Quantcast
Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

Just wanting to know how you all are handling labor billing for the smaller things ie Bulbs, Air Filters, Wiper Blades, Cabin Air etc. We tend to charge only a few bucks ($10) for cabin air labor (we make about 70% profit on the part) and no labor for air filters because these are typically done with some other services and sold as an upsale. Wiper Blades are labor free and bulbs are typically $10 installed (not headlights). The thing here is that when you look these things up in the labor guide it seems that they are way overstated. We have seen several cabin airs which took 5 minutes to install but called for .5-.8 hrs which is great profit but seems like highway robbery and hard to justify to the customer. Brake bulbs typically call for .4hrs etc. So just wanted to see how you all are charging for this. I think we are leaving a lot on the table here personally but not sure what the market will pay.

Posted

Bulbs and wipers are good to comp on labor but make sure it's stated in the invoice and mention to the customer. Get some value out of it if nothing else, tell the customer you comp these items for great customers like themselves.

Posted

We got into the habit of selling a mileage service when doing cabin air filters. If the tech notices low flow or foul air from the vent I'll suggest a 30k mile service. That way we get paid 2 or 3 hours to change the filters and wipers and the customer gets on a maintenance schedule. Most of the mileage maintenance is easy but important. Normally if the cabin filter is clogged the whole car is overdue for the scheduled maintenance service.

 

As for small repairs that take less than 10 minutes I normally dont charge labor, the word of mouth advertising is worth it. It's a fine line I guess between giving away time and providing outstanding customer service.

Posted

I charge labor on just about everything except wiper blades. $10 for air and cabin filters, $15 for bulbs, etc. Some are super easy to do, others suck. It evens out. Also, my employees incentives are based on hours sold, so I would be cheating them if there wasn't any billed hours.

 

... I pay 0.2 for filters, 0.3 for bulbs, 0.5 for tire rotations. Obviously I adjust the labor rate for these specific jobs. This is where you want to start watching effective labor rate and such.

Posted (edited)

We do not typically charge any labor for air filter or cabin filter. We do make exceptions for some cabin filters that are more difficult to install. For marker/parking/tag light bulbs we have been charging $5 for labor but after reading this post I think I might increase it. What do you all charge for labor for headlights? Do you go by estimated labor or do you have a general price for most vehicles?

Edited by 5 Star Auto Spa
Posted

We try to do a show and tell. Many vehicles come in with damaged air filter boxes/retainers, tree debris in the cowl and a clogged cabin filter. We vacuum out the debris from the air filter box before we install the new filter and ditto with the cowl.

most air filters .15 labor

most cabin filters .5 labor

most easy bulbs .15 labor

wiper blades n/c labor but we only sell blade assemblies that are of good quality.

 

If the car is due for mileage based service we try to bump it to a proper service.

 

we work off a $139.50 shop rate.

Posted

We charge $10 for bulbs that are easily accessible, wipers and air filters are free. We have been charging book time for cabin filters. Its hard to keep Techs motivated to sell parts they are not getting paid to install but we have been doing it for free for so long now its expected by our customers. Techs are being pulled away from working on paid customer vehicles too install wiper blades outside for free.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      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.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class Partnering with a recruiter isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about building a team that drives your business forward. In this episode, Kelly Cavanaugh, VP of Recruiting at Promotive, Brian Burris, Account Manager at Promotive, and Matt Fanslow, Shop Manager and Diagnostician at Riverside Automotive, share expert insights on attracting and retaining top talent in the automotive industry. Gain valuable perspectives from both a recruitment company and the shop level, offering a well-rounded view on hiring strategies, retention, and building successful teams. Dive into critical topics shaping the industry, including: Recruiting Strategies to attract top talent Retention Techniques to keep employees engaged Overcoming Ghosting in today’s hiring landscape Resume Building tips for technicians Cultural Fit and why it matters in building strong teams
      Kelly Cavanaugh, VP of Recruiting, Promotive Brian Burris, Account Manager, Promotive Matt Fanslow, lead diagnostician and shop manager, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN. Matt’s previous episodes HERE Matt Fanslow Podcast: Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com. Challenges in Hiring (00:02:56) Cultural Fit in Interviews (00:03:49) Pre-Screened Interview Questions (00:04:55) Working Interviews (00:05:52) Confidentiality in Job Searches (00:06:37) Reasons for Leaving Jobs (00:07:02) Culture and Career Opportunities (00:08:11) Balancing Work and Training (00:08:34) Investment in Training (00:09:11) Candidate Profiles and Training Willingness (00:12:56) Resume Building Assistance (00:17:09) Candidate Preparation for Interviews (00:18:34) Curious vs. Serious Job Seekers (00:19:39) Ghosting Phenomenon in Recruitment (00:20:47) Communication with Candidates (00:21:31) Understanding Candidate Excuses (00:23:19) Importance of Recruiters for Shop Owners (00:26:09) Delegating Recruitment Tasks (00:32:39) Cultural Shift in Recruitment Practices (00:34:17) Importance of Job Satisfaction (00:36:01) Defining Job Expectations (00:36:34) Qualifying Candidates Effectively (00:36:57) Delegating Hiring Responsibilities (00:37:28)
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/                       Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Focusing on the third part of a five-part 'Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners' series, Maryann Croce discusses strategies for optimizing processes and empowering teams. Mary Ann shares insights from her coaching experiences, including a case study of a client named Steve, who overcame burnout by streamlining operations and delegating tasks. The episode emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, setting boundaries, and fostering a supportive team environment for business success. Maryann, Small Biz Vantage. Maryann’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Here's the link to the fillable download: https://bit.ly/409jaZV Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 1: Core Values and Vision [RR 997]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e997/ Unstoppable Framework for Auto Shop Owners Part 2: Mastering Your Finances [RRR 1004]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/e1004/ Unstoppable Framework Overview (00:01:12) The Goal of the Framework (00:02:13) Steve's Story: The Doing It All Trap (00:04:37) Creating Standard Operating Procedures (00:05:46) Impact of Delegation on Business and Life (00:08:30) Importance of Accountability (00:10:46) Steps for Creating SOPs (00:12:51) Encouraging Team Autonomy (00:16:13) Structured Onboarding and Continuous Learning (00:18:27) Feedback Loops and Open Communication (00:19:39) The Business Control Dilemma (00:20:38) Small Wins Matter (00:20:51) Breaking the Micromanagement Cycle (00:21:53) Setting Boundaries for Well-being (00:23:44) The Importance of Personal Time (00:24:42) Final Thoughts on Business Growth (00:25:42) Continuous Improvement Mindset (00:26:52)
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Auto Care Learn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/ Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/ Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/ The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/ The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/ Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/         Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By Changing The Industry
      Shops Are Doing This To Ruin Things For Everyone


  • Our Sponsors

×
×
  • Create New...