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Keeping our Customers and Colleagues COVID Safe

23 September 2020

Richard Sanders is committed to the health and welfare of all staff and customers. Following the latest advice and guidelines we have implemented a number of changes to keep both our staff and customers safe from COVID-19 while still providing the same high levels of customer service.

Richard Sanders have introduced the following measures:

Appointments

Customers are always welcome to visit any of our dealerships in Kettering and Northampton.

If at all possible we do recommend arranging an appointment ahead of your visit, this will enable us to manage the number of customers within our showrooms at any one time and maintain the social distance guidelines implemented by the government.

Appointment can be made by visiting the contact us page on our website or by phone.

Social Distancing

Current Government advice, required that a social distance is maintained of at least 2 metres apart from one another. To help you with this we have placed markings on the floors showing this safe distance, any test drives will be unaccompanied.

We ask that no more than two people per household enter our buildings to reduce the total number of individuals inside at any one time. Children must remain close to their parent(s) or guardian(s) at all times.

For ultimate social distancing, our sales departments are able to offer online video or telephone consultations so you don't need to visit the showroom if you don't wish to do so.

Mask Wearing/Face-Coverings

The wearing of Face Masks/Face Coverings was introduced as law from Friday 24th July, it is law for customers visiting all retail outlets in England - including car dealerships. On Tuesday 22nd September this law has been reviewed following an increase in Covid-19 cases and all retail staff must now also wear a mask.

Failure to comply with the law could result in a fine of up to £200.

We are therefore ask customers visiting us wear a face-covering while they are visiting us, to protect both our staff and other customers. Please don't be offended if a member of our team asks you to put on a face-covering if you are not wearing one.

More Cleaning, More Often

Cleaning regimes have been increased, with surfaces being cleaned down regularly throughout the day and items used by multiple people (for example credit card machines) being cleaned after each use.

We fit protective coverings to the seats, steering wheels, and gear lever of your vehicle while it's with us, and the main touch-points will be cleaned with a sanitising product before you collect it for added peace-of-mind.

The main touch-points of showroom display vehicles are locked and will be opened by a sales executive and sanitised after your viewing, used vehicle, courtesy vehicles, and demonstrators will be cleaned with a sanitising product between customers.

Working in the Safest Way

Our staff have been provided with guidance on the safest way to carry out their job roles, as well as being reminded they must strictly adhere to advice on self-isolation if required.

You will find that the way we do things is a little different when you visit us. We ask that you follow the information provided to you on signage and by our staff to help keep everyone safe.

Our processes are reviewed regularly to ensure they are following the latest Government advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your dealerships open?

Yes, all our dealerships are open as normal offering all our usual services.

  Sales Service and Parts
Monday – Friday  8.30am – 6.00pm 8.00am – 5.30pm
Saturday 8.30am – 5.00pm 8.30am -12.00pm
Sunday Closed Closed

 

We understand that not everyone is ready to return to how things were, which is why we are now able to arrange online video appointments, send you bespoke videos of the vehicle you are looking to buy, and all of our new and used car stock can be viewed on our website and reserved online for £99.

Do I need an appointment before I visit?

We are asking all customers to book an appointment before they visit us. This allows us to manage the number of people in our buildings at any one time so that social distancing can be maintained. If you would like book an appointment, you can do so by telephone or via our website.

Am I able to have a test drive?

Yes, you're able to take a test drive if you provide us with a valid UK/EU driving licence and meet our insurance criteria. To maintain social distancing, you will not be accompanied by a member of staff during your test drive. We will provide you with a map of the test drive route.

For peace-of-mind, key touchpoints of our vehicles are sanitised before each test drive.

What measures are in place to ensure your showrooms are safe for me to visit?

We are following guidelines issued by the Government and keep up to date with any changes. All of our showrooms have both physical and procedural changes to make our showrooms as safe as possible for your visit. Physical changes include adding signage to remind people to adhere to social distancing rules. Process updates include regular sanitisation and updated procedures for face-to-face interactions such as reviewing documents with your sales executive.

Do I need to wear a face-covering when I visit?

The wearing of a Face mask/face covering was introduced by law on From Friday 24th July 2020. This law was updated on 22nd September 2020 in England that all retail staff and customer visiting a retail outlet must wear a face-covering. This it to help protect both our staff and other customers. Failure to wear a face-covering inside our dealership is against the law and could result in you being fined up to £200.

My vehicle's MOT is about to expire, what should I do?

Where the MOT expires between 30th March 2020 and 31st July 2020, The Government automatically extended the validity of your current MOT certificate for 6 months. Where an MOT extension has been applied, The Government has made clear that it remains your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy - You can be fined up to £2,500 and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition. You may decide the easiest way to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive is to have an MOT carried out when it was originally due. More details about the extension can be found on the Government website.

My vehicle needs an MOT or service but I am shielding or not comfortable visiting a dealership, what should I do?

In these circumstances please contact our service teams who will be able to advise you of the options available.

Will a courtesy vehicle be provided if my vehicle is at the dealership for maintenance or repair?

We have a limited supply and these are available on a first-come-first-served basis. If it is not essential that you have a courtesy vehicle, please consider not booking one so it is available for others, such as key workers or vulnerable individuals. Vehicles will be sanitised after each use.

 

IMPORTANT: If you, or anyone in your household display any potential Coronavirus symptoms, or you have been advised to self-isolate, please do not visit us.