Halfords: Trust most important factor in garage choice

While many of us may have thought that price is the most important determining factor when it is time to visit a garage, the latest research from Halfords Autocentres suggests it is actually more about trust. The study among UK motorists found that, despite fuel and insurance prices driving up the cost of motoring, the vast majority of owners (62 per cent) value trust above all else.

An ability to trust the integrity of a garage to deliver against their promises is significantly more important than a convenient location – which was ranked the second most influential factor by 36 per cent of drivers – relegating price to third with 32 per cent. 

Rory Carlin from Halfords Autocentres said: “There’s no easy way of establishing trust, it is earned and maintained in a wide variety of ways over time. From the efficiency of our booking in process and the expertise of our technicians, to the quality of workmanship, parts and backing of minimum 12 month warranty – we establish trust by offering access to a reputable brand that delivers main dealer quality at a more affordable price.” 

Trust is almost equally important to both men (63 per cent) and women (61 per cent). However, age is a factor in determining buying behaviour – with the proportion of drivers citing trust as their primary influence increasing the older they are.   

Of those drivers aged over 65, 66 per cent placed trust number one, followed by 63 per cent of 35-44 year olds and 62 per cent of 55-64 year olds. However, only 35 per cent of drivers aged 18-24 said trust plays a part in their decision making – suggesting that experience plays a role in how highly trust is valued. 

The study found there to be good reason why trust has become so important  with over half (51 per cent) of respondents reporting instances of work being recommended for routine work such as an annual MOT that they felt was unnecessary at some point. 

Rory Carlin added: “Trust is a vital commodity that is hard earned and can be eroded all too easily. We go to great lengths to eliminate the jargon used by mechanics when speaking to motorists and constantly evaluate our overall performance using an online customer experience survey, which ultimately enables us to build even greater trust in our service and our brand.”