What is the Private Mechanic portal about?
Private Mechanic, is an enabling, digital platform,
that allows vehicle owners to recommend reputable mechanics.
It serves as a digital “word of mouth” platform. Once recommended,
other users can find these mechanics and make use of their services
too and then add reviews of their experience with that mechanic.
It is an ecosystem whereby communities will create a reliable
database of reputable mechanics who can help make owning and
maintaining a motor vehicle a much better experience
through the use of reputable mechanics.
What are all the functions available on Private Mechanic?
Once users are registered on the portal, they can do the following things:
1) Recommend a mechanic for the great work that they have done. The mechanic’s
information and the recommendation will remain on the database for other users to access
2) Find a mechanic – here they are able to search the database, for mechanics who have been
recommended by other users
3) Find Car Accessories – for those of us to love to customise or tweak our beloved motors,
users can tap into a treasure of valuable resources to help with our customisation dreams
4) Buy and Sell - the “Sell” function allows users to create an advertisement of their vehicle
or alternatively of vehicle parts for sale. Other interested users can access these adverts through
the “Buy” option, where they will see the full advertisements with contact details of the seller
5) Roadworthy and Registrations – here users can find people or companies that specialise in
handling the administration of licence renewals, new registrations, transfer of ownership, roadworthy, etc.
How do I get started?
First you need to register on the site. Once approved, you simply log back in
To recommend a mechanic, select the “Recommend a Mechanic” option, fill in the
required information and as much as the optional information as you can, and then
simply submit your listing.
To find a mechanic, select the “Find a Mechanic” option and either type out what
you looking for in the search fields, or simply click the “search” button to display
all the contractors registered here
To find accessories, select the “Find Car Accessories” option, type out what you looking
for in the search fields, and simply click the “search” button to display all the items here.
To find something for your car, select the “Help me find something for my car” option, type out
what you need help to find for your car and select submit. Your post will appear on the bulletin
where other users can help you find what you are looking for.
To sell your vehicle or to sell vehicle parts, select the “Sell” option, fill in the required
information, load up to 4 pictures of the stuff you are planning to sell, and then click on
“submit your listing”. Easy as that. Your posting will now appear under the “Buy” for others to see.
To buy vehicles or vehicle parts, simply select the “Buy” option and either type out what you looking
for in the search fields, or simply click the “search” button to display all the items for sale here.
Can users keep adding reviews for the same mechanic?
Yes. This is exactly what the portal aims to do. Users must each be able to provide their own review and
rating of their experience with each mechanic. In that way, mechanics are expected to maintain a high level
of service at all times. Mechanics get recommended once only and they remain on the database from that recommendation. Thereafter other users can add reviews of each experience of using that mechanic.
Is Private Mechanic a commercial website to advertise contractors?
No. Private Mechanic, is an enabling, digital platform, that allows
owners to recommend reputable contractors. There is no charge to the
owner or the mechanic for recommendations ore reviews.
Can mechanics request to be added to the portal or can they add themselves to the portal?
No. Only vehicle owners can add them to the portal thorough the “Recommend a Mechanic”
option. This way they earn their place on the portal. Any suspicious activity of users
trying to breach this process will face consequences for their actions.
How do Mechanics get their contact details updated?
By sending a mail to hello@privatemechanic.co.za
Can users report unprofessional conduct experienced from mechanics?
Yes, absolutely. Users will be able to honestly provide feedback under the review
sections and they can also send a mail to hello@privatemechanic.co.za. Private Mechanic
does not condone any form of unprofessional conduct, including racism, criminal activity,
misrepresentation, etc.
Can Private Mechanic mediate disputes between mechanics and vehicle owners?
No. Private Mechanic is only the digital platform to enable connecting vehicle owners
with mechanics. It is still the vehicle owner’s responsibility to ensure a working
relationship, a legally binding contract and a level of co-operation with the mechanic
is maintained throughout the repair process. No one is forced to use the services of any
of the mechanics recommended on Private Mechanic.
Can Private Mechanic guarantee the workmanship of a mechanic?
No. Private Mechanic does not promote or recommend any of the mechanics on the database.
Only the vehicle owners can recommend them. Recommenders cannot be held responsible for
their workmanship either, because a recommendation is meant to promote the mechanic, because
of a good experience, and is not an endorsement of their workmanship, skills or compliance with
manufacturers standards and best practices around.
Can it be assumed that all these mechanics are registered and accredited, and are compliant
with the manufacturer’s standards of safety?
No. All users must do their own due diligence and background checks to ensure that these
mechanics have the required skills and credentials, before they decide to make us of that mechanic.
Can it be assumed that these mechanics can be trusted?
No. Users need to take every and all precaution when working with recommended mechanics.
Are advertisements posted on the portal vetted by Private Mechanic?
No. Users have to take care and apply their discretion when making use of these services
Are all sellers trustworthy?
No. Buyers must take the necessary precautions when dealing with sellers. All suspicious
activity can be reported via hello@privatemechanic.co.za
How long do these advertisements stay on the portal?
All adverts will expire after 30 days.
What are other useful resources are available on the portal?
The portal contains our terms and conditions of use and it also contains some practical
advice for using private mechanics, with tips on safety and security when planning building
projects. We suggest that all users take the time to read these resources carefully
Besides being recommended, can a mechanic ask for advertising space on the portal?
Yes, absolutely. We have made advertising space available to any supplier or mechanic wishing
to showcase their products, services brands and portfolios. Advertising enquiries can be submitted
to
hello@privatemechanic.co.za