Anyone used Chips Away? (2025)

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johnsusan Posts: 33 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 9:21AM in Motoring

Hello there

I have an over wheel knock which I foolishly tried to touch up myself (I know, idiot). I am having a quote later in the week from Chips Away. Has anyone out there used them and were they happy with the result, or not? Also what sort of price would I be expecting. (Yes as my Dad would have said, how long is a piece of string) but just broad idea might help me. Finally is there negotiating on the price or is this a take it or leave it organisation.

Thanks for your time, be kind to me...

SRL

«12»

Cornucopia Posts: 16,440 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 9:25AM

I've used CA or a similar company before. I was quite happy with the results and the cost.
If you want a comparable quote, Halfords also have a chip service. Theirs is fixed fee (not sure about CA).
Halfords previously quoted me £65 for any chip up to the size of a 5p piece. Not sure about dents.
bigjl Posts: 6,457 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 9:29AM

johnsusan wrote: »
Hello there
I have an over wheel knock which I foolishly tried to touch up myself (I know, idiot). I am having a quote later in the week from Chips Away. Has anyone out there used them and were they happy with the result, or not? Also what sort of price would I be expecting. (Yes as my Dad would have said, how long is a piece of string) but just broad idea might help me. Finally is there negotiating on the price or is this a take it or leave it organisation.
Thanks for your time, be kind to me...
SRL
ChipsAway are Franchises.
So the level of skill varies.
Some franchises have many years experience as a panel beater and painter.
Some have been made redundant and invested in the franchise as a way to start their own business.
Some even operate in industrial units rather than out of a van at your home but use the ChipsAway techniques.
The one in Upminster has their own industrial unit not far from the A12.
They were based at No5 Woodland Farm on Folkes Lane.
I am sure a quick Google will get you their number.
I know they had a good reputation and do a lot of high end stuff like Range Rovers, Jags and Mercs.
AdrianC Posts: 42,189 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 9:49AM

Worth considering that many of the better franchisees will have already built their reputation up, and a substantial client base, so may well have decided that they no longer want to pay the franchise fees - so look for small one-man companies, too.
Equally, many of them may well be useless.
I'd be asking your local used car sales places for recommendations - they'll use them frequently, and know who's to be avoided.
m0bov Posts: 2,651 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 9:51AM

I used them and they were rubbish, the guy that came to quote seemed ok, but he sent someone else. I wanted a couple of alloys refurbed, he rubbed the face down and sprayed it, however I ended up with blue specks in it, cos he had also had previous just done a small repair to my rear bumper. Also, becuase they repair outside, you end up with bits of dust or grit in the paint. They won't tell you about this until afterwards.
From now on I use a bodyshop based repairs.
jimjames Posts: 18,509 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 12:20PM

I have a local guy I've used to get dents out quite a few times now and always been pleased with results. Price varies on severity and location but around £50-£75

Remember the saying: if it looks too good to be true it almost certainly is.
bigjl Posts: 6,457 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 12:22PM

m0bov wrote: »
I used them and they were rubbish, the guy that came to quote seemed ok, but he sent someone else. I wanted a couple of alloys refurbed, he rubbed the face down and sprayed it, however I ended up with blue specks in it, cos he had also had previous just done a small repair to my rear bumper. Also, becuase they repair outside, you end up with bits of dust or grit in the paint. They won't tell you about this until afterwards.
From now on I use a bodyshop based repairs.
Some ChipsAway Franchises use proper facilities and don't actually do it outside your house.
londonTiger Posts: 4,903 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 3:20PM

AdrianC wrote: »
Worth considering that many of the better franchisees will have already built their reputation up, and a substantial client base, so may well have decided that they no longer want to pay the franchise fees - so look for small one-man companies, too.
If a franchise is worth it's name they'll have a non-compete contract in place where ex-franchisee will not set up competing businesses.
johnsusan Posts: 33 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 6:36PM

Thank you all for the helpful remarks. I will ask about any customers he can put me in touch with to vouch for his work.
s_b Posts: 4,464 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 6:43PM

johnsusan wrote: »
Thank you all for the helpful remarks. I will ask about any customers he can put me in touch with to vouch for his work.
you might be better googling his telephone number for honest reviews rather than his cousins vouching for him like they do when you ask itinerents for previous guttring jobs they dun
forgotmyname Posts: 32,864 Forumite

4 May 2016 at 11:36PM

I thought about a chips away franchise or similar, but i wouldnt let me near the bodywork on my own car so thought probably not the job for me
Others maybe just in it for the money and do a poor job.

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