Independent workshop or brand representation
Independent workshop or brand representation - where are the differences?
For car-related work, motorists in Switzerland have a choice of over 5,000 car garages. The question arises as to whether you would rather entrust your car to an independent garage or a brand representative. Yourwheels compares the two options and explains why the more expensive option is not necessarily the better one when it comes to vehicle maintenance.
What is an independent workshop?
A free workshop is, as the name suggests, "free". This means that it is not bound by the specifications of a car manufacturer and offers services for all car makes and models. Free garages also include those that are affiliated with a so-called garage concept. In Switzerland, for example, there are the Autofit, carXpert, eGarage, Garageplus, autocoach or le Garage concepts, and so on.
Welche Vorteile bietet eine freie Werkstatt?
Independent garages and concept partners offer customer proximity and fair prices for optimal quality. Thanks to their entrepreneurial freedom, these garages are free from expensive investments according to the specifications of large manufacturers - an advantage from which customers benefit through massively lower hourly rates. In addition, independent workshops and partners of garage concepts are prepared for all vehicle models and have a correspondingly broad wealth of experience.
What is a brand representation?
A brand agency, often called an authorised workshop, on the other hand, is bound to one or more car brands. The sales and workshop premises are designed and equipped according to the manufacturer's specifications. Accordingly, the employees also have specific know-how regarding the sale and maintenance of these brand(s).
What are the advantages of brand representation?
The technical equipment of the workshop is specialised in the represented car manufacturer, the connection to the corresponding company is accordingly short. The workshop employees are specifically trained and are very familiar with the intricacies of the manufacturer's own systems. Original spare parts are also installed in the brand representation.
Does it make sense to bring my car to a free garage?
Short answer: Yes, definitely.
Detailed answer: For older vehicles as well as for new cars, it makes perfect sense to have service and repair work carried out in an independent garage. The quality of the work is just as good as that in the brand dealerships, but customers benefit from lower hourly rates and spare parts prices in the independent market. Speaking of spare parts: Of course, independent workshops also only install spare parts of original equipment quality, which they obtain from specialised spare parts dealers such as SAG, Derendinger, ESA or hostettler autotechnik ag. And best of all: Even when visiting an independent workshop for maintenance and repair work, the manufacturer's warranty remains intact.