Since so many of us are long past having to visit the dealer for service I thought it might be good to create a directory of local shops. Post as much data as you know about the shops you use and then I'll add them to a database that is searchable by City and State/Province. I'll even try to build it so you can search by Miles From... I'm thinking we should collect the following data Name: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone Number: Contact: Comments:
Werkin Mini 174 Buck Run Pipe Creek Texas 78063 U.S.A. 210-797-9848 Keith Eggleston WERKINMINI.COM | mini cooper parts, installation, repair, and maintenance [email protected] Repair (onsite and remote), Service, Parts (aftermarket performance & OEM). plus Installation.
This is a great idea.. I get asked where to go for non-dealer service a bunch these days. I have 2 from the Chicagoland area: Name: Axels Automotive Address: 29870 N Skokie Hwy City: Lake Bluff State/Province: IL Zip/Postal Code: 60044-1194 Country: USA Phone Number: (847) 688-0500 Contact: Nick or Axel Comments: Axels Automotive An ex-MINI mechanic works there Name: Import Service Center Address: 1822 Lehigh Ave City: Glenview State/Province: IL Zip/Postal Code: 60025 Country: USA Phone Number:847-724-4336 Contact: Dan Comments: Import Service Center Homepage - 847-724-4336 Shop is owned by a local MINI Club member
Lest you think I forgot about this, I haven't. Currently working to update the same product that powers the WheelFinder and Badge listings to be able to support comments and ratings.
If it's going to be able to support comments and ratings then I won't mind putting in one or two that I'm not so happy with. Sort of an Angie's List for automotive work. This, to me, seems like an even more valuable tool. Of course I can also imagine a comments/ratings section being abused... It might also be good if it would discern between different types of shops and/or include the different types of service they offer (e.g., body/paint, maintenance, scheduled maintenance (for those still on that clock), parts (oem and/or aftermarket), installation, tuning, etc). And/or maybe that should be a blank to fill in (or drop down menu) for what you had done that is the source of your review/comment/rating. I know, probably pushing the limits of the tool/product available, but I figure now is the time for brainstorming. ------------------ Thought of another service option when Helix (Ralph) posted just a couple minutes ago that they're now offering state inspections...
The data model will need to be created. I'm also shooting for a multi-select dropdown in the latest version. With that multiple categories can be selected to list the various types of services the shop is capable of performing. Of course it needs to be search-able on many levels as well. Mapping would also be included with the Google API. Please feel free to add to the specs for the data model.
Please don't add any more data, there will be a form to fill out. lets leave this for discussion on how to build it for now please.
Yes it does... To flesh out more of what I am thinking here... Site Member enters data into a form that would include all the stuff one would need such as Shop Name, Address, URL, etc. Multiselect box for the types of services the shop offers. All this would display as the first post of a new thread. Thread title would be pulled from form to include Shop Name, City, State/Provence. After entry the same member would reply to the post with comments and a rating. Raing is 1-5 Stars (stars could also be MINI's or whatever). The rating would be dynamically updated as others submit comments and rating for same shop. This would all be search-able on many levels. Location, services, ratings and of course name. Search could be displayed either on Map or as alpha listing, selectable by member. Also could search by zip code and narrow to within a certain mileage range. Such as all shops within 25 miles. Also would include features now found in sponsor and clubs listings such as the popup with more info and the ability to get directions to or from. Thinking a little higher level only members can rate and leave comments. Shop owners would be allowed to enter their shop but not rate. Thats my nickel tour of the product as I see it. What did I miss or what other functionality would you like to see. Please keep in mind this will not be coded overnight.
It would be great, something like CarTalk's Mechanics File Obviously what you're putting together is much more complex than that but it maybe offers some ideas.
Update on Data to capture...This is a list in progress, please post your ideas to this thread. Name: Address: City: State/Province: Zip/Postal Code: Country: Phone Number: Contact: URL: Services Offered: Authorized Retailers of: What else?
Maybe a listing to narrow down what type of car they specialize in, ie "Classic European cars", "Modern import performance cars" or "high-end luxury cars" etc.
So this has started taking a different path. At first I thought I could just build a shop rieview system but them I started looking at how this could be leveraged into a full blown product review type product. I'm sure many of you have seen the product review section on that others site. That is an off the shelf product that has a lot a off features but lacks the real feel of it being part of the forums, has more of a tacked on feel to me. I started researching other off the shelf products and nothing really fit the bill, all of them are lacking in same way. We are now looking at building a full blown product review product that has the look and feel of the forums. Just wanted to report that this has not fallen by the wayside but has just taken a few detours along the way.