September 5, 2001 -
For many of us, a trip to the mechanics can be as worrisome as a trip to the doctor. Mechanics are about as notorious as used car dealers when it comes to some of their underhanded practices, and just about every one of us has, at one time or another, experienced the frustration of dealing with one. A simple oil change can turn into a complete transmission overhaul if we arent careful. There are trustworthy mechanics out there, but finding one is sometimes a real challenge.
Teodoro Vasquez is a mechanic who owns his own a car service center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which he calls Ter-Auto. He knows how mistrusted many mechanics can be, and some deservedly so. But he is not. He has worked hard developing a reputation as fair and honest, and he certainly doesnt want to destroy that. But making that known to the public is his challenge. As a long-time X10 customer, Teodoro has been familiar with the wireless technology, and as a mechanic, he has found the products invaluable in his quest to strengthen that reputation and help his customers rest secure.
Teodoro also owns, along with his business, a business website, www.terauto.com, which he uses to advertise his business, as well as keep his customers informed of new prices and specials. But hes also set up this website to help his customers feel both safe and respected in their dealings with his company. Along with the XCam2, Teodoro has installed XRay Vision so that his customers can see what he and his mechanics are doing whenever theyre working on an automobile. In his own words, Teodoro says, "I add for my customers a 24-hrs day live video view of four X10 cameras" which Teodoro has installed at four different locations in his service center. XRay Vision uploads the pictures every five seconds, so his customers are always 'in the know. "This way each client can see what our technicians are doing to their cars LIVE from the comfort of their office or home with just a click on their PC."
And the idea seems to be working very well, because Teodoro says, "We have received many good comments about it." He also says that 'because many people don't trust mechanics, they have no way of knowing for sure if he and is his crews are good mechanics or not. And Teodoro assures them that he and his staff are definitely "GOOD MECHANICS." And thanks to the XCam2, and XRay Vision, he can prove that. So if a customer has any reservations, they need only log on to Ter-Auto, input the password that Teodoro has given them for their protection, and see for themselves. "This way," Teodoro says, "no matter how long it takes or what kind of job, the customer just selects the area their car is in and they can watch it as long as they want."
Finally, mechanics you can trust... Thanks to the XCam2 and XRay Vision!
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