A Mixed Bag of Experiences: What Customers Say About Smith&Smith® New Plymouth
Smith&Smith® New Plymouth, located in the heart of New Plymouth Central at 99/101 Leach Street, is a well-known auto glass repair service in the region. With a current rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, their service sparks varied reactions from customers. This article dives into a compilation of reviews and opinions, offering a balanced perspective on what it’s like to engage with Smith&Smith®. Their business hours are convenient, opening from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday to Friday, and 9 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturdays, with Sundays observed as closed. They accept both credit and debit cards, and boast accessible facilities with wheelchair entrances and parking. Let's explore the details.
Praises & Positive Feedback: Efficiency and Friendly Service
Many customers highlight the positive aspects of their interactions with Smith&Smith®. A consistent theme is the politeness, courtesy, and efficiency of the staff. Several reviews specifically praise the ladies involved in booking and installation, noting their helpfulness and friendly demeanour. Here's a breakdown of what customers appreciate:
- Efficient Repairs: Numerous reviews commend the timely completion of repairs, particularly for stone chip fixes, as highlighted by Bryan’s experience.
- Friendly & Helpful Staff: Several mentioned the improved customer care service and the professional interaction. They felt comfortable and supported throughout the booking and repair process.
- Quality Workmanship: A few customers acknowledged the "neat work" performed, demonstrating a commitment to the final product. The team's willingness to stay late and complete jobs is also appreciated.
- Positive Recommendation: A recurring sentiment is a willingness to recommend Smith&Smith® to others.
"The two ladies/service technicians who helped me from the booking stage to when the windscreen was installed were great. Helpful, courteous, friendly in helping with the booking and on the day of the windscreen install definitely made it a place I would highly recommend.” – A satisfied customer
However, these positive experiences are tempered by some concerning observations, which we’ll delve into next.
Areas for Improvement: Reliability and Pricing Concerns
Despite the commendable customer service, a significant portion of reviews reveal issues surrounding reliability and pricing, impacting the overall customer satisfaction. Recurring concerns include:
- Appointment Reliability & Communication: One customer’s experience described a significant failure in communication. A windscreen replacement booking was left unattended with no communication for a workday, causing considerable disruption. This lack of proactive updates is a serious concern.
- Inaccurate Work & Subsequent Costs: Several customers reported issues with the quality of the work, including an incorrect rego sticker application (requiring a replacement fee) and black tar paint on mirrors.
- Questionable Pricing Practices: A complaint about attempting to upsell cheaper wiper arms at a significantly inflated price ($15 arms costing nearly $100) raises concerns about transparent pricing.
- Material Quality & Fit: One customer’s updated review details issues with the plexi glass – initially deemed "not fit for purpose" – requiring a re-cut and refit. The initial use of cheap black tape to conceal fitting errors exacerbates the problem. This transparency issue is a point of concern.
Issue | Description | Impact |
---|---|---|
Appointment Missed | No communication regarding a delayed or missed appointment | Significant disruption to customer schedule |
Incorrect Rego | Incorrectly applied or lost rego sticker | Additional costs & inconvenience |
Inflated Pricing | Upselling inexpensive parts at drastically inflated prices | Unfair pricing and potential exploitation of customers |
Material Quality | Use of low-quality materials that are not fit for purpose | Need for rework, added costs, and potential safety concerns |
Overall Assessment & Contact Information
Smith&Smith® New Plymouth appears to offer a mixed bag of experiences. While positive reviews frequently praise their friendly and efficient staff, and the quality of workmanship on some repairs, recurring issues with appointment reliability, pricing transparency, and part quality require attention. The 3.8-star rating reflects this duality – the strong customer service is countered by the negativity surrounding operational issues.
For those considering Smith&Smith® for their auto glass repair needs in New Plymouth, it's essential to be aware of these varying perspectives. Good communication and a clear understanding of the pricing before committing to a service are advised.
Contact Information:
- Phone: +64 800 483 388
- Address: 99/101 Leach Street, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth 4312, New Zealand
- 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–4:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed