Smith&Smith® Kerikeri: A Mixed Bag of Windscreen Experiences in Waipapa
Smith&Smith® Kerikeri, located at 40 Klinac Lane, Waipapa, 0295, NZ, has garnered a 4.0-star rating based on customer reviews. While consistently praised for their friendly and efficient staff, and impressive service in many cases, a recurring theme emerges – inconsistencies in the overall experience, particularly surrounding their communication and stock management. This article dives into the good, the bad, and the frustrating, offering a comprehensive look at what to expect when choosing Smith&Smith® Kerikeri for your auto glass needs. Give them a call on +64 800 483 388.
Shining Stars: What Customers Love About Smith&Smith® Kerikeri
Numerous reviews highlight the dedication and professionalism of the Smith&Smith® Kerikeri team. Customers regularly praise the staff's friendliness, helpfulness, and the clear communication maintained throughout the repair process. Several specific positives kept popping up:
- Exceptional Communication: A common thread is the proactive and consistent communication from initial booking to job completion. Customers appreciate being kept in the loop.
- Efficiency and Speed: Windscreen replacements are routinely completed efficiently, with one customer experiencing a replacement in under 1.5 hours.
- Going the Extra Mile: Staff have been noted for going above and beyond, including providing a workspace for customers during the wait and even vacuuming the front of the vehicle post-repair. One satisfied customer remarked, "Well and truly looked after."
- Accessibility: The branch is well-equipped with accessibility in mind, featuring both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking.
- Professionalism: The service in our transaction was outstanding, a very professional lady helped us out.
"Had an awesome experience, friendly and efficient staff, constant communication from my first call to the job being finished. Replaced windscreen, while waiting I was provided office space to complete my mahi. Well and truly looked after. Will drive an hour again for service like this." - Happy Customer
The Cloudy Areas: Addressing Frustrations and Concerns
Despite the positive feedback, a significant portion of reviews express concern regarding the business's processes. Central to this criticism is their automated answering service, which many find difficult to navigate, with multiple customers pleading for a return to a human answering system. Beyond that, issues with stock availability and management feature prominently:
- Automated Phone System Nightmare: Many customers cite extreme frustration with the automated phone system, making it nearly impossible to speak to a representative. This is arguably the most consistently mentioned complaint.
- Stock Issues and Delays: Several customers reported significant delays due to stock shortages. One review explicitly stated, “They have no stock on site and can't arrange to have the screens and clips, etc., needed to do the job delivered in time for your appointment.” This resulted in wasted time and rescheduled appointments.
- Damage During Repair: A particularly concerning review detailed a scenario where the windscreen was cracked during the replacement process, requiring a second appointment and further inconvenience.
- Poor Time Management and Lack of Communication about Delays: Another customer's appointment went way over time, leading to a missed work obligation and childcare pickup, with no apology or clear warning about the delay.
Issue | Frequency of Mention | Severity |
---|---|---|
Automated Phone System | High | Moderate |
Stock Shortages | Medium | High |
Damage During Service | Low | Very High |
Poor Time Management | Medium | High |
Balancing Act: Assessing Smith&Smith® Kerikeri's Overall Value
Smith&Smith® Kerikeri presents a nuanced picture. The staff are undeniably a strength, delivering friendly and efficient service when things run smoothly. The accessibility of the site is also a plus. However, the significant issues with the phone system and stock management create a frustrating experience for a considerable number of customers.
Ultimately, choosing Smith&Smith® Kerikeri necessitates weighing these factors. If you prioritize personable service and are prepared to potentially navigate a challenging phone system and the possibility of delays due to stock, it might be a viable option. However, be sure to clearly communicate your time constraints and confirm stock availability before booking an appointment. Their operating hours are:
- 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: Closed
- Sunday: Closed