Auto shop asking for money before repairs.

[kristin5683]

I'm currently living in New Jersey. I have my car in the shop, and they gave me an estimate. When I told them to go ahead and start the repairs, but they said they would need payment in full before the repairs were started. This feels a bit suspicious to me. I need some advice; I'd like to know what my rights are.

 

[ecmst12]

You have the right to choose another shop, or negotiate a partial payment up front instead (maybe just pay for the parts up front and the labor upon completion). But if you're really not comfortable, go elsewhere.

 

[kristin5683]

What next?

Is it a common practice to ask for money before repairs? I've never encountered that before. I want to be on a firm footing when I tell the repair company that I won't be paying them the entire amount up front. Any suggestions as to what to say?

 

[CourtClerk]

Any suggestions as to what to say?

I'm not paying you in full before the work is completed.

 

[ecmst12]

I'm getting the feeling that, if this guy is honest, he's been screwed on a job he did for someone else recently. But he really has no basis to demand payment in full before starting the work, that's not the industry standard and you will not have trouble finding a shop which won't do this.

 

[Labtec600]

There is the normal way of doing things....then there is New Jersey.

Just go to another shop. Body shops already have control in getting their payment...it's called not releasing the vehicle until their paid. Not saying this shop is doing something wrong (Maybe they get a lot of bounced checks?) but you have no obligation to go there.