Auto body repair & detailing: 2004 Saturn Vue left front panel damage: dealer or auto body shop, auto body shop, blinker light

Question
Dear Mike,
My 2004 Saturn Vue's left front panel (the one with the Saturn Logo) was broken off in a collision. The left part of the front bumper is bent. finally the left front piece of plastic that covers the blinker is broken.
However, all inner components (including the blinker light) seem to function within normal limits. The Car also handles fine.
Do I go to a dealer or a private auto body shop to have it fixed? Why would I choose one over the other?
Thank you.

Answer
Ask some friends in your area to see if they have had work done at any certain shop around town. A private shop will usually be cheaper and from my past experience, probably get a better job done. Dealers do not normally pay the techs as much as the private shop but most dealers send their techs to factory schools for a day or seminar. That doesn't amount to much. I have managed a dealer owned body shop and I have worked for another dealer owned body shop, If you do not know where to take it, go to the dealer, If you know of a good shop, take it there.