Making bad good

[susandennis]

I am thinking possibly I need to apologize to the vision center... They told me last Wednesday that my glasses would take a week and a half. They called today to say they were ready.

So I got a break in the work action and went to pick them up. I had my contact in so I could not really even test them. I just picked out a case and was on my way.

On my way, I realized that if I went one more exit, I would land at the first body shop on my list. It's one that is - with the right shoes on - walking distance from home. So I thought I'd just go see.

The place was busy busy but the people were as nice and efficient as they could possibly be. I mean really, amazingly, nearly shockingly sincerely nice. The head guy - shop owner, as it turns out - came out and gave a look. He said he had just a week ago fixed a car with the exact same injury so he knew off the bat that it would be $1,100 and take 2-3 days. He said I could bring it in tomorrow or leave it today and they would get to work on it now. "We'll give you a a ride if you need it."

Ten minutes later I was walking into my building! I know the smart money says to go get estimates and shop around but everyone knows I'm cute not smart. If these nice people scam me, it will, I'm convinced be a nice scam. And, honestly, I had figured it would be $1,300-$1,500.

I get home and then take out my contacts and put on the computer glasses and HOLY FUCK ME! I can detail I have never ever seen before. I can't see distances very good but well enough to walk around without bumping into shit. The glasses themselves could get annoying but right now I'm one happy camper.

Comments

[tedder42.livejournal.com]

So are they just going to make it work, or fix all of the cosmetic damage?

[susandennis]

I didn't really ask for particulars - but he said they would have to replace 'this whole front' so I'm thinking it will look better anyway. I did ask if he could fix any other way - just so it would work and he said no. I don't think that the fix will do anything for those dings in the back near the trunk, tho No one would steal this sucker. :)

[tedder42.livejournal.com]

sounds like it'll be the full cosmetic fix, then. That seems like a very reasonable price. (my family is in the auto body business)

[susandennis]

Thanks! I thought it was reasonable, too. but it's nice to hear from someone who has a bit more exposure to these kinds of things.

[shanynrose.livejournal.com]

I've been thinking "maybe bifocals?" lately and that is horribly painful because I've only been 39 for a few days, and two years ago I was still getting acting calls for "late 20's." But my eyes definitely have issues. I would never have thought to ask about computer glasses, but now I will.
I've worn glasses since I was 5 and feel so naked (ok, blind) without them that I have to buy durable frames that can handle being slept in.
I'd rather have two or three pair(s?) than bifocals any day.

[teasdale.livejournal.com]

I know the smart money says to go get estimates and shop around but everyone knows I'm cute not smart. If these nice people scam me, it will, I'm convinced be a nice scam.

You and I are alike in so many ways. This is how I feel about my car, too. The thing is, I did get lucky several years ago and found a wonderful repair shop where I never have to worry about getting scammed. I guess the sad thing is that we are actually surprised these days when a business is nice and people are polite to us!

I have a feeling that you maybe got lucky, too, with this place. I hope so. :)