Smith&Smith® Dunedin: A Mixed Bag of Windscreen Experiences
Smith&Smith® Dunedin, located at 114 Cumberland Street in Central Dunedin, has garnered a rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on customer reviews. Providing auto glass repair services, the business operates Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, boast accessibility features including a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, and offer a central, convenient location for Dunedin residents. However, a closer look at individual experiences reveals a spectrum of opinions, ranging from exceptional service to deeply disappointing encounters. This article dives into the reviews, examining both the positive and negative feedback to provide a balanced perspective on what to expect from Smith&Smith® Dunedin. For urgent enquiries, you can reach them at +64 800 483 388.
The Shining Stars: Praises and Positive Feedback
Many customers have lauded Smith&Smith® Dunedin for its efficiency, professionalism, and friendly staff. The positive experiences consistently highlight a few key strengths:
- Speedy Service: Numerous reviews repeatedly mention the speed of the repair process, with several customers noting that the job was completed faster than initially estimated.
- Friendly & Helpful Staff: The consistently friendly and helpful nature of the staff is a prominent theme. Customers appreciate the welcoming attitude and willingness to assist. Phrases like "extremely friendly and helpful staff" appear frequently.
- Professionalism: A consistent descriptor across multiple reviews is “professional.” This suggests a competent and reliable approach to the work.
- Excellent Repairs: Several customers explicitly state their satisfaction with the quality of the repair work itself, describing it as “excellent.”
- Convenient Location: The central Dunedin location is frequently cited as a positive, making it accessible for many customers.
Here's a summary of some specific highlights:
Customer Comment | Key Positives Highlighted |
---|---|
"Did an excellent job..." | Quality of work, speed |
"Very quick service..." | Speed, friendliness, overall satisfaction |
"Friendly people..." | Friendliness, speed, convenience |
"Extremely happy..." | Speed, quality, exceeding expectations |
While not all experiences were perfect, the abundance of positive feedback suggests that Smith&Smith® Dunedin is capable of providing a high level of service when everything goes smoothly. They clearly possess a strong team and are able to quickly address a lot of common windscreen repair needs.
Navigating the Storm: Complaints and Concerns
Unfortunately, not all customer interactions with Smith&Smith® Dunedin have been positive. A significant number of reviews detail concerning experiences, raising serious questions about transparency, communication, and quality control. Recurring complaints include:
- Unauthorized Charges: A particularly troubling issue highlighted by one customer involves being charged $89 for windshield wipers without prior notification or consent. This is particularly problematic given the repair was being carried out under insurance. This customer perceived it as a deliberate attempt to "scam" them.
- Incorrect Glass Ordering: One customer endured significant inconvenience due to the initial incorrect ordering of replacement glass, leading to a lost day of work. Critically, the customer service representative reportedly laughed about the mistake – a completely unacceptable level of service.
- Damage During Repair: Another customer suffered a similar loss of a work day when the glass was damaged during the repair process, further escalating their frustration.
- Poor Quality Installation: One comment highlights a failure to properly install and seal a small quarter glass window, indicating potential quality control issues.
- Lack of Apology and Dismissive Attitude: The customer who was charged for wipers without consent emphasized the complete lack of apology and a dismissive response from staff, compounding the negative experience. Describing the response as simply telling the person to "fill in a survey" highlights a lack of genuine concern.
"These guys just ripped me off $89 for wipers I didnt need and they didnt call me to advise they were doing this (after I requested them to if needed) while I was getting windscreen replaced under insurance. Is this even legal???? Great way to scam money out of people guys. Wont be using Smith and Smith Dunedin again!!!" - A Frustrated Customer
These issues suggest a potential need for stricter internal procedures, improved communication protocols, and a greater emphasis on customer service training, specifically addressing situations where errors occur.
Accessibility and Operational Details: Key Information to Consider
For those considering Smith&Smith® Dunedin for their auto glass repair needs, here’s a summary of practical information:
- Location & Access: Smith&Smith® Dunedin is conveniently located at 114 Cumberland Street, in the heart of Central Dunedin. Their commitment to accessibility is evident with both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot.
- Operating Hours: The business is open Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Always double-check their hours before visiting, especially around public holidays.
- Contact: For inquiries or to book a service, you can reach them by phone at +64 800 483 388.
- Insurance Claims: The initial complaint regarding unexpected charges raises a caution about how insurance claims are handled. Be sure to explicitly confirm any additional costs before any work commences. Document everything.
- Legal Recourse: The point raised concerning unauthorised charges warrants further investigation. Given the concerns about potential "scamming", individuals should seek legal advice to understand their rights and potential recourse.