What is the ASA ??
The Automotive
Service Association (ASA) is the largest not-for-profit
trade association of its kind serving more than 12,000 businesses and approximately
55,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry.
ASA advances the professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair
industry through education, representation and member services. ASA provides
members with access to benefits such as legislative updates, technical
information and assistance, a Federal Credit Union, business forms at special
prices and the most up-to-date environmental information.
ASA members strive to improve
the image of the automotive service industry by committing themselves to
quality repairs and the best possible service at a fair price. The consumer's
complete satisfaction is the ultimate goal of an ASA business.
Member-businesses are located
throughout the world and can be identified by the red, white and blue ASA
sign. Consumers may also use ASA!s Web Site on the Internet (http://www.asashop.org)
to locate their nearest ASA member. |
Code of Ethics
This establishment subscribes
to the following business practices:
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To perform high-quality repair service at a fair and just
price.
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To use only proven merchandise of high quality distributed
by reputable firms.
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To employ the best skilled technicians obtainable.
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To furnish an itemized invoice for fairly priced parts and
services which clearly identifies any used or remanufactured parts. Replaced
parts may be inspected upon request.
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To have a sense of personal obligation to each individual
customer.
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To promote good will between the motorist and members of
this association.
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To recommend corrective and maintenance services, explaining
to the customer which of these are required to correct existing problems
and which are for preventive maintenance.
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To offer the customer a price estimate for work to be performed.
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To furnish or post copies of any warranties covering parts
or services.
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To obtain prior authorization for all work done, in writing
or by other means satisfactory to the customer.
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To notify the customer if appointments or completion promises
cannot be kept.
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To maintain customer service records for one year or more.
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To exercise reasonable care for the customer's property while
in our possession.
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To maintain a system for fair settlement of customers'
complaints.
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To cooperate with established consumer complaint mediation
activities.
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To uphold the high standards of our profession and always
seek to correct any and all abuses within the automotive industry.
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To uphold the integrity of all members of the Automotive
Service Association.
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Evaluating an Automotive
Service Facility
Have you ever needed an Automotive
Service facility but didn't know were to go? The Automotive
Service association (ASA), largest non-profit national trade association
of its kind, recommends that you follow these guidelines when evaluating
an automotive service business.
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Ask if technicians are ASE-certified or I-CAR trained. If
technicians are ASE-certified, it means they have passed a voluntary competency
test offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE). If body technicians or painters are I-CAR trained, it means they
have attended a course or series of courses offered by the Inter-Industry
Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) to help upgrade their repair
skills. Businesses with trained personnel are likely to display these and
other certificates or diplomas in their customer waiting areas.
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Ask about the facility's industry and consumer affiliations.
For example, a business that is a member of ASA has agreed to uphold the
association's Code of Ethics, which sets the standards for professionalism
in the automotive service industry. In addition, consumers may wish to
check the business' affiliation with AAA or consumer organizations, such
as the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
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Expect the automotive service facility to be neat, clean
and well-organized. The flow of existing work should be almost unnoticeable.
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Note whether the employees arehelpful and courteous. This
will give you an idea of how you will be treated throughout the service
of your vehicle.
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Ask the business to provide a list of references and be prepared
to contact these customers.
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Ask how long the facility has been in business. How long
has the business been at its current location? Does the business usually
perform the type of service that your vehicle needs? Remember too, that
some businesses specialize in repairs for certain vehicle makes and models.
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Gain an understanding of the equipment that will be used
to service the vehicle by asking plenty of questions. A business must have
the proper equipment to correctly diagnose and perform the needed repairs.
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Check what guarantees the business offers. Most automotive
service facilities guarantee their parts and labor, and these guarantees
are usually posted.
Make sure a written estimate is provided
prior to letting the business begin the repair. Any changes to the estimate
that exceed 10 percent should have your approval. After the repair, ask
to see the parts that have been replaced.
Last, but not least, a good service facility can usually
be found by asking family, friends, neighbors and coworkers for their recommendations.
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