In an environment traditionally dominated by overall-wearing, oily-handed motor mechanics, the service counter of a busy independent repair garage can often be a daunting place for a woman. For many years, some less-scrupulous garages have viewed female customers as a ’soft touch’ and have taken advantage of their lack of knowledge about cars to overcharge for repair work, sell them unnecessary additional work, and patronise them.  Times are changing however and nowadays, few garage owners can afford to ignore the lady motorist and their needs.

For one particular lady, the appalling treatment of her daughter during her first solo visit to a garage prompted her to take action and from that, the Foxy Lady Blog was born. Steph Savill started her blog in early 2008 and from that, the Foxy Lady Drivers Club (a dedicated female motoring organisation) and the Foxy Choice (a female friendly UK garage network) were.

When we signed the female friendly ‘Foxy Promise’ on behalf of Swiftest Ltd. in 2009, we pledged “to never knowingly overcharge, patronise or sell customers services they do not need or want”.

To be honest, we didn’t actually have to change our ways as we’ve always subscribed to this philosophy, but knowing that we’re now recognised as being ‘female friendly’ will hopefully put any new customer’s minds at rest. As it happens, we’ve usually had a female staff member in the front office and in the case of our present receptionist Lisa, she was a regular customer long before she became an employee!

Find out more about the Foxy lady Driver’s club at www.foxychoice.com

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