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Hi folks,

The deal is I am an independent contractor without portfolio, that is, 55 yrs. old w/15 yrs experience one man automotive shop. Machinist by trade. Hiring out as mechanic to a used car/body shop/garage/, I had to kick in the door to get hired at all, no illusions here. The Question is: Are my rates ok or out of line?

  1. Check it over good (undercar) 1hr
  2. Check it complete (undercar+) 1.25hr
3 Road test (included w/above) .25hr $4
  1. Diagnostics (electrical) .75hr (min)
  2. Diagnostics (emissions) .75hr (min)
  3. Replace Axles (simple) 1.5hr
  4. Replace Axles (complex) 2.5hr
  5. Ball Joints (per) .75hr

Somebody named Chris stole my tools and box after the bike wreck.

2 legs, right ankle, and and a face. 60 mph into a parked truck. In a semi turn lane. Don't try this at home.

wws

Reply to
wws
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Considering that *most* garages charge labor at $75/hour no matter what they are doing ( plugging a leak in their underwear ), you are low-balling.

If you move to Florida, you can triple the rate and be *in line.*

Lg

Reply to
Lawrence_Glickman

They look 20 years old.

Reply to
mst

Most labor here (Austin, Tx.) is performed by illegal aliens. For much less, 50%of my rates. Maybe I should just sell my soul and become a service advisor. Little old ladies beware! Ha. No, seriously,

Crap. No future except Mercedes, Audi, or Choppers. Esteemed readers, any ideas?

wws

Reply to
wws

  1. Move out. Up here in Virginia, even in rural areas the rates are much higher.
  2. Mercedes, Audi. Or BMW for that matter. Rates are high, and they are fun (and challenging) to work on.

--scott

Reply to
Scott Dorsey

Your best bet then is to -pay- people to work on their cars. The way I see it, the outcome can't be much different than what you're facing now.

One idea.

1) Post something that makes sense.
Reply to
aarcuda69062

Hire them to do the work, boost your rates to the customer, and make a business out of it.

Reply to
mst

Your rates seem very low but if that is what you get and the shop is providing the space, power, water etc it might be reasonable

In my area the mechanics working from a garage on the farm usually have a flat rate of about $30 per hour.

The dealer in town has rates of $80 per hour. I assume the mechanic gets a cut of this.

Reply to
marks542004

I guess that you are saying that you are working out of someone else's shop, with their tools, power, customer base, etc...if that is the case then you are somewhat at a disadvantage. the one thing that you should understand is that you need to decide just exactly how much your know how is worth. COME TO AN UNDERSTANDING WITH THE SHOP OWNER/MANAGER. whatever $ per hour figure you come up with, stick with. you listed check it over good---1hr.----$12, replace axles---1.5 hr---$20,---?????? why? your labor rate should not change no matter what the repair or service.i would advise you to invest in a labor time guide. this would be beneficial to both you and the shop.charge with this manual as a reference.since you had to "kick the door in " or whatever to get this work,you have to understand that in order to keep you employed, that you must make the SHOP MORE $$$$. HANG IN THERE.

Reply to
plainoldmechanic

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