Quantcast
Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Hello everyone, first post here,

I'm in the process of opening an actual shop, i've been a mobile mechanic for 10 years. I specialize in hybrid and electric vehicles. I've been searching prices on fluid exchanger machines, lifts and other pricey equipment. I've been looking at some really cheap Chinese equipment on ebay, i'm just wondering if anyone here has successfully used any of this equipment. It's tempting but I know the old "you get what you pay for" mantra. They got lifts for $1,600 and ATF fluid exchangers for $335. Might be worth trying the fluid exchanger on some of my own vehicles for that price. I appreciate any input, thank you!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Water Proof And Self Adhesive

I bought a Launch tire balancer a few years ago. Absolute junk. The dealer that I met at the trade show quit being a dealer for them right after I bought it. Hell, maybe before and he was just trying to unload it.

Long story short, it broke 3 months later, and the dealer wouldn't come look at it even though he promised he would time and time again. Launch kept telling me it was the dealer's responsibility to service it. After a solid year of fighting with Launch (and buying a replacement balancer) I finally got them to send me a scanner of equal value to replace it.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here's how I think about it...would you put cheap Chinese parts on a customer's car?  No.  You install quality parts because they are better for the customer.  Same here.  Quality equipment doesn't break as frequently, is faster to fix when it does break and often is faster and easier to use due to its superior engineering.  You are not just buying equipment.  You are buying reliability, service and functionality.  How much reliability do you want?  Well, it's going to cost more for more reliability.  Hope that helps!  I know it's served me well thinking about it that way.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you all for your input! It confirms what I already knew to be true. It's just surprising when you look on ebay that they're selling quite a few of these (a few hundred) which got me thinking, who's actually using this stuff? I'm trying to partner with an existing shop so hopefully I won't need to buy any of these machines, just pay a monthly fee for shop use. If things go good i'll have my own shop eventually and at that point i'm going to buy used american machines. I will say however that the Sunex impact sockets I got have been working great, they're from Taiwan and are basically a step up from harbour freight tools. I agree to avoid things with moving parts because they are built with cheap plastic.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've managed a team in mainland China for a number of years.  The Communist culture encourages cheating, especially if it furthers their personal position.   Unlike here, cheating is a proud accomplishment that you brag to your friends while at your local bar - to cheat and not get caught or have it matter.  I also had Chinese working for me locally that "escaped" and they would tell horror stories and certainly knew who not to trust.   They were my cheapest cost center, yet my most ineffective producers (oddly, they had terrific made-up status reports).  Lack of production made them the most expensive in the end.  We tend to think that quality issues are by mistake, but in fact, these are often by design.   There's a huge difference between a Chinese Design and a Reputable Design (NA, Europe, etc).   (Also, don't equate Taiwan to  mainland China.   They are both Chinese, but have different value sets.  Taiwan has a better reputation and pretty much hates China).

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

In general don't by Chinese crap. Just like bantar said, its cultural. They are unscrupulous capitalists and care nothing about the product or the end user just as long as they can make money. I can make these comments because they are my people.

 

Some stuff is OK to use but you have to be very particular. I would also not recommend Chinese lifts. They may work fine but service and replacement parts can be problematic. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

I bought a new Chinese tranny jack because my 30 year old one was finally worn out. Amazon reviews were amazing, but the jack is total garbage in real life. It's really good for nothing, maybe hanging rags on it. So my new jack is costing me $2200 instead of $2000. because I spent $200 on a piece of scrap metal. 

I'm not standing under a budget lift. Too much risk. Chinese Firecrackers? Yes, tools, No. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, lots of good info here, thank you all again! Found a shop that was not being utilized by the owner, his head mechanic quit and he's got a lawn company so he was using the facility for storage and repair of his equipment, so it's a really good fit for both of us and he's already got lifts and a bunch of other equipment, all American made. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

I am in agreement with most of you on this site when it comes to s Chinese products but I guess you can call me lucky on this Wheel Aligner purchase. I bought a 4 Camera imagining Aligner from a company called Pinnacle Automotive Systems. I have had this Aligner coming up on 4 years and it is bullet proof and very fast. I did do my research on this one and the same Hunter would have cost me double. I’m okay with that but I can’t charge my customer double and it takes that much longer to pay for it. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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 carmcapriotto
      The Weekly Blitz is brought to you by our friends over at Shop Marketing Pros. If you want to take your shop to the next level, you need great marketing. Shop Marketing Pros does top-tier marketing for top-tier shops.
      Click here to learn more about Top Tier Marketing by Shop Marketing Pros and schedule a demo:https://shopmarketingpros.com/chris/
      Check out their podcast here: https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/
      If you would like to join their private Facebook group go here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autorepairmarketingmastermind
      In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Auto Fix Auto Shop Coaching addresses the negative impact of pride in the auto repair industry. He offers strategies for shop owners to overcome pride, such as staying open to learning, seeking feedback, and embracing change. Cotton stresses the importance of building a strong team, networking, and setting realistic goals. He advocates for a balance between pride in one's work and humility, underlining its significance for business success, personal well-being, and family relationships. Shop Marketing Pros is also featured, promoting their marketing solutions for auto repair businesses.
      The Introduction (00:00:00) Introduction to the podcast episode and a brief overview of what to expect. The Impact of Pride on Auto Repair Business (00:01:43) Discussion on the detrimental effects of pride on business decisions in the auto repair industry. Manifestations of Pride in Business (00:02:53) Eight ways pride can manifest and cause problems in auto repair business, including resisting change, ignoring feedback, and refusing help. Strategies to Overcome Pride (00:09:51) Strategies to keep pride in check, such as staying open to learning, seeking feedback, and hiring a coach or consultant. Conclusion and Sponsor Acknowledgment (00:13:19) Closing remarks, encouragement for growth, and acknowledgment of the sponsor, Shop Marketing Pros.  
      Connect with Chris:
       
      [email protected]
      Phone: 940.400.1008
      www.autoshopcoaching.com
      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
      AutoFixAutoShopCoachingYoutube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae
       
      #autofixautoshopcoaching #autofixbeautofixing #autoshopprofits #autoshopprofit #autoshopprofitsfirst #autoshopleadership #autoshopmanagement #autorepairshopcoaching #autorepairshopconsulting #autorepairshoptraining #autorepairshop #autorepair #serviceadvisor #serviceadvisorefficiency #autorepairshopmarketing #theweeklyblitz #autofix #shopmarketingpros #autofixautoshopcoachingbook
      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 jadetrost
      Hello guys I’m Jade Trost 56 years. New  on this forum 
    • 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.

    • Water Proof And Self Adhesive
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network EV expert Dave Giles discusses the rise of electric vehicles, the practicality of PHEVs for consumers, the cost implications, the maintenance requirements of EVs, and the vital need for updated training and curriculum for automotive technicians. They also touch on the market trends, challenges, and opportunities for repair shops to embrace the EV revolution. Discover key insights that will help your business stay ahead in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. Dave Giles, [email protected] Show Notes
      The growth of EVs (00:01:06) Dave discusses the growth of EVs in the automotive industry and the sale of his company, All EV Canada. The need for EV training and preparation (00:02:32) Dave emphasizes the importance of preparing technicians and shops for servicing electric vehicles. The changing landscape of the automotive industry (00:05:16) The changing automotive industry, including the increasing presence of EVs and the need for infrastructure development. Curriculum development and advisory roles (00:13:52) Dave talks about his involvement in curriculum development for schools, including the incorporation of electric vehicles into training programs. The importance of being proactive (00:17:40) The importance of being proactive in embracing new technologies and preparing to service electric vehicles. Hybrid and PHEV Vehicles (00:19:43) Discussion on the increasing presence of hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the automotive industry. Education and Training in Saudi Arabia (00:25:35) Dave's experience in Saudi Arabia, working with large manufacturers and developing competencies for electric vehicles. National Automotive Vehicle Academy (00:29:49) The development of a curriculum for automotive service technicians, assembly line workers, and engineers in Saudi Arabia. High School STEM Programs (00:32:51) The introduction of STEM programs in high schools and the investment in technical education for high school students. China's Role in EV Industry (00:35:25) Brief discussion on China's innovation and technology in the electric vehicle industry and its potential impact. Embracing Electric Vehicles (00:37:24) Encouragement for shop owners to embrace electric vehicles and the potential benefits for their business. Marketing EV Readiness (00:38:53) Suggestions for shop owners to market their readiness for electric vehicles, including installing EV chargers. Charging Station Availability (00:39:59) Discussion about the convenience of having EV charging stations at hotels and the impact on travelers. Conclusion and Final Remarks (00:41:06) Summarizing the episode's objective and the importance of being well-informed about EV repair business. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR 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/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -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 -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections                    
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Similar Tagged Content

  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...