New Tandem Bay opens today

[ScottV]

We are getting ready to open up our new Tandem Rite Touch bay today, and I'm wondering if any of you have advice on how best to manage frivolous damage claims. I'm taking the approach that unless the machine malfunctions and damages the car, I am not honoring any claims for brush marks, etc. Without prep staff on hand or an entrance camera arch, we have no way of knowing if a vehicle was already scratched, scuffed, etc. before entering our new bay. I also have a sign on the paystation saying that this is a TOUCH environment, and we are not liable for damage.

I have no idea how prevalent this problem is with soft touch bays, but Ive been told that frivolous damage claims are part of the touch business. Any advice that others can offer is appreciated.

 

[soapy]

Get a camara system from Sam's or Costco for under $1000. Just having a couple of camaras visible to the public will stop most of the fictious claims. A sign that says not responsible for aftermarket products, remove trailer hitches willl cover most of what you will see for claims. If the camaras save you one claim they have paid for themselves.

 

[DiamondWash]

Cameras are a must especially with a friction unit inside the bay and out, I know cameras can be costly but will pay for themselves the first time.

 

[Gabriel]

I would definitely get the cameras up as quickly as possible. They are the only way to re-play the actual damage event and will stop false claims in their tracks. Cameras have saved me many times with our Touch Automatic. In addition the signs mentioned can definitely save you if you are taken to small claims court. Better to be save than sorry!

 

[DiamondWash]

Make a video of the top wash package

 

[ScottV]

Thanks guys. I should have mentioned that I already have 16 Rugged CCTV cameras at this site including one at the entrance and one inside the bay. These won't show the kind of paint surface damage that I'm leary of. I can just envision some customer pulling in with a black vehicle that has micro scratches all along the surface, buying a wash, then calling and saying our machine caused the scratches. I dont know of a camera system, including the entrance arch cams from Rugged CCTV that would show that level of detail. I'm not even sure a prep crew working a tunnel looks that closely at paint surfaces.

I have signs up from TSS warning about after market parts, ladder racks, extended bumpers, empty truck beds, etc. I also have a sign on the pay station stating: "This is a TOUCH environment. We assume no liability for damage claims." Now whether that will hold up in court, or if nothing more at least scare off the frivolous claims, I'm not yet sure. My approach is going to be, unless our machine clearly malfunctions and damages the vehicle, then we are not liable.

I"ll let you know how it goes!

 

[pitzerwm]

The micro scratches would not be in the pattern of your brushes, so you should be alright.

 

[JustClean]

If someone wants to make a false claim get another black car in and if it doesn't come out with the same scratches it's Bad Luck for the customer!