Discounting is proving to be a false economy for independent garages says MOT Angel.
It claims that those workshops who decide to lower the price of the MOT below VOSA’s threshold of £54.85 are unlikely to generate more service and repair work.
MOTA’s research revealed that 72 percent of garages do discount, with three percent admitting they drop the price by more than half the maximum price.
While this may seem to be an attractive proposition for motorists, it is unlikely to drive extra work the garages way, as 70 percent of MOTs booked are not accompanied with a service, and customers who choose to a cheap place to get their car tested are either unable or reluctant to pay for any repairs, and will shop around to get the cheapest price.
Matthew Tumbridge, Founder of MOT Angel, said: “Independent workshops account for 71 percent of the MOT market but, in reality, pricing does not play a significant part in that.
“Only a small number of garages drop the MOT price below £5 with most discounts being more of a gesture than a retail strategy and there is no major difference between main dealer and independent garage discounts.
“Based on our customer feedback, we conclude that winning MOT business is more about garage trust and convenience than price.”
MOTA also adds that garages in urban and suburban with a transient customer base and a lot of passing trade are more likely to drop their prices, than those in rural locations with limited competition.
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