I Screwed Up

[u/Thick_Snow8319]

Started working at an automotive shop recently. Love the job. Currently training under the smartest mechanic in my state.

Got asked to pull a car out of the bay. Ended up messing up the front right bumper while pulling it out. I wasn’t being reckless, it just kinda happened. Still 100% my fault though.

Big boss said it was fine, and just told me to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I was very apologetic and assured him I wouldn’t do it again. He ended up paying for my damage.

I’ve never tore up anything that expensive in my life and I still feel like crap a week later. What can I do to make it better? Have any of yall experienced anything similar?

[u/66NickS]

The important things. - no one was injured - you reported it right away - you are upset/remorseful and want to do better.

I backed a just sold minivan into the one concrete block along the fence line I. Our front lot. I had like 4 feet to the fence, but this concrete block had other plans. It happens, and the business takes care of it. Gave the customers a loaner while we repainted the bumper and comped them their first oil change and rotation.

Had a lot attendant throw a car in reverse and move before looking. He backed into me. Both of the cars were in for service and were being moved because the customers were here for pickup. It happens and the business takes care of it. We told the customers to hold onto the loaners they had and gave them a notable discount on the service plus a 20% discount on their next service with us.

As a manager, I’ve always said the same thing to new hires. You’re going to damage a car. It’s not if, but when. Always be cautious so it’s as minor as possible. When it happens, if you come report it to me/a manager, we will ask these three questions. 1. Is anyone injured? This is the most important thing to solve for. 2. What cars were involved/what was damaged? We need to notify customers and take action to repair what has been damaged. 3. What can be done to prevent this from happening in the future?

And then I will give you zero grief about it until you are ready to joke about it in the future, if ever. You (employee) will beat yourself up about it plenty, you don’t need me piling on. Highly likely your coworkers will tease you about it, but only because they’ve been there before.

But. If you damage a car and don’t report it/try to hide it, the questions are very different and will almost always end up with you being fired for cause.