Instant Windscreens Christchurch - Repairs & Tinting: Quality Auto Glass Solutions

Instant Windscreens Christchurch: A Mixed Bag of Experiences

Instant Windscreens Christchurch - Repairs & Tinting, located in Sydenham, Christchurch, boasts a solid 4.5-star rating and operates with incredibly convenient 24/7 availability. They offer a comprehensive range of auto glass services, including windscreen repair and replacement, as well as tinting, and cater to customers needing mobile service. The business accepts credit and debit cards, and even NFC mobile payments, enhancing customer convenience. Accessibility is also considered, with wheelchair accessible entrance and parking. While appointments are recommended, the sheer breadth of opening hours – every day of the week, around the clock – caters to urgent needs and busy schedules. However, recent customer feedback paints a picture of inconsistencies, requiring a closer look at what Instant Windscreens Christchurch does well, and where improvements could be made.

Praises & Prompt Service: Mobile Repairs Shine

Many customers highlight the positive aspects of Instant Windscreens Christchurch’s service, particularly their mobile repair capability. The genuine appreciation for the “guys” bringing the service directly to the customer’s doorstep is a recurring theme:

• Fast Turnaround: Several reviews rave about the speed of the service. Enquiries resolved within days, leading to repairs completed within a week, even with insurance involvement, is frequently mentioned. "Amazing turnaround time," one customer stated.
• Quality Installation: Beyond speed, the quality of the installation also receives positive comments. “Quality installation - wipers still work” exemplifies the attention to detail. Mobile service has proven incredibly valuable for those with young children, allowing for the repair work to happen seamlessly around family routines, as one customer shared – “The mobile service is fantastic and works great around having a little one at home”.
• Friendly & Efficient Technicians: The technicians themselves are often commended for their professionalism and helpfulness, praised as "friendly guys pleased to be of service."
• Excellent Communication: Positive feedback also includes instances of great communication throughout the repair process, especially when referencing the branch specifically rather than the call centre experience.

Tinting Troubles & Call Centre Concerns

Despite the strong points, significant criticisms center around the window tinting services and the frustrating experience of dealing with their call centre. Let’s break down those areas:

• Disappointing Tint Results: A substantial number of customers express dissatisfaction with the window tinting. The primary complaint is the lack of noticeable tint, despite paying a premium. One customer stated, "Comparing the tints I received to that of other vehicles, mine do not look the same at all." They were told 35% is the legal limit, but felt the achieving the darkest possible legal option didn’t deliver visual impact. The $350 price tag felt unjustified for the minimal aesthetic change achieved.
• Call Centre Woes: A significant source of frustration appears to be the overseas-based call centre. Common complaints include:
  • Difficulty connecting with helpful staff.
  • Having to repeat information multiple times.
  • A perceived disconnect between the call centre and the local branch, forcing the local team to deal with the fallout of the call centre’s shortcomings. As one customer bluntly put it, "Very average service from the call centre staff. The poor branch have to deal with a very average call centre."

Installation Issues & Unresolved Requests

Beyond the tinting and call centre issues, some customers have reported problems directly related to the installation process, highlighting a need for stricter quality control and communication:

• Door Malfunction After Rear Window Replacement: A particularly concerning review detailed how a rear window replacement led to the rear door becoming inoperable, requiring the customer to remove the door panel to gain access – a serious safety hazard. The issue was attributed to glass fragments lodged in the door catch.
• Unfulfilled Request for Side Window Gluing: Another customer requested the side window be glued in place during the on-site service, a request that was not honored. The temporary tape solution subsequently peeled off, increasing the risk of the window falling out.
• Need for Improved Communication: The lack of proactive communication regarding overlooked or incomplete requests is a recurring theme. Customers felt they should have been informed about the change in tacking method (ultimately less secure than initially suggested) and the associated risks.

Instant Windscreens Christchurch is an undeniably convenient option for those requiring swift and mobile auto glass services. However, addressing the concerns surrounding tinting effectiveness and call centre communication, alongside ensuring seamless, error-free installation, is crucial for maintaining a consistently high level of customer satisfaction.