The Pre-Lunar New Year Rush: A Busy Auto Repair Shop’s Story

The high demand from customers during the Tet holiday rush has kept many bike repair shops busy. Photo: Phúc Hậu.

With just under two weeks to go until the Lunar New Year, bike repair shops have become a bustling hub of activity as they strive to meet the maintenance and repair needs of their customers.

Working Overtime, No Price Hike

At a motorbike repair shop in Nhà Bè District, Ho Chi Minh City, Zing observed a large number of vehicles present. The spacious courtyard, measuring approximately 16 square meters, was almost entirely occupied by motorbikes waiting for their turn.

According to the shop’s staff, the situation has improved significantly compared to the previous weekend.

“It was so crowded with bikes last weekend that we didn’t even have enough space for customers to sit and wait,” said one busy staff member.

Zing noted that there were over a dozen motorbikes waiting in line, while there were only three mechanics on duty.

The staff shared that most vehicle owners were there for a pre-holiday tune-up. Many individuals opt to travel to their hometowns by motorbike and want to ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition for the long journey.

“Some of the common services requested recently include oil changes, inspections of electrical systems, lights, horns, chains, sprockets, and brake checks. Additionally, several customers have brought in their bikes for engine overhauls,” the staff member revealed.

Zing observed that several motorbikes had been waiting for days without being attended to. Due to limited space, the repair shop’s employees had to park a few bikes temporarily in a nearby alley.

“Currently, we are prioritizing simple maintenance services. For customers who require engine work, they will have to wait a few days,” the staff explained.

The rapid increase in the number of vehicles, coupled with a limited number of mechanics, has overwhelmed many bike repair shops. Photo: Phúc Hậu.

“With a small team and a high volume of bikes, we’re working flat out. It’s tiring, but we’re committed to delivering quality service so that our customers can enjoy their Lunar New Year holidays with peace of mind,” shared the dedicated staff member.

Visiting neighboring repair shops, Zing witnessed a similar scene of busy workshops and a substantial number of vehicles awaiting maintenance and repairs. This bustling atmosphere is characteristic of bike repair shops across Ho Chi Minh City during the lead-up to the Lunar New Year.

Furthermore, due to the overwhelming demand for pre-holiday bike maintenance and repairs, several shops have extended their operating hours by one to two hours beyond their usual schedule. This not only helps alleviate the backlog of customers but also provides some respite for the overworked staff on subsequent workdays.

When asked about price adjustments, the repair shops assured that their rates remain unchanged from before.

“At this point, our primary concern is completing the backlog of vehicles entrusted to us by our customers. We are not taking advantage of the high demand to hike up our prices,” shared a representative of a motorbike repair shop.

Customers Willing to Wait

At a bike repair shop in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Thanh Toàn from District 4 shared that he had arrived early and was patiently waiting for his turn.

“My family and I will be traveling to my hometown in An Giang Province by motorbike, as we do every year. Even if it means a long wait, I’m willing to endure it. Having my bike properly serviced and maintained will ensure a safe and trouble-free journey as we travel long distances with my wife and children,” Mr. Toàn expressed.

He further explained that he had visited several bike repair shops near his home over the weekend, only to find them overwhelmed with customers and unable to accommodate additional vehicles. Taking advantage of a less busy weekday morning, Mr. Toàn sought permission from his superiors to step out and have his bike’s oil changed and a new pair of tires installed in preparation for their upcoming trip the following week.

“Last weekend, many bike repair shops were already swamped with customers, and I anticipate an even busier scene this coming weekend as we approach the Lunar New Year. So, I decided to take care of it during a relatively quieter weekday and be ready for our journey back to my hometown,” Mr. Toàn elaborated.

The demand for motorbike maintenance surges as the Lunar New Year approaches. Photo illustration: Phương Lâm.

While exact figures are unavailable, the majority of bike repair shops in Ho Chi Minh City have reported a significant surge in customers in recent days.

From the perspective of the mechanics, this phenomenon is understandable, as many individuals prioritize ensuring the stability and safety of their vehicles before embarking on their Lunar New Year travels.

“It’s a common mindset for people to want their bikes to be in tip-top shape for the long journeys during the holiday season. As a result, they are willing to leave their vehicles with us and return when the work is completed,” shared a staff member.

You may also like

The Ultimate Trio: Jacky’s Supercar Collection Returns with a Bang!

All three of these supercars are wrapped in a deep green livery, a style synonymous with the fleet of cars owned by the infamous Jacky, a well-known figure in the social media world, often heard but rarely seen.

The Perils of Vehicle Ownership in Ho Chi Minh City: Flooding and Water Damage

Motorists in Ho Chi Minh City often face a watery ordeal, with frequent flooding in areas such as Thao Dien (Thu Duc City), District 7, and Binh Thanh. These inundations cause no small amount of hassle and damage to vehicle owners, a familiar tale for many.

The Honda Super Cub: An Iconic Ride Gets a Final Send-Off in Vietnam
—

Recently, a private car dealer in Ho Chi Minh City has started taking deposits for the Super Cub 50 Final Edition.

The Truth About Motorcycle Insurance for Just 10,000 VND

Is it possible to purchase motorbike insurance for just VND 10,000, and do these policies offer genuine value to customers?

Subaru Crosstrek: The Ultimate Adventure Vehicle, Now Available for Pre-Order in Vietnam.

The highly anticipated model is set to go on sale in Vietnam from the beginning of the fourth quarter, with deliveries to customers commencing in early 2025.