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August 26th, 2010
With Mechanic-on-Duty membership, employees and members will receive invaluable car repair support
August 25, 2010 (Toms River, NJ) – The First Atlantic Federal Credit Union, one of New Jersey’s largest financial organizations, will be providing Mechanic-on-Duty (MOD) memberships to all employees and offering the exclusive roadside assistance, vehicle maintenance and repair service to its 31,000 members.
Mechanic-on-Duty (MOD) serves as the motorist’s advocate through its Smart Savings program, which comprises Repair AuditTM and Repair ChatTM. Through MOD’s beneficial service, employees and members of the First Atlantic Federal Credit Union will now have access to a resource that can help reduce their anxiety and financial risk when it comes to auto repairs.
“First Atlantic Federal Credit Union is a major financial institution in New Jersey. This partnership allows us to add significantly to our footprint in the State,” says Martin E. Conlon, CEO and Founder of Mechanic-on-Duty.
As an affordable, membership-based service, MOD provides the motorist with unlimited access to its in-house team of professional auto repair specialists. When a consumer becomes a MOD member, repair specialists work with the consumer’s repair person, to keep the focus on three critical areas:
1) Ensure that the proper diagnostic approach has been utilized.
2) Audit the automotive facility’s cost to repair the vehicle.
3) Determine if the vehicle is at the right repair facility given the nature of the repair.
Since its founding, Mechanic-On-Duty has been the premier advocate for motorists when it comes to costly auto repairs. MOD does not generate any revenue from auto repair industry sources. To enroll online, visit www.mechaniconduty.com or call MOD at 1-888-690-5663. Don’t forget to ask how your employees or organization can receive the MOD membership as part of an employee benefits package.
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Tags: after market, Auto experts, Auto Repair, Auto Repairs, Auto Resource, brakes, employee benefits, FAFCU, Firts Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Mechanic-on-Duty, motorist's advocate, open door media, roadside assistance, Save Money on Auto Repairs, teachers, tires, transmission
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August 13th, 2010
By Lara Barrett
It’s everywhere you go. At the gas pumps. In the grocery stores. In your home. It is the harsh reminder that in this struggling economy, your budget doesn’t go as far as it used to. And while the average American knows a mortgage, medical bills and gas expenses are harder than ever to manage – there is one expense that people may not think of readily. Here’s a hint: it’s sitting in your driveway, right now.
Next to a mortgage, auto repairs are often the second-largest component of household expenses in a budget. The struggling economy has precluded millions of Americans from buying new vehicles. As a result, the median age of a car is now 9.2 years. In fact, 90 percent of all cars on our roads are no longer covered under manufacturer’s warranty. Out of those vehicles, 10 percent may have extended warranties.
Unfortunately, this leaves 80 percent of motorists who are left to fend for themselves when tackling car repair bills. And now, because the average age of cars has passed nine years, maintenance, servicing and repairs on cars tend to occur more frequently.
For many people, dealing in the world of automobile repair shops, parts pricing and obtaining fair estimates is intimidating. In this sometimes uncomfortable and stressful environment, who do you turn to for advice to save your family money?
Mechanic-on-Duty, also known as “The Motorist’s Advocate” seems to be just what the car doctor ordered. This affordable service acts as an advocate for motorists whenever they are in need of automobile repair work. Mechanic-on-Duty helps the customer to discern if they are getting a fair price, if the repair work is needed in the first place, and, in general they provide the advice and counsel that a friend or family relative with an auto repair background would give you.
Testimonials from satisfied customers can be found on the Mechanic-on-Duty website at: www.mechaniconduty.com, with some of them citing savings of thousands of dollars in a single visit to the repair shop.
The service provided by Mechanic-on-Duty has been at the disposal of warranty companies, service repair facilities, and auto dealerships for some time now, and this is the first time their expertise is being made available to the public. For years, the company earned the respect and confidence of professionals in the automobile industry and it’s time that consumers – those who are actually footing the bill for the repair work – have access to all of its benefits.
Everyone knows that price is not the only criteria that a consumer should keep in mind when dealing with a company. Now more than ever though, we have to be careful as to how and with whom we spend our money. In addition to being affordable – Mechanic-on-Duty works hard for you and gets results you can quantify. Not many companies can say that.
In this economic environment, managing your budget can be difficult. When it comes to the second most expensive line item on our personal budget – auto repair – it can be downright overwhelming. Mechanic-on-Duty helps to take the scare out of costly auto repairs.
Since its founding, Mechanic-On-Duty has been the premier advocate for motorists when it comes to costly auto repairs. MOD does not generate any revenue from auto repair industry sources. To enroll online, visit www.mechaniconduty.com or call MOD at 1-888-690-5663.
Press Contact:
Lara Webb-Barrett, Open Door Media
609-396-6620
Tags: Auto experts, auto mechanics, Auto Repair, Auto Repairs, Auto Resource, brakes, consumer service, economic environment, economy, employee benefits, expenses, HR Benefits, Lara Barrett, mechanics, open door media, PR, preventative maintenance, roadside assistance, Save Money on Auto Repairs, savings, teachers, tires, transmission
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August 5th, 2010
July 30, 2010 (Cherry Hill, NJ) – New Jersey motorists finally have a resource that can help to reduce their anxiety, financial risk and exposure to fraud when it comes to auto repairs. Mechanic-on-Duty (MOD), a membership services company, serves as a true advocate for motorists. One group now benefitting from MOD services is Katz Jewish Community Center in Cherry Hill.
The MOD membership will offer any member of Katz JCC the opportunity to take advantage of a special brand of customer service. Just by the dialing of a phone number, a MOD member has access to expert repair technicians guiding them through repair questions, repair estimate confusion, or any other vehicle maintenance issue.
“I am thrilled to be partnering with the Katz JCC to offer our services. The Katz JCC is a wonderful organization, and is all about serving the community and doing good for their membership base,” says Martin Conlon, CEO of Mechanic On Duty.
“The Katz JCC is proud to partner with such a superb company as Mechanic on Duty. We feel that our employees and members will truly benefit from the service that they provide,” says Brian Adler, Development Director at the JCC.
Background on MOD
If you’ve ever experienced trepidation at the auto repair shop, not sure you were being treated fairly, or if you are being quoted a fair price; MOD ends that confusion. What if you could have someone with years and years of knowledge and expertise at your fingertips, while you stand with your mechanic or repair person, saving you time, anxiety and needless worry? That is what a Mechanic-on-Duty membership can do for consumers.
As an affordable, membership-based service, MOD provides the motorist with unlimited access to its in-house team of professional auto repair specialists. When a consumer becomes a MOD member, our repair specialists work with the consumer’s repair person, to determine three main points:
1) Establish that the proper diagnostic approach was utilized for your vehicle.
2) To audit the facility’s cost to repair the vehicle.
3) To determine if the vehicle is at the right type of repair facility given the nature of the repair.
Since its founding, Mechanic-On-Duty has been the premier advocate for motorists when it comes to costly auto repairs. MOD does not generate any revenue from auto repair industry sources. To enroll online, visit www.mechaniconduty.com or call MOD at 1-888-690-5663.
Press Contact:
Lara Webb-Barrett, Open Door Media
609-396-6620
Tags: Auto Repair, Auto Repairs, Auto Resource, brakes, JCCKATZ, media, open door media, roadside assistance, Save Money on Auto Repairs, tires, transmission
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June 11th, 2010
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Listen to one of our members talk about almost over paying for a transmission repair. Once Stavra called us with the repair bill estimate MOD went to work, found a local repair shop and negotiated the repair for a reasonable rate. MOD not only saved our member money on the repair but she was also considering buying a new car! Now for a lot less our member got to keep the car she has always loved: good-as-new!
What are you about to over pay for? Repairs come up suddenly.
Mechanic-on-Duty specializes in dealing directly with the repair facility – on your behalf.
Estimate: $7029.55
MOD’s Negotiated Repair: $2250.00
Member Saved: $4779.55
The Tax on the original estimate alone was over $450.00!
Tags: advocate, Auto experts, auto repair blog, Auto Repairs, Auto Resource, brakes, motorist's advocate, roadside assistance, Save Money on Auto Repairs, tires, transmission, working mom
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January 7th, 2010
This is a call in from one of our subscribers. Mechanic-on-Duty, the Motorist’s Advocate™ is dedicated to saving its subscribers money on any auto repair, maintenance or service issue.
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“This particular subscriber was at first extremely skeptical when he originally discovered The Motorist’s Advocate™. Once MOD went to work for him “Jeff” quickly realized the financial value of saving real money for his household. “The Motorist’s Advocate™” is a service like no other, ground breaking and driven to perform through first class service while saving its subscribers real money. In this day in age motorists are worried about budgeting their money and not being financially wiped out by an overpriced repair! MOD is dedicated to growing its subscription base one satisfied customer at a time” said Brian R. Schneider National Director – Sales and Marketing. On this testimonial recording: authorized by the subscriber, you’ll hear a clip of “Jeff” speaking with “Founder and CEO Martin Conlon, the man behind The Motorist’s Advocate™ after saving close to $600.00 for an electrical repair needed for his Chevy Malibu”! This is the level of service we bring to the average motorists…
“Jeff” additionally sent this statement: “MOD is the best! They have saved me so much money, time and aggravation. It’s only a matter of time before they corner the market in this industry, in my mind they already have. Their expert technicians have extensive knowledge and the right tools at their fingertips to keep you informed of anything to do with your vehicle. The customer service is way better than any I have ever experienced. I have all vehicles in the household protected by MOD and I called and cancelled AAA. Thanks MOD!”
Visit our home page:www.mechaniconduty.com View the video How MOD Works.
Available Nationally – Membership in MOD is affordable and easy, just click “Join Now” on the home page. Yearly subscribers are qualified to enroll in the Emergency Roadside Assistance program offered by MOD.
The Motorist’s Advocate™ is: Real People with Real Knowledge available in Real Time. How may we help you or a friend save on a repair?
YOUR SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED!
Please click “share it” to spread the word.
Tags: Auto experts, Auto Repair, auto repair blog, Auto Repairs, Auto Resource, brakes, mechanic, repair bills, roadside assistance, save money on auto repair, tires, transmission
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April 2nd, 2010
Auto warranty companies routinely insist that repair shops lower the cost of the repair estimates, because they have the inside information on what parts cost and how long each repair should take. Unless you have access to this information as well, you’re overpaying for auto repairs as much as 85% of the time.
Patrice Samuelson* of St. Louis, Missouri had always resisted bringing her car in for service, hoping the problems she noticed while driving would simply go away. But, this time there was no denying that something was seriously wrong with her 2002 Dodge Intrepid. As the car limped into “Mr. Bill’s” repair shop (where both her father and brother always brought their own autos), Patrice steeled herself for the bad news – and she wasn’t disappointed. Her Dodge had “thrown a rod”, according to Bill, and needed an engine. Even using a recycled one, the repair estimate came to a whopping $3,500.
Patrice’s friend Ron convinced her to bring her car to another facility for a second opinion. His diagnosis: the “thrown rod” was actually a loose timing belt. The cost? Just $68.
Her story is not that unique. Americans are overcharged daily for auto repairs. Sometimes, like in Patrice’s case, it was a repair that wasn’t correctly diagnosed (or perhaps an unscrupulous repair facility). Other times, the parts used for the repairs are marked up outrageously. Often the mom-and-pop repair shop just doesn’t know where to find the parts less expensively. And even though industry standards determine how long a repair should take, most people simply don’t have access to that information and some shops take advantage and “pad” the time it took to complete the job.
The following statistics probably won’t surprise many automobile owners:
- The FTC claims that auto repairs are the #1 “service fraud” in the United States
- The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) say that that auto repairs are 8th on the national list of consumer complaints
- According to the BBB auto repairs are the 2nd most common consumer complaint filed against businesses
When Samantha Arnold* of Seattle, Washington finally acknowledged that her 2006 Acura MDX wouldn’t go into reverse unless she put her entire weight into shifting gears, she feared it was going to be an expensive repair. When she was told it would cost her $6,250 for a new transmission, she almost resigned herself to the painful price tag. Instead, the process of calling around to other repair shops began and she learned that using an overhauled transmission could reduce the price significantly. In the end, the original repair facility agreed to overhaul her transmission for $3,950 less than their original quote.
So, what is stopping us all from doing this? One reason is that most of us don’t speak the same language as auto mechanics; many of us don’t have the time to shop around. But the biggest reason is that we really don’t know when we’re being overcharged. That’s because, unlike computers or flat screen TVs, we just can’t access pricing information on car parts or repairs. Sure, all of that information is available, most of it online, but virtually none of us is willing to pay hundreds of dollars a month to access it.
Bob Jones* of Austin, Texas loved his Porsche. He knew every repair – from major to minor – would cost him a pretty penny. And he knew how to search online. What he didn’t know was even though he found what he thought was the best price for new tires ($485 each), he was still going to have to get them shipped, at considerable cost.
That is, until someone put him in touch with a local dealer who not only had the tires in stock, but would mount and balance them for only $375 per tire, saving him $440 and the cost of shipping.
Even warranty companies negotiate with repair shops and reduce the cost of the repairs they cover 85% of the time. With three quarters of U.S. cars no longer under any kind of warranty, you need someone to advocate for you or run the risk of overpaying for repairs by hundreds or thousands of dollars every year.
To learn more about how Mechanic-on-Duty, The Motorist’s Advocate™, can take the scare out of auto repairs for you, go to www.MechanicOnDuty.com or call 1-888-690-5MOD (888-690-5663).
* Names have been changed.
Tags: Auto experts, Auto Repair, Auto Repairs, Auto Resource, motorist's advocate, roadside assistance, Save Money on Auto Repairs
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May 26th, 2010
Press Play:
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Martin Conlon Founder and CEO interview on WOBM FM. What is MOD and how does it work?
Mechanic-on-Duty, The Motorist’s Advocate™ specializes in dealing directly with your auto mechanic and does not take any money from the auto repair industry. If your not a member of MOD, ask your self: “what am I over paying for”.
Tags: Auto experts, Auto Repair, Auto Resource, motorist's advocate, Save Money on Auto Repairs, tires, transmission
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June 8th, 2010
New Jersey Grass Roots:
Mechanic-on-Duty and New Jersey’s first community college!
Cumberland County College (CCC) was founded in 1966 as New Jersey’s first community college. Decades later, this educational facility continues to provide intellectual and social growth in a diverse community. CCC Students and Alumni are encouraged to continue their education and enter the workforce with great esteem and success.
For these reasons, Mechanic-on-Duty is proud to announce a working relationship with the Cumberland County College Alumni Association. Please visit your school’s website or Facebook page for further details and exclusive discount offers.
Tags: Auto experts, Auto Repair, Cumberland County College, motorist's advocate, Save Money on Auto Repairs
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June 4th, 2010
People blame the economy for layoffs, unemployment, frugal spending and parsimonious lifestyles- even when it comes to their health and auto insurance. I must admit that even I fall into this category. I cut corners to save money. For instance, instead of health insurance I have techniques to prevent health concerns and illness: I eat healthy, exercise, and visit a physician at least once a year. Additionally, my auto insurance has low coverage and a high deductible. Oh yes, I live on the thrifty side. But, I am still being careful with my car because I have prevention technique for that too; it’s called Mechanic-on-Duty.
Many Americans are experiencing the same types of issues with insurance and cutbacks. Similarly, American motorists are contributing to the trends of the auto industry regarding lower insurance coverage, decreased car sales and more frequent repair servicing.
Recently, I discovered the average car is 9 ½ years old! This means two things: One, the average US motorist has no car payments and lower insurance premiums as a result of lower coverage. Secondly, the decade-old vehicle is likely to need a repair soon. Presumably, this repair will result in a bill which will indicate a laundry list of repairs that our low insurance coverage will not cover.
Like many of you, my car is the sole means of transportation for my family. For this reason alone, I wish I could invest more time and energy into my vehicle. So I do what I can. I cross my fingers, blame the economy, and use Mechanic-on-Duty for all my automotive questions, concerns, pricing and negotiation.
Tags: Auto experts, Auto Repair, motorist's advocate, Save Money on Auto Repairs
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June 2nd, 2010
In Connecticut
Mechanic-on-Duty is pleased to announce our partnership with the Western Connecticut State University community (WCSU). The exceptional and affordable academic programs on-campus, off-campus and around the world truly demonstrate the WCSU commitment to excellence and achievement. Similarly, Mechanic-on-Duty, The Motorist’s Advocate, focuses our attention and expertise on motorists, their automobiles and wallets. We are making outstanding service available to the WCSU community at a significant discount. Thank you for your patronage West Conn!
Tags: Auto experts, Auto Repair, Mechanic-on-Duty, motorist's advocate, Save Money on Auto Repairs, Western Connecticut State University
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June 1st, 2010
In Pennsylvania
Mechanic-on-Duty is proud to partner with Eastern University, a non-profit institution whose core values are creative, meaningful, faithful and just.
Eastern University has a curriculum dedicated to religious, individual and social advancement. The sense of community at EU is maintained for students after graduation as Alumni, and also to the faculty and staff through “The Eagle’s Nest”. Mechanic-on-Duty recognizes the value of sincerity in education and business. With that, Mechanic-on-Duty will always maintain a positive, reliable and honest partnership with Eastern University.
Tags: Auto experts, Auto Repair, Eagle's Nest, Eastern University, motorist's advocate, Pennsylvania
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May 28th, 2010
New Jersey Grass Roots:
Mechanic-on-Duty most recently launched a business relationship with Ocean County College, located in our own hometown headquarters.
Ocean County College (OCC) is a two year public school located in Toms River, New Jersey. The OCC faculty support students in their educational endeavors, challenging them every step of the way. For this reason, Mechanic-on-Duty has endorsed OCC through the Rewards Program. We hope the Full Time Faculty, Alumni and Continuing Education Students take advantage of our generous discount.
Congrats to the class of 2010!!
Tags: advocate, Auto experts, Auto Repair, motorist's advocate, Ocean County College Auto Repair Auto experts
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May 27th, 2010
New Jersey Grass Roots:
Mechanic-on-Duty welcomes the largest healthcare university in the nation, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey’s School of Health Related Professionals (SHRP).
The SHRP students, alumni, faculty and staff strive to continuously improve the quality of healthcare in our local and global communities. While their exceptional skill and knowledge may be unparalleled in the healthcare industry, they have been matched in automotive repair industry! Mechanic-on-Duty promises quality care during auto repair. We’re a non-insurance consumer service which specializes in dealing directly with your mechanic-on your behalf. Our team of in-house certified technicians will help lower auto repair bills and ensure each vehicle receives first-class service with Repair Audit™ and Repair Chat™.
Tags: advocate, Auto experts, Auto Repair, Auto Repairs, motorist's advocate, School of Health Related Professionals, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
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