18/02/2026
‼️I don't usually post things like this, but after a recent situation I feel it's important to explain something clearly, not just for myself, but for anyone who relies on small, local tradespeople, including one-person businesses like mine.
Recently, someone left a negative review because I didn't respond to a quote within a few hours - outside of working hours, after they'd been asked for a small deposit to secure a booking. This matter has been explained privately, but I think it's worth addressing here also, so my customers understand how things work behind the scenes.
As anyone who knows me or has used my services will tell you, I take pride in being reliable, respectful and fair. I never start a job without providing a proper quote, and I never take a customer's money without ensuring they're fully happy with the cost.
Here's the reality:
🟡 I'm a one-man business.
Every call, every job, every quote, every part order, every message is all done by me, around actual hands-on work and family life.
🟡 Quotes take time
I don't generally guess prices. I check suppliers, parts and materials so I can give a more accurate, fair quote. If suppliers are closed for the day, I can't magically produce a price within an hour, especially with prices fluctuating so much between models and brands of cars.
🟡 Deposits aren't a trick
Over the years, last-minute cancellations and no-shows have cost me full days of work. A small £50 deposit for new or irregular customers simply secures your slot and protects the time I set aside. It comes off the final bill and no work ever starts until you're happy with the quote.
🟡 Working hours matter
Just like everyone else, I have family commitments and a life outside of work. Messages sent late in the evening will not always be picked up straight away. I try to endeavour replies within 24 hours, but a few hours overnight isn't a reasonable timeframe to expect a detailed response, from any tradesperson.
🟡 Good communication goes both ways
If you need a quote, clarity, or advice, I will always do my best to help. But patience and understanding are part of the process when you're dealing with a small, local business rather than a large company with staff on standby.
I'm extremely proud of the reputation I've build and I'm grateful for every customer who supports local.
Setting fair expectations helps protect that reputation and allows me to continue offering honest, reliable and quality work.
Thank you to everyone who shows patience, understanding and respect and to those who continue to support me.
Thomas
TSW Automotive Ltd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re able to leave me a review, I’d be grateful:
4.9 ⭐ · Auto repair shop in Burnside, Northern Ireland
