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How does ASA benefit ME as a Giammalvo Customer?
What is the ASA ??????
~ What is the ASA ? ~ 
See our "Code of Ethics"....
~ Code of Ethics ~
 
~ Evaluating an Automotive Service Facility ~

Sam Giammalvo's Auto Sales, Inc.
1476 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 999-3213
FAX: (508) 999-1343
e-mail: samgauto@samscars.com
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: 

  • To perform high-quality repair service at a fair and just price.
  • To use only proven merchandise of high quality distributed by reputable firms.
  • To employ the best skilled technicians obtainable.
  • 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.
  • To have a sense of personal obligation to each individual customer.
  • To promote good will between the motorist and members of this association.
  • 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.
  • To offer the customer a price estimate for work to be performed.
  • To furnish or post copies of any warranties covering parts or services.
  • To obtain prior authorization for all work done, in writing or by other means satisfactory to the customer.
  • To notify the customer if appointments or completion promises cannot be kept.
  • To maintain customer service records for one year or more.
  • To exercise reasonable care for the customer's property while in our possession.
  • To maintain a system for fair settlement of customers' complaints.
  • To cooperate with established consumer complaint mediation activities.
  • To uphold the high standards of our profession and always seek to correct any and all abuses within the automotive industry.
  • To uphold the integrity of all members of the Automotive Service Association.
 
 
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. 
  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. Expect the automotive service facility to be neat, clean and well-organized. The flow of existing work should be almost unnoticeable.
  4. 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.
  5. Ask the business to provide a list of references and be prepared to contact these customers.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Check what guarantees the business offers. Most automotive service facilities guarantee their parts and labor, and these guarantees are usually posted.
  9. 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.

 
 
 
Sam Giammalvo's Auto Sales, Inc.
1476 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: (508) 999-3213
FAX: (508) 999-1343
e-mail: samgauto@samscars.com
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