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Air Conditioning Repair Pricing

JeffPMR
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  • 1 month later...
bantar Community Regular

bantar

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We charge a flat rate of $129.99 for Evac and Recharge, which includes a 2nd Evac and Recharge for any repairs.  Many around us have pricing ranging from $49.99-$89, either with 1 lb 134a included or none included.  Many seem to charge twice if repairs are needed.   Our typical COGS for R134a is about $5-7.    From memory, I think folks are selling 134a for $3-4/ounce, but my memory on this is iffy.   Frankly, I chose the flat rate model to reduce the accounting of the 134a used and the variable price points.   We document our findings, but don't adjust billing.    We do have to communicate well with our pricing seemingly higher than others, but we utilize the "one time charge" that helps to close it.  

Looking at the R1234yf, but demand is not there.  We are up to about 4 jobs missed, but this doesn't yet justify a new machine.   I'll reconsider when we hit 10+.  We will then move to a service + freon model pricing for that service as the COGs is too high - $70-$120 depending on the car.   Right now, I'm sending folks straight to the dealer for this service and the accompanying sticker shock.  It won't hurt for them to get beat up on their new technology pricing.

  • Like 1
bantar Community Regular

bantar

Posted
Posted

I'm intrigued at the "return at least twice".   We generally ask the to return a week or two later for a single leak check.    I'm guessing that you are just giving it more time to manifest.    If you do find a leak in one of these checks and let's say replace a high side line, do you charge for the recharge a 2nd time?   We bill for the new work only.  We generally don't if it's in our leak check window.   If they have a known leak, and they don't fix it, then the next recharge is on the customer again.

What it interesting is that this method of pressure leak checking, waiting to see if a leak is present, is (seemingly) wrong for 1234yf as the loss of refrigerant is too expensive.  I'm trying to figure out how we will approach leak testing for 1234yf.   We currently utilize dye and a leak detector (sniffer), but don't currently use CO2 or Dry NO2 pressure testing.  There seems to be risk with over-pressurizing, when improperly used, by a careless tech.   I'm considering a service + refrigerant charging model to deal with leaks after service.   Much more work, and more expensive machine, so the service should be priced much higher.  I've been hearing a low of $350 on Honda's to about $600 on trucks.

I do like your dual pricing model and might consider the same.

  • 1 year later...
Hands On Community Regular

Hands On

Posted
Posted

I am reviving this thread. I had my first R1234 car in, we replaced an engine. I paid the dealer $550 to recharge it for me. that is 10% of a machine cost. I am considering pulling the trigger. I was hoping to find some reviews on machines.

10lb bottle is under $600

  • Like 1
Hands On Community Regular

Hands On

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56 minutes ago, Joe Marconi said:

Before I sold my company, I purchased a Robinare. Good unit, good support.  You will need to charge. The $550 you paid is not uncommon. Make sure your register it and buy the warranty. 

My R134A is robinaire. I found complaints online that robinaire can not get replacement parts for their 1234 machines.

  • 3 weeks later...
Hands On Community Regular

Hands On

Posted
Posted
12 minutes ago, DUFRESNES said:

Last year we had 5-6 people that had yf1234.  We purchased a robinair in December, thinking we would need it this year.  We have our 1st job tomorrow.  The best price we could get on freon was $675.00 for 10 lbs  The job takes 1 lb.  Question is how much are people charging for  labor.  

I paid the dealer around the corner from me $550 to fill a 2017 pilot. I was going to put myself at $499 for the service for now, and continue to monitor the market.

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  • 2 months later...

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
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      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

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