For this reason alone, it makes sense to have it repaired at an accredited and graded workshop. Why?<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause an accredited workshop has to meet and comply with minimum criteria and set standards,\u201d said Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the<\/p>
, a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Association (RMI).<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a workshop has been accredited by a reputable association, such as MIWA, you can be assured of good workmanship, but also recourse should the job not be done to acceptable standards.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ranft added that accredited workshops are run by highly-skilled mechanics, with excellent service-levels, administrative support and quality parts and machinery.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, the key is to ensure you select an accredited workshop,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He explained that during the accreditation process a workshop undergoes a thorough assessment.<\/p>\n
Aspects including the health and safety operating procedures are scrutinized, as are the premises, equipment, administration, waste removal, staffing and so on.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven aspects of the business such as parking facilities, lighting, ventilation and uniforms are inspected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe MIWA accreditation and grading process includes a document of proof of compliance to health and safety policies that members have to adhere to before they receive their accreditation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a rigorous process that we believe is essential to ensure customers know they are dealing with professionals and feel protected,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The level of staff training is also an important aspect of the accreditation process.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, skills shortages are a reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo achieve a MIWA accreditation, workshops have to prove their staff have sufficient training and on-the-job experience, as well as specific qualifications to meet the needs of their customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy using an accredited workshop, customers can feel reassured that they are dealing with highly-trained individuals,\u201d Ranft pointed out.<\/p>\n
Accreditation criteria also includes standards for tools and diagnostic equipment required to correctly perform the repairs, as well as having insurance, such as defective workmanship insurance in the unlikely event of an incorrect repair, in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorkshops have to have guarantees and warrantees in place before accreditation can be achieved,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Possibly the most important benefit of using an accredited workshop is the knowledge that there is an association you can deal with in the event of a bad service or poor workmanship experience.<\/p>\n
Once accredited, a workshop can then enter into the grading process.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Apprenticeships make good financial sense for businesses, research shows<\/a><\/p>\n Looking back and pushing forward<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just like the hospitality industry, workshops receive a star-rating based on a specific list of criteria.<\/p>\n \u201cTo become a five-star graded workshop, for example, MIWA workshops must be fully audited and deliver on requirements around workshop design and equipment, customer satisfaction assessment tools, and service options such as vehicle washing prior to delivery, as well as free delivery and collection service.<\/p>\n \u201cMany of our workshops are graded as five-star, but we also have four- and three- star workshops that offer excellent service too,\u201d explained Ranft.<\/p>\n \u201cOwning a motor vehicle is a big investment.<\/p>\n \u201cThe purchase price alone is a major financial commitment and repairs don\u2019t come cheap.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is, therefore, very important that you can trust the repairer to do the best job at the most affordable price.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to ask for proof of accreditation when contacting a workshop.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are looking for a workshop bear in mind that there are over 2 500 accredited MIWA workshops around the country.<\/p>\n \u201cDownload the RMI Connect app to find the workshop closest to you.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have the right to an affordable and professional service so make sure you use an accredited workshop,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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