Sorry for posting this in the tech section guys but i need quick help on an issue and didnt want to wait a long time by posting in the detailing section.
I had my fender replaced and repainted by a body shop. When I went to pick it up the paint is kind of dull (not shiny), it isn't matching the rest of the body color, and the paint peeled off using a finger nail while trying to check a bad spot.
The paint shop claims that's the best they can do. I havent paid the full amount yet since I havent picked up the car.
My question is what can I do in this situation. Am i liable to pay the full amount even when I'm not satisfied ? I plan on getting it repainted from a different place but don't want to pay twice.
What are my options here ? ?

Thanks.

1) the paint is kind of dull (not shiny)
2) it isn't matching the rest of the body color
3) the paint peeled off using a finger nail while trying to check a bad spot

...ahem...this is NOT the best they can do...if that is the BEST they can do, they should not even BE in business...tell the manager the paint job is ridiculous...show him the problems that you listed...ANY shop can plainly see that the job was not properly done...obviously, DO NOT pay them the second half...the job was not completed to your satisfaction...tell the manager to FIX it, or if they are incapable of doin' a better job, then give back your money, and you will find another bodyshop to do it properly...if not, they can talk to your lawyer...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

hey duckmuck,
thanks for the quick response.
I was thinking along the same line, however I'm wondering if the body shop will allow me to drive away with my car without paying them in full. I'm sure the police could be called by the shop. At that point what should I do ?
The person who told me that it's the best they could do is actually the owner of that shop !

Well, I wouldn't storm in there with the keys to the car, and drive it right out with the bodyshop people runnin' along tryin' to stop you :p Seriously, any bodyshop which has been around for a while must at least provide a minimum quality of acceptable work. If the problems are VERY obvious, and even the bodyshop manager can see it for himself, and acknowledges it himself, and simply says, "that is the best we can do," then there is something REALLY wrong. Did you ask him WHY it was the best that he can do? I mean, painting a Mercedes, is no different from painting another car...this is not merely a little difference in tint...it is a very obvious non-shiny shade that can be seen and it is peeling under your finger nails in some spots...this is kinda...uh...pathetic, don't you think?

Did you have a look at some of the work the bodyshop had done before? What did it look like? I cannot believe ANY bodyshop can do such a horrible job and stay in business...simply explain to him you are upset about the work, point out the problems, and say the quality of work is unacceptable. Say they will either redo the work, or refund your money and you will take it to another bodyshop. Say this with a serious, calm tone. If he just shrugs and says, "it is the best I can do, I want the other half of my money," then tell him that the work is not completed to your satisfaction, there are obvious faults, and say you will speak to your lawyer and just leave the car there. You must have signed a paper sayin' that with satisfactory completion of the job, he gets the second half of the money...isn't this the point of putting down money in the front, then giving the rest in the end? Take some photos of the job, showing the obvious problems, take it to a lawyer, and see what is the next step to take. If this is an insurance claim, and the job is bein' paid for by your insurance, I am sure the insurance company can get involved. I am not familiar with all the legal avenues and the cost/benefits of actually pursuing it and if it is actually worth it, but the problems you listed are quite unacceptable...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

Look at your copy of the work order outlining the work to be done and note any disclaimers. If it isn't what was agreed to, don't pay. If the shop won't give your your car before paying, pay by check and put a "stop payment" on the check, or pay with a credit card and reverse the charge. Take your car to a couple of competent body shops and get estimates to repair what was done as well as their opinions on what was done incorrectly.