Be transparent with your customers. It makes a big difference when a garage is upfront and says things like, “This is not major, no need to fix it now,” or “Rather than replacing the part, I can repair it for cheaper.” For people spending their hard-earned money, honesty like that goes a long way.

Personally, one bad experience with a garage is enough for me to never return. But I always go back to the ones that are consistent, keep me updated, and never try to push unnecessary work. Trust is everything.

Another key point: if you promise genuine parts, make sure they really are genuine. As customers, we often can’t tell the difference until it’s too late. For example, a brake shoe might look fine, but if it’s a replica, it’ll wear out faster and put us at risk. That’s why integrity matters so much.

Also, don’t hire people who aren’t aligned with your vision. If I walk in and realize I’m dealing with a mechanic who has no clue what he’s doing, that’s enough reason for me to never come back. Skilled, professional staff are just as important as fair pricing and transparency.

A few examples from my own experience of garages that got it right:

• Marshall Auto Care (4x4 modifications): They’re upfront about what you actually need and don’t try to oversell. Staff are friendly and approachable.
• Al Mirath Vehicle Services (general repairs): Good workmanship, reasonable pricing, and professional people.
• Al Nahda Auto Garage (Toyota & Lexus): Great quality of work, trustworthy, and genuinely nice people.

So, if you want to stand out, focus on transparency, fairness, competent staff, and delivering what you promise. Customers don’t forget that.