This year, may be thanks to the worldwide phenomenon called 'Climate Change', we had some good weather till recently. Some parts of Middle East even got showers. The weather was pleasant, the trees/plants looked greener, the urban landscape looked cleaner. Some areas were flooded causing some hardships. For many passionate car-owners, the regular trips for a thorough wash became more frequent.
This afternoon.... it was very hot. But the need to drop off my son for classes forced me to step out. On the way back, I decided to stop by at the service center. The fact every car was taking more than usual time, forced me to stay on a bit longer. That enabled me to make these observations....
Though the crowd at that point of time was negligible, as temperature improved towards the sunset, more car-owners reached.
- Virtually every major brand had its fair share of representation. But the market leader, toyota, had very low representation.
- A Lexus SUV, Suzuki Grand Vitara (aspirational in India!), Opel ( still around!?), Pajero, BMW 5, VW Toureg, a vintage Merc, GM Trailblazer & Tahoe...
- The owner of black Suzuki vitara was the most demanding customer. He even took the car back for further washing, when same was half way through drying.
- Owner of BMW 5 Series was seen snatching the cloth and giving finishing touches to his seat, clearly not satisfied with the staff...
- Trailblazer-owner went around with a tissue-box and guiding the staff to come up to his level of cleanliness. (Management by example !)
- A camry, an accent, a Honda accord... they came quietly and fell in line..
- Pajero owner, a young guy, managed to jump the queue!
- Meanwhile, another Pajero drove directly to the drying section. Cleaned up, along with the staff. He came in with a mess, clearly after a long journey. He went with an interior spotless, thanks to the combined effort... He was seen whistling around towards the fag-end of the cleaning effort, perhaps satisfied with the outcome. Or downplaying the big dent on the right side which ensured the door made a creaking noise when opened? ( He was quick to slam the door closed and not to touch it again, obviously a bit embarrassed!)
- Some of them smoked continuously...wonder, why the tension at all ?
- I did not see the staff being tipped at all, which prompted me to tip them liberally today! Afterall, it is quite hard work, semi-skilled, I would add....and, hot weather !
- Just as we have preferences when it comes to hair-cutting saloon and the specific guy at the favourite saloon, some customers had preferences here too. They allowed others to go ahead just to ensure their favourite machines would be in the safe hands of their preferred staff !
We are so particular when it comes to our own cars. We need to be as much conscious about other cars, driving safely !
