Save Money With Service-minded Independents

MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 24 -- Big manufacturers are working overtime to garner a piece of consumers' maintenance and repair budgets. From cars to computers, the big boys tout factory-trained technicians and original equipment parts, but independent companies with skilled professionals often can do the job for a lot less, according to Automotive Service Professionals.

The benefits of using independents are numerous. If the air conditioner acts up, the homeowner can contact the manufacturer or simply call the local AC repair service. The local company may be working on the unit before a real person picks up the receiver at the manufacturer's service department. In addition, the final bill could be much lower than the large national company with high overhead.

The impact that independent businesses have on our collective lives is considerable. In a 2005 study by the National Federation of Independent Business, 78% of respondents said that small business had a positive influence on the country. Big business scored a low 38%.

Those numbers are no surprise to Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "In the automotive world motorists are extremely loyal to service and repair facilities that are not affiliated with manufacturers. They often feel that independent shops are more affordable and more conscientious."

Mike Barbera, president of Analytical Maintenance Services in Davie, FL agrees. Like White, Barbera has seen the positive response toward small businesses who can out-respond the big guys.

"It's two-fold," said Barbera, whose company maintains and repairs equipment for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. "Customers appreciate skilled technicians who can be quickly dispatched. Likewise, they resent the multiple levels of bureaucracy of big business and the effect it has on the cost of the service. My customers save typically between thirty to forty percent over the factory technicians."

Automotive Service Professionals is a group of over 700 independently owned and operated service centers, supported by IAPA and the Automotive Distribution Network.