Concierge Car Wash - Westfield Riccarton: A Mixed Bag of Kiwi Clean Experiences
Concierge Car Wash – Westfield Riccarton, located conveniently at 129 Riccarton Road in Christchurch, is a car wash facility aiming to provide premium cleaning services. Operating seven days a week (Monday-Sunday, with slightly altered hours on Sunday), they accept debit cards and NFC mobile payments, but not credit cards. While offering onsite services, recent customer feedback paints a complex picture – a frustrating blend of initial promise and inconsistent execution. The current rating sits at 3.7 out of 5, reflecting this patchy reputation. While some customers swear by their work, a significant number have voiced serious concerns regarding quality and value for money, especially considering the prices charged. Their phone number is +64 800 360 873.
The Cost of Clean: Price vs. Performance Concerns
Several reviewers raise serious questions about the value offered at Concierge Car Wash. Prices range significantly, from $46 for an exterior and wheel clean to a hefty $140 for a more comprehensive wash, with premium packages topping $110. However, numerous accounts detail a frustrating discrepancy between the price tag and the final outcome. Here’s a breakdown of the common complaints:
Lack of Attention to Detail: Multiple customers highlight missed spots, both internally and externally. This includes unvacuumed areas, dirty wheels even after a premium wash, and streaks of dirt remaining.
Interior Mishaps: Reports of seat cover disarray, pushed-in gear stick boots, and inadequate product application on dashboards are concerning, undermining the perceived 'premium' service.
Hidden Costs and Lack of Communication: One customer cited a surprising $50 extra charge and an hour’s wait to address black spatter on the roof that wasn’t initially identified. The lack of communication before any extra charges were applied is a recurring theme.
Overzealous Interior Products: A slippery residue left on interior surfaces after cleaning, from excessive oil or wax, also received complaints.
Service Package Reported Price Common Complaints Exterior & Wheels ~$46 Surface Streaks, Incomplete Clean Basic Interior/Exterior ~$75 Watermarks on door jams, poor detailing Premium Wash ~$110 Missed spots, unvacuumed areas, wheels still dirty In & Out (Small 4x4) ~$90 Residue, interior issues, needing re-cleaning
Customer Testimonials: A Tale of Two Experiences
The reviews for Concierge Car Wash are surprisingly polarised. While a vocal minority sing their praises, a significant number express disappointment. Here’s a sampling:
The Positive:
“This is my go-to carwash! Haven't found anyone as good as these guys. Super polite and do a great job. Just recently had my headlights restored with them and they came out looking awesome… Thanks team!"
"Done within stated time and pretty good job. My car is a bit of a wreck but certainly got a new lease of life.”
The Negative:
“Absolutely poor workmanship. Normally go to Lichfield car park car wash that does a beautiful job for less cost. Will not recommend this place, Don't waste your money."
"I’m disappointed as it was a service I recommended and trusted and now I’m not sure anymore 😕. I’ve never seen such a horrible job done. It was a waste of my time."
"Waste of time I waited like 2 hrs and more, Tyre spray all over the car and not wash properly some of the areas of car and dust back again while was taking car and paid 140 dollars. All over water sports and mats seal are broken, when we asked he said it was like that before. I don't recommend this."
These contrasting viewpoints highlight the inconsistency in service quality, suggesting that the experience can be heavily reliant on the specific staff member and the day of the week.
Improving the Shine: Areas for Concierge Car Wash to Focus On
Given the significant variation in customer experiences, Concierge Car Wash – Westfield Riccarton has clear opportunities to improve. Addressing the following would likely lead to a more consistently positive reputation:
- Enhanced Quality Control: Implement a thorough checklist to ensure all areas of the car are properly cleaned and vacuumed. A final inspection before the car is returned to the customer could prevent many complaints.
- Improved Communication: If issues are discovered (like the black spatter incident), customers should be contacted before incurring additional charges. Transparency and consent are crucial.
- Staff Training: Further training to improve attention to detail and handling of interiors would be invaluable.
- Product Usage: Review and potentially adjust the amount of interior product used to avoid excessive slipperiness.
- Time Management: Reducing wait times, particularly for peak periods, would significantly improve the overall customer experience. The 2-hour wait described by one customer is unacceptable.
- Manage Expectations: If certain issues (like pre-existing damage to mats) cannot be rectified, openly communicate this to customers rather than attempting to deflect blame.
Ultimately, Concierge Car Wash – Westfield Riccarton possesses the potential to deliver a truly exceptional car cleaning service. By addressing the recurring concerns highlighted in customer feedback, and prioritising quality control and communication, they can move towards a more consistently positive reputation and justify the premium prices they charge.