Last week, I chose not to tell a client about their slightly worn serpentine belt.

I know a lot of guys say you have to mention every little thing. But the belt was fine for months more, and the customer was tight on money.

4 comments

4 Comments

the_tessa1mo ago

Get why you did that... sometimes the perfect repair isn't the right one for the person's situation. Tough spot to be in, for sure.

pauljackson1mo ago

My dentist does this with early cavities all the time.

tara_dixon1mo ago

But is it really the right call if they don't even know the choice exists? You spotted a part that's wearing out, and that's a safety item that can leave them stranded. The customer being tight on money doesn't change that it was their information to have, not yours to decide for them.

johnson.nora1mo ago

Wait, are we talking about a cavity or a brake pad? Because PaulJackson's dentist example is about something that can be watched. A worn out safety part on a car isn't like a tiny cavity you check next visit. It's more like a tooth that's already cracked and could break any time you chew. The customer needs to know it could fail, even if they choose to wait.