A Mixed Bag of Experiences with Smith&Smith® Hamilton Te Rapa
Smith&Smith® Hamilton Te Rapa, located at 553 Te Rapa Road in Hamilton, consistently receives a 3.7-star rating based on customer feedback. Offering auto glass repair services, they’re conveniently situated in Te Rapa, Hamilton, and boast wheelchair-accessible entry and parking – a welcome feature for customers with mobility needs. Their operating hours are consistent Monday to Friday (8 AM – 5 PM) with Saturday hours from 9 AM - 1 PM. While generally displaying a positive attitude, recent reviews reveal a range of experiences, from exceptional service to concerning damage and communication issues.
Timing Troubles & Initial Concerns
Several reviews highlight significant discrepancies in appointment timings, particularly regarding windscreen replacements. One customer’s booking, scheduled from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, resulted in their vehicle being brought in at 12:00 PM and not completed until 1:30 PM – a considerable delay despite being the only customer waiting. This lack of communication regarding the schedule, with no proactive updates offered, led to considerable inconvenience. Beyond the timing issue, further concern arose from a customer’s after-repair inspection, revealing significant flaws:
- A broken piece of plastic trim near the windscreen base.
- Poorly installed foam between the windscreen and dashboard, creating a warped appearance.
- Deformed chrome trim and improperly secured rubber, potentially leading to water pooling and rust.
These issues suggest a lack of meticulous attention to detail during the repair process, a key consideration for any auto glass service.
Seat Damage & Lack of Accountability - A Significant Setback
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of recent reviews surrounds damage to a customer’s brand-new vehicle. In a heartbreaking account, a previously 5-star review was rescinded after the discovery of damage to the leather seat bolster. The damage – a clear sign of forced manipulation – occurred during the windscreen repair process. The customer's frustration stemmed not only from the damage itself but also from the technician’s failure to disclose the issue. This lack of transparency deeply impacted their trust in Smith&Smith®.
"If something happened and there's a problem, you let the owner know and we can sort it out. I would have been quite understanding, but not mentioning anything thinking I'll not notice or take issue with you damaging my vehicle is 10x worse."
This highlights a critical aspect of customer service: owning up to mistakes and proactively addressing them, even when uncomfortable. Repeated incidents of damage, as alluded to in a customer's statement (“every other month you find another part of your $70k car that they broke or didn’t give a **** about”), paints a deeply concerning picture of quality control.
Positive Experiences & Dedicated Staff
Despite the concerning issues raised, numerous reviews also praise Smith&Smith® Hamilton Te Rapa for excellent customer service.
- Adam's Expertise: Multiple customers specifically commend Adam for his exceptional work on quarter glass repairs, highlighting the superior seal and wind noise reduction compared to other repair locations.
- Stoked Customer Service: Several reviewers consistently express satisfaction with the friendly and helpful staff, from initial greetings to post-repair inspections. Specifically, one customer noted, "Good job S&S 👊".
- Problem Resolution: One customer experienced wiper issues but valued the company’s responsiveness and willingness to rectify the problem quickly.
- Early Completion: A customer noted their car was ready earlier than expected, even with a late arrival, displaying flexibility and efficiency.
Contact Information & Accessibility
- Phone: +64 800 483 388
- Address: Smith&Smith® Hamilton Te Rapa 553 Te Rapa Road, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM
- Sunday: Closed