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N ot that long ago I'd have given a price. What’s more, not that long ago I'd have fancied that pads and disc job, but not anymore. So, the last few years I've become aware of a silent anthem, shouting: “Don't fit customer-supplied parts!” One of the education points is a fabulous Facebook page that aims to educate based on the simple fact: “If you fit it, you're liable for it.” Fake parts are everywhere, and they are so good to look at you won't know the difference. I think it’s worth considering those who make them are putting all the effort into this rather than the actual purpose the parts have. That is, in this example, the ability to stop the car is second in importance to the box and the look. That can’t be right, can it? Fake, often Chinese-made, parts may look perfect when you fit them, but 4,000 miles down the road they could be lethal and you helped this happen, in fact you’re the professional, fully qualified technician that happily put them in, aren’t you? Of course, you shouldn't fit them but... The buts go on because we, as an industry, are used to them. We are used to having to make a quick easy buck. We need to stop and think; Is it possible we are used to being unprofessional? Time went past and we were really lucky to be paid a visit by The Garage Inspector, a.k.a Andy Savva. Luck, it’s a funny thing; It turns out that if you look for someone great to advise you, you save your money and make that arrangement, luck follows next. Hmmm, isn’t that odd? So, The Garage Inspector pays us a visit then after a little time, a little maths and a little bit more education, guess what? It turns out, back then, we didn't make any money on our labour, although I’m not sure I do now to be fair. That's all swallowed up by our overheads and the like. So, the cherry on the cake is the only fruit I get, and it’s a dried one at that. Fitting those pads and discs, customer-supplied, possibly fake, is a double disaster this time to my bottom line, even if, they were the best pads in the world. Finally, you have empty ramps, you know the parts are kosher, you really want to fit them. You stick a quick two fingers up to me and off you go. Shock, horror, this has NEVER happened before, the parts are wrong. Don't worry, Mr Customer will sort them out tomorrow. I'm assuming it's ok to leave on your ramp? Oh no, of course, he didn't ask that, because he’s so cross about it all and now carless - blaming you for taking it apart when it was obvious they were wrong. All this is avoidable of course. To paraphrase the 1980s, “Just say no.” 14 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2021 BUSINESS/THE GARAGE INSPECTOR GRADUATES www.aftermarketonline.net “HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO DO MY BRAKES? I’VE GOT THE PARTS” The thorny question of customer-supplied parts is put to the Rebecca test BY Rebecca Pullan, Carmaster.