Exclusive Auto Care

Thank you all for all the input. Im glad that you guys have a similar system to what I am trying to do. I will come up with something and let you guys know.

I would like to come up with a chart that will help me know how much to charge for diagnostics. This is what I have so far. Any input will be appreciated. Level 1 Fluid Check Air/ Check tires On level 1 I would like things that can be diagnosed visually. I can come up with a reasonable price to charge the Scan Codes customer. I also thought about just charging 0.5 hours but it seems that is not working out too good, plus i dont think is fair to charge $40.00 for fluid check or just to check tires. Level 2 Wheels Axle Front, Rear Suspension On Level 2 I would like to list things that I know my techs need to take parts off to be able to check the problem. Level 3 Engine noise Cooling system On Level 3 Cars that need to stay over night or takes 1+ hours to diagnosed. Fuel System Transmission I hope this is a good idea for me to stay on track. What do you guys think? Good idea? Should i just charged 1 hours minimum of diagnostic time?

What do you suggest Phynny? They are very hard working individuals and they also have a family I want to be able to pay them fair.

What do you mean by "When I sell a job I sell value and benefits and sell the entire job. I don’t focus on parts or on labor, but sell the entire job as one" How do you sell the entire job as one? Could you specify a little more.

Which management system do you recommend?

Yes. I used Labor guide for the invoices and keep a copy for our records. I keep that copy with the customer Information form plus any parts that were order with the same ticket.

Very interesting responses from all of you. This is what we do at our shop please correct me if I am not doing it the correct way. We use Real Time Labor Guide. I dont know how good of a system this is but it works for us now. My husband is alone in the morning while my workers go to school. They dont get to the shop till 2:00pm. Their rate is $16.50 an hour and we pay according to labor guide, for instance if a job takes 3 hours they will get pay for the 3 hours at their rate. If they take 4 hours they will still get pay for only 3. We always have work, so they are always busy. They clean their work area, and they also have their own tools. I would like to pay them hourly from the time they get here to the time they leave. That way I can have a little more control over them and I can set rules and regulations. Unfortunately, our shop is not there yet. I dont want to take the chance and pay them hourly when we dont make the money. By us paying them flat time, I know that we made that money for that week. Is this a fair system? Am I doing something that Is not right or Ilegal? I want to be fair to my employee they are good techs.

I dont have a price matrix in effect. How can I figure the price matrix for my shop?

Ill try to develop something. Thank you

Grifftans Im looking for the thread but cant seem to find it. Could you direct me to it or post the link? Thank you Zulma

I have a Customer Information form that my customers fill out before we can work in their vehicle. The form includes simple questions such as name, address and phone numbers, with a detail brief description about our policies. A signature is required for us to work on their cars. My problem starts when the vehicle enters the shop. I (receptionist) fill out the vehicle information such as, year, make, model, mileage, vin and license plates. My husband diagnoses the vehicle and gives the job to a mechanic. Everything is done verbally. I would like to generate a form of some sort where they (mechanics) can fill out for themselves. I believe that is more convenient for me for them to fill the vehicle information. The form should include the diagnostic, parts that need to be order, notes and recommendations. That way they would just come in hand me the form and I can order parts needed. I think it would also help me to be aware as to what they did, and is wrong with a customers car. That way I can explain or give a little detail to customer about what was done. We are currently using a Employee Work Order form that I have created on Microsoft work. Im not sure this form is working for what I have intended it for. Any advice will help. What else should the form include? What outline could I use for my employees to understand it? Thank you Zulma