BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Gary's Body Shop has built its reputation by word of mouth.

Since the shop, operated by Gary Webster Sr. and his son Gary Webster Jr., opened in 1961, it has built a solid reputation as the place to have dings, bumps, dents and other minor body work done.

“I would say that 95 percent of our business is from word-of-mouth and repeat customers,” said Webster Jr. “Sometimes we’ll have people go to another place for work and then tell us ‘I won’t do that again.’”

The reason, said Webster Jr., is the quality provided at Gary’s Body Shop. Attention to detail, down to the nuts, bolts and clips, has made the Websters’ names.

“We are real sticklers for that,” said Webster Jr. “We also make sure cars are clean before they leave us.”

Webster Jr., who joined the business in 1984, offered these words of advice for those who are considering having body work done on their cars:

Q What is the best way for people to choose a body shop?

A Word of mouth. Find out who others recommended and learn about their past experiences. That’s the best way to find out about reputation.

Q Is it important that the people doing the work have special certifications?

A You can send people to school and they come back with certificates and don’t know anything. I’d say reputation is more important. Also, making sure that the shop is insured.

Q Is it really important to get minor dings and bumps fixed right away?

A It’s important if it has a jagged edge or is deep enough that can lead to rusting and corrosion. Rust will only continue to spread, and that will affect resale [values].

Q What are the biggest misconceptions people have when they get body work done?

A The amount of time it will take and the amount of money it will cost. We get people who can’t understand why work can’t be done in one day instead of five or seven. You have to consider different aspects of a body shop and the quality you will get. It’s like choosing a restaurant — you can choose to eat at McDonald’s, or you can choose a fine restaurant.

Gary’s body shop

17025 York Road, Parkton

410-329-6410

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:41 AM MST on Tue., May. 6, 2008 re: "Vintage Triumphs roll on"

Examiner Reader said:
It is refreshing to see that their are motorcyclist out there that are as passionate about their bikes as the Harley Davidson nation. And heck, I think it is great that they are passionate about their bikes too! I am a motorcyclist and I love to ride. I do ride a Honda VTX1300R. It is my second Honda and I also have owned a Kawasaki (KLR250). I have always loved the styling of the old Triumph's and from what I have seen of the new bikes, the Tiger, Bonneville, Speed Tiples and others they are really incredible looking and performing bikes. Much like Harley, from what I understand, they have worked out a lot of the old bugaboos that came with the bikes in the past. Again, I think it is great that everybody has their own personal prefernce but when it comes down to it I love to ride. I can't fathom the comments that I have heard like, "If I can't ride a (blank) I won't ride anything." Hondas, Triumphs, Victory, Harley, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Norton... I love 'em all! John Mozuk

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10:15 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

IN THE KNOW said:
This place is going to be sold to Marine-Max or so it goes around the Harbor

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3:41 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
The new location looks very nice....The service is still luke warm at best, and the charges are out of line for the east coast

43 agree | 31 disagree
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3:35 PM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
You should check with yacht owners that have gone to other yards due to poor service and overpriced labor! I tell every one up and down the ICW to avoid this place at all cost. You do your readership a great diservice when you write such crap!

28 agree | 31 disagree
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10:36 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Never Again said:
This fluff piece is a buncha hooey. They have a really bad reputation.....have had it for years.... They are arrogant from the top down..... Tidewater Yacht Service Tidewater Yacht Service.....

38 agree | 39 disagree
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7:03 PM MST on Fri., Feb. 22, 2008 re: "Tidewater Yacht Service: A port in the storm"

Examiner Reader said:
This yard is a rip off. You store your boat there for the winter and then they remeasure it after you have paid them and charge you more a coupla months later.

54 agree | 29 disagree
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9:16 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 27, 2007 re: "Dealer ensures cycles 'fit' the customers"

Examiner Reader said:
I was fortunate enough to meet these guys last weekend and let me tell you one thing, Jon and Shawn are a class act in both customer service and up front honesty. Very few business men who can fit this mold. Keep up the great work guys. Looking forward in building my dream bike soon. Thanks for all your advice! Big Daddy Dog Route 40 Bikers' Paradise USA

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