Schmick Car Care Club- Bargain or Scam?

Lborsabil on 29/04/2017 - 01:06
Last edited 29/04/2017 - 08:49 by 1 other user

Anyone have any dealings with this mob?

My own is not…..good.

IMO it's a car dealers scam. Salesman will push these schemes on customers assuring them that all bases are covered. Promises that all minor dents, prangs and scratches will be fixed up in a jiffy by Schmick. And like a schmuck I signed up. Then when it comes to actually asking them to come and fix up some scrapes and scratches it's "oh no sorry, here are the ten million extra conditions we've suddenly dreamt up and no one told you about before you handed over north of a grand for your membership. So that'll be another $1000 please to fix up scratches I could ask my local panel beater to do for $500."

It never ceases to amaze how these scam artists seem to operate for years with no one doing a bloody thing about it. Oh and thanks GWS Honda in Oakleigh for your awesome customer care, will deal with you again when hell freezes over. In short avoid, pocket the money and pay for a re-spray as needed, otherwise some turtle wax and elbow grease will serve as well as the 'technicians' who pay a visit after 2 months waiting.

Automotive

Related Stores

schmickclub.com
schmickclub.com

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2017 - 01:26
    +1

    hey mate
    i can make you $10000 richer, all you need to do is pay me $500 and ill tell you how.
    thanks

  • bobbified on 29/04/2017 - 02:24
    +1

    There was a post about the value of this product in June last year, but there weren't many responses.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/252843

  • holdenmg on 29/04/2017 - 09:50

    So, what you contacted the CAV, what did they say or do?
    https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/contact-us/resolve-your-prob…

    • borsabil on 29/04/2017 - 12:44

      Yeah I'm going to give CAV a try. It was a dealership sale, all the BS extras they push on customers, so I'm in dispute with them not Schmick. It's amazing to me how these products are pushed onto people with no disclosure of the real conditions, and how brazen they are about it. Particularly enjoyed the Schmuck 'technician' waiving a pamphlet at me telling me I'm only covered for minor surface levels scratches with a giant smirk on his face.

      • spackbace on 29/04/2017 - 15:51
        +2

        Didn't think to read the PDS or anything before signing?

  • pencilman on 30/05/2017 - 00:22

    "Then when it comes to actually asking them to come and fix up some scrapes and scratches it's "oh no sorry, here are the ten million extra conditions we've suddenly dreamt up and no one told you about "

    What were the unexpected conditions in your case?

    I'm thinking of taking up the Schmick dents and scratches aftermarket product offered by my new car dealer.
    Reading the brochure sounds attractive, but am my due diligence.

    • FrancineR on 23/02/2023 - 11:01

      Hello, I've recently come accross a similar issue with Shmick. I had a scratch and a small dent that I asked them to fix. I've had the membership for over a year and this is first time I've needed to use it. However, they are refusing to do it because our car is housed in a garage, and doesn't have enough space around it. They won't do it in the access laneway behind our garage either. They're suggesting is that we use someone else's driveway. (We are new to Melbourne and don't know anyone close who has the ''perfect driveway" they are looking for. Here is part of the response they sent to my email just this morning:

      Requirements for a suitable workspace:

      Good lighting and air flow
      Minimum 5 metres space surrounding the car
      No other cars surrounding yours
      Not accessible to the general public
      Access to power within 20 metres
      No sprinklers around this area
      Not in an underground/basement carpark
      cannot be done in an apartment complex

      I don't have the original pamphlet they gave me on hand right now, but I will be checking it later today when I get home.
      I have requested to cancel my membership and a refund as I will not be able to use this service at all for the foreseeable future. (Don't like my chances by I have to ask).
      I think it would be the honerable thing for them to do, for good will etc. but I'm not holding my breath.)

      My advice to anything thinking of joining this mob: make sure you have access to the perfect conditions they want you to have before you sign up!!

      • spackbace on 23/02/2023 - 11:07

        How else would you suggest they do paint repairs? In a tiny lil space with no airflow?! Cmon now, use some common-sense

        Side note, you realise you're responding to 6yo comments? 😂

      • awyuw1 on 08/08/2023 - 00:28

        Thank for the comment. Recently purchased a car it was offered to me as well. Dodge a bullet there.

      • SSN01 on 10/12/2023 - 21:46

        Thanks FrancineR for your comment, helped me decide wether to go for Shmick.

  • pencilman on 30/05/2017 - 00:26

    I've been offered this too, and reading through the brochure, it sounds attractive.
    I'm thinking of taking up the Schmick dents and scratches aftermarket product offered by my new car dealer.

    Anyone else taken this up and have tried claiming on this? Good or bad experience?

  • Euphemistic on 30/05/2017 - 12:35

    These sort of businesses make money by signing you up and hoping you never need service. Many people would completely forget about it, some would find the hassle too much, others need to take them to task to get a suitable outcome.

    I'm not that fussed about scratches on a car, and if I was I'd want to sort it out myself, not have some heavily marketed 'policy' imposed on me by a car salesman.

  • ozeebee on 02/01/2020 - 20:17
    -1

    So what's the consensus on this product? Would come in handy for shopping centre scrapes and dents.
    Specially for someone picky like myself. A scuffed wheel may as well be a write off in my eyes. Haha

    • Euphemistic on 03/01/2020 - 06:37

      You haven’t read the thread have you? The responses are either it’s a bit of a scam, it’s a scam or should I buy it. Does that not answer your question?

      • ozeebee on 03/01/2020 - 07:02

        Well the reviews are all mixed from what I'm seeing here, Whirlpool or product reviews.

        Seems some people had good experiences and some have bad ones.

        • Euphemistic on 03/01/2020 - 08:59

          So read the reviews posted and make up your mind. Plenty of others have already chimed in.

          This is not a product for me. I wouldn’t buy it.

  • Chances on 09/01/2020 - 21:46

    My dealer offer this to me today, so below is my current thought after initial research…..

    1) Anytime someone ask me to pay a 5-year upfront fee for some promised service into the future makes me suspicious!
    Unless it is from a well-known and well-funded organization with good reputation so I can be sure this company/service will exist in five years time.

    2) There needs to be a clear PDS (product disclosure statement) about the service agreement, not a Power Point Presentation or brochure…..
    From Schmick web site terms & conditions, there is no mention of the $50 coverage/criteria for any kind of membership…..

    None of above requirements exist for this so called "Schmick Car Care"!

    So my answer is NO for this service.

  • Snake 4 on 09/01/2020 - 21:57

    Suncorp must think they are ok.

    No way I would have it.

    https://www.suncorp.com.au/buying-selling-owning/car/schmick…

  • Vyxon on 12/01/2022 - 15:47
    Merged from Is It Worth Getting Scratch & Dent Insurance on a New Car Purchase?

    Just made an order for a new car.

    The delivery coordinator has already started calling me regarding extra packages from the dealer.
    I know these are generally a rip-off but there is a scratch & dent insurance that does what it says on the tin (At $50 per call out).

    To me, it doesn't sound like a terrible deal but my gut tells me it's not worth it.

    Thoughts?

    Edit:
    $1300 up-front for 5 years

    • MS Paint on 12/01/2022 - 15:49

      Follow your gut. I think.

    • Kaz0551 on 12/01/2022 - 15:52

      How much up front?

      • Vyxon on 12/01/2022 - 16:00

        Edited*
        $1300 for 5 years

    • spackbace on 12/01/2022 - 15:54
      +1

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/search/node/schmick%20type%3Afo…

      Pick one to read through…

      Can be handy if it's going to get scratched up (off-roading), or if the rims could get curbed

      • Vyxon on 12/01/2022 - 16:01

        Thanks, those are good reads

      • FrancineR on 22/02/2023 - 16:48

        I don't think rims are included because they are chrome. Chrome plated stuff not included.

        • spackbace on 22/02/2023 - 17:13

          Not every rim is chrome. In fact many aren't, hence why most rims are covered under Schmick

          • FrancineR on 22/02/2023 - 18:00

            @spackbace: Well, any chrome or plastic bits on your care are not covered. I spoke with them today.

            • spackbace on 22/02/2023 - 18:01

              @FrancineR: Absolutely, but not many rims are actually chrome these days. Alloy isn't chrome

  • FrancineR on 22/02/2023 - 17:58

    Also, they won't come to your place unless you have a private driveway or your car is parked off the road.

  • FrancineR on 22/02/2023 - 17:59

    So too bad if you live somewhere with no car space!

    • spackbace on 22/02/2023 - 18:01

      You expect them to do panel work on the side of the road?

  • S3ba on 09/08/2023 - 09:36

    I bought a 5-year membership 5 years ago. I've never had the panels or any paint on the car itself repaired, but my alloy wheels are matte black, and I've had them repaired about 6-7 times with no issues. They usually do a really good job too (except one time). I'm trying to extend my membership atm, and based on my experience, I would recommend it.

    • S3ba on 09/08/2023 - 09:39

      @FrancineR If you're near Thornbury you can use my driveway

    • iand on 08/09/2023 - 13:39

      so at current pricing that's about $230 per repair

  • AllwynRego on 07/09/2023 - 12:30

    Hello, I've recently come accross a similar issue with Shmick. I had a scratch that I asked them to fix. I've had the membership for over a year and this is first time I've needed to use it. When they sold the product at that time she mentioned all the scratches will be fixed. It's amazing to me how these products are pushed onto people like us with no disclosure of the real conditions However, they are refusing to do it now mentioning it is out of scope.
    I am trying to find out how i can terminate this product or get back my money, is there a way to raise this issue with ombudsman?

    • billy72 on 07/09/2023 - 12:35

      do you have any evidence?

    • spackbace on 07/09/2023 - 18:35

      they are refusing to do it now mentioning it is out of scope.

      Why is that? Is it on a crease of the body, or too big or too deep?

  • AllwynRego on 08/09/2023 - 16:00

    A simple/small scratches turns out to be big work

    Below is the reply

    After seeing your photos I understand why Schmick could not do the repair for $50.
    The dammage is excessive, requiring work to your headlight and multiple panels.
    This requires a panel beating job, definately an insurance claim.

    What I suggest is to firstly find out what your excess is on your insurance?

    Once you have that information, contact Schmick again for a quotation.

    Due to the fact you are a Schmick member they will look after you on price.
    They honour life time warranty on all repairs and I will contact Melike Greenwood
    to confirm that you are looked after.

    I know how you feel I recently had my car hit in the street and it was a panel beating job.
    Let me know how the process goes.

    • spackbace on 08/09/2023 - 16:16

      This requires a panel beating job, definately an insurance claim.

      That doesn't sound like small scratches…

      • AllwynRego on 12/09/2023 - 15:59

        does the glass scratches need panel beating job?

        • spackbace on 12/09/2023 - 16:00

          Scratched glass on headlights likely needs a whole new headlight

          Jees how much damage was done?!

  • AllwynRego on 12/09/2023 - 16:01

    does the scratches on the headlight needs panel beating job?

  • AllwynRego on 12/09/2023 - 16:06

    Jees how you make a small job looks like a big job for you haha? you sounds like i did a major accident haha. scratches are scratches don't make it sound like a big cut haha.

    • spackbace on 12/09/2023 - 16:20

      Apparently that's funny for you… Headlights don't commonly get scratched, considering they're made of a hard plastic.

      Scratches on headlights, and multiple panels needing repairwork make it sound like you were in an accident… Or just can't drive

      • AllwynRego on 12/09/2023 - 16:28

        Yes, you said it, if one have a car insurance then you don't need to be a member of Schmick. get it fix through car insurance.

        • spackbace on 12/09/2023 - 16:30

          Absolutely

          But Schmick is handy for the small repairs, like annoying dents and scratches and scuffed rims

          It's pointless if you damage your car extensively, but they don't market themselves to cover that sort of damage

  • AllwynRego on 12/09/2023 - 16:20

    If you read the email thoroughly, They are trying to give me a quote that will beat my insurance policy excess amount. thats what bugs me.

    • spackbace on 12/09/2023 - 16:22

      thats what bugs me.

      Why?

      Schmick can offer panel repair work separate to it's standard service.

      Schmick membership isn't a panel shop, however they can offer it, which is what they're doing here

      Did you expect them to do major work for $50/panel? Clearly listed in all paperwork that's not what they do

  • AllwynRego on 12/09/2023 - 16:31

    I cannot attach a picture, what is needed is just to fix the paint. panel beating is not required here for this small scratches'.

  • pongie on 07/11/2023 - 15:11

    Too many conditions

    Bumper Bar Scratch or Scrape

    Repair one scratch or scrape up to 500mm in length and 20mm in depth by reshaping, fine filling, flattening, base coat,
    colour match, respraying and blending. (Excludes non-painted textured plastic bumper bars, metal bumper bars and any
    damage that has caused structural damage).

    Surface Scratches/Marks

    Repair surface scratches on up to 4 panels that have not cut through the clear coat using professional cutting compounds
    and process.

    Body Pressure Dents

    Repair of up to two pressure dents on any flat single panel, provided each dent is no larger than 100mm in diameter.
    (Excludes dents where the paint has been chipped or damaged, dents on style lines and metal folds, or where there is no
    suitable access to the rear of the dent).

    Alloy Wheel Scrapes/Scuffs

    Repair scratch or scrape on one alloy wheel (or up to two hubcaps) by repairing damaged area, colour match, respraying
    and blending. Machine finished wheels may lose the fine machine lines. (Excludes Chrome & High Polish finished wheels
    and deep gouges where in the opinion of MDR the integrity of the wheel is compromised).
    By electing to accept MDR repairs to your machine finished wheels, you acknowledge that our processes mean we are
    unable to replicate the machine finish and as such your wheels may lose the fine machine finish lines once repaired.

    Side Mirror Scratch or Scrape

    Repair paint scratches or scuffs on side mirror casing by flattening, fine filling, colour match & respraying. (Excludes chrome finished casings, lights and indicator lenses).

    Body Kit Scratch or Scrape

    Repair one Scratch or Scrape up to 500mm in length and 20mm in depth on a plastic spoiler, side skirts and bumper strip
    by fine filling, flattening, base coat, colour match, respraying & blending.

    Cosmetic Touch Ups

    Cosmetically repair up to 20 stone chips up to 3 mm in diameter by colour matching, filling and sealing each chip to
    prevent corrosion. Damage will still be slightly visible. (Excludes stone chips on vehicles that have 3-layer pearl paintwork).

    Interior Tears

    Repair one tear in leather, vinyl or fabric seats and arm rests up to 80mm in length and 5mm in width (Excludes wear and tear parted seams, damage on a seam or stitching, or damage to instrumentation panel, headliner or to steering wheel).

    Windscreens

    Repair of up to 2 stone chips on front windscreen. Maximum of each stone chip is 3mm in diameter. (Excludes stone chip damage which renders the vehicle unroadworthy (e.g. damage affecting the primary vision area))

    Exclusions

    • Any damage that exceeds the size parameters as set out in the repair descriptions above
    • The replacement of damaged stickers and decals, specialised paintwork and body wraps
    • Non colour coded vehicle trims and mouldings. These include chrome and metal effect and textured plastic
    • Any replacement parts and trimmings
    • Repair of rust damage or hail damage
    • Structural damage, including without limitation structural damage to the body work, trim mirror casings and wheels
    • Work that is required to be performed in a workshop or under workshop conditions
    • Any part of the Nominated Vehicle that has been changed from original equipment manufacturer parts
    • Damage to any area of the Nominated Vehicle which has (a) matte paintwork, or (b) illusion colour paintwork
  • Shexos on 14/12/2023 - 16:07

    I bought into this 'scheme' when I bought my car 2,5 years ago.
    Booked in twice about 6 months apart, one for a couple of small stone chips, which they indicated they couldn't fix because they were on the bonnet, and more recently a pressure dent, which they indicated they couldn't repair either because they couldn't guarantee to get it back to factory standards.
    Shmick is a scam!
    Avoid at all costs!

  • DanielR on 31/01/2024 - 18:40

    I concur with previous comment, avoid Schmick, made a claim to start with denied as they said they couldn't fix even though well within their specs, they pulled out their T&Cs, next put in another claim, never heard from them. What a waste of money.

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