| Those of us in the automotive repair industry frequently use
abbreviations to describe parts or labor functions listed on an invoice. Abbreviations
such as R&R, EGR, or TAC may be an accepted part of our industry jargon. We understand
what these abbreviations mean, but what about your customers? If "R&R"
appears on an invoice, did you rest and relax? Did you remove and replace, remove and
repair, or rebuild and reinstall? If it sounds confusing to you, imagine how confusing it
is to your customers.
Business and Professions Code Section 9884.8 requires that the
invoice describe all service work done and parts supplied. Section 3356 of the California Code of Regulations
specifies further that the invoice "shall separately identify each part in such a
manner that the customer can understand what was purchased." Such designations as
R&R and TAC for service work performed may not meet the requirements of the above
noted sections. Remember, the final word regarding your compliance with these laws and
regulations may lie with your customers' understanding of the acronyms you use. Rather
than leave your customer guessing about what repair work your shop performed, or the parts
supplied, spell it out.
JLZ Business Services encourages you to read and use BAR's "Write it Right-A
Guide for the Auto Repair Dealer". This publication will get you on the right path to
avoiding conflict and confusion in dealing with your customer and the Bureau.
Contact any Bureau of Automotive Repair field office to obtain a copy of this
publication. Give your customers the "R&R" they are legally entitled to
after they have had a successful repair transaction!
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