanic who changed the oil or forego the loss, in hope of not losing business due to bad mouthing by the student. The student is at an advantageous position and may choose not to pay.

Risk for both parties are as below:

Shop risk

Student risk