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By Julie Wilson, Owner
WHEELZ Custom Carts & Accessories
It may seem harsh, but it is true. In Florida
and many other “golf car friendly” states,
you can throw a rock in any direction and
I guarantee that you will hit someone who
claims to be a golf car builder. Most times
they either work out of their own personal
garage or shed or they have a spot in the
back of a mechanic’s shop. I have even seen
a golf car builder set up a table at the local
flea market. While I appreciate the hustle,
there are several reasons why I recommend
proceeding with caution when you contract
with someone to custom build or repair your
golf car. golf car owners lose considerable money due to
each of these situations. I know a former garage
builder who had a customer’s golf car stolen out of
his backyard shed. He had to buy a new golf car for
the customer. Another golf car owner told me that
a garage builder upgraded the motor and control-
ler in their golf car and the electrical system literally
blew up the first time they drove it. It’s all fun and
games until someone blows up a golf car.
1. Garage Builders Are Breaking the Law If you are like me, you check Google and Yelp
reviews before you eat at a restaurant or go to a
mechanic. Finding someone to service, repair, or
build your golf car should not be any different. Ga-
rage golf car builders do not have online reviews or
Better Business Bureau scores, since they are not
legitimate businesses. Why would you trust your
$5,000 golf car to someone with no online reputa-
tion?
It is simple. When an individual who doesn’t
have a business license, permit to collect
and remit sales tax, or insurance advertises
as a business, it is illegal. People who are
serious about their businesses will take the
proper steps to ensure that it will thrive and
grow. If you decide to build your golf car
with a garage builder, proceed at your own
risk.
2. No Insurance = Your Potential Loss
The builder could skip town, he could do a
terrible job, he could fail to protect the golf
car, he could blow it up. These scenarios
may seem dramatic, but over my past 10+
years in the golf car industry, I have seen
10
Throw a Rock and Hit
a Golf Car Builder
WWW.GOLFCAROPTIONS.COM
Garage builders don’t carry insurance, so you will
have to sue the individual to recoup your loss.
3. No Published Reputation
And, no, your neighbor’s cousin telling you that this
guy is the best around does not count.
4. It’s an Afterthought
In many cases, the tow truck operator or trailer
salesperson (you get the point) decides that they
are going to build and repair golf cars, too. Building
your expensive golf car is an afterthought for them.