31 March 2019

As a consumer as I’m as guilty as the next person for having the default setting to go independent first for bodyshop work, but maybe I should re-examine that attitude and maybe franchised retailers should be helping others do so too.

With my company car about to go back, of course what should happen but a large rock hit punch a hole in the lower front grille with three days to go before the inspection is due.

Cue a host of frantic calls to various bodyshops across town which mostly elicited comments along the lines of ‘that’s tricky’, ‘not sure if I’ve got the space in the diary’ or ‘I’ll have to check if I can get the part in”.

So I thought I’ll take the hit on cost in the name of speed and called my local franchised BMW retailer Sycamore BMW.

I’m happy to say the experience was brilliant.

A quote within the hour, a repair time to suit me and best of all 25% cheaper than the independents!

Hats off to Sycamore. As a result, I’ve reset the default in my head and will start franchised in future. I’ve also told all my mates.

Francis Marshall

Commercial director

Auto Retail Network

Tags: BMW, body repair, Sycamore BMW