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Installing DUI Breathalyzer?

Obsidian Motors
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Obsidian Motors Apprentice

Obsidian Motors

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Curious to know if anyone has experience with installing state mandated breathalyzers at their facilities? Was it worth it financially? After one DUI my state has a requirement that the device must be installed in the offender's vehicle and I'm wondering if this is something worth pursuing in terms of offering that service and registering with companies already certified with the DMV. Thanks in advance for any info.

Edited by Obsidian Motors
Obsidian Motors Apprentice

Obsidian Motors

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4 hours ago, Joe Marconi said:

I tried it, it was a horror show. In my opinion, not worth it. There are so many other ways to attract and retain your core, key, profile customers. 

Wow. That's interesting. Would you mind explaining a bit about what made the installations so bad?

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bonabros Rookie

bonabros

Posted
Posted (edited)

Not a part of any of these programs but have received the solicitations in the mail and always go right in the trash. We have had customers come in with these installed and sometimes don't tell us about them when dropping off. Just a total pain to deal with, especially if the repair takes more than a few hours (big job, parts availability, repair with multiple ignition cycles, die-out issues, etc etc). I would echo what Joe said above; "retain your core" and if you want to grow, there are better avenues.

Edited by bonabros
  • Like 3
bantar Community Regular

bantar

Posted
Posted

I've read comments in other groups that this is not a good clientele.  First they arrive mad that it must be done and are complainers.  Secondly, are you able to bill out your regular rate or not?   However, I've also read that some are ok with it.  Those that liked it were able to charge market rates for the installs.   One guy said that it brought in $30K of revenue annually, but he didn't like how the complaining brought his shop morale down.   

On the flip side, I've made good money repairing a few of these hack job installs.

  • Like 3
Obsidian Motors Apprentice

Obsidian Motors

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1 hour ago, Joe Marconi said:

As mentioned earlier, my experience was not good. First, the clientele that it attracted did not fit our profile, and many were not even from our area.  The rate for installation, repairs, and removal was set by the company.  My techs did not like doing the work, and my service advisors had many challenges, as Bantar pointed out. Those people that needed the install came in already angry about it.  And none of customer became regular customers.  

Thanks for the insight. Really appreciate it. 

  • Like 1
Gary Childs Explorer

Gary Childs

Posted
Posted

Total waste of your time. They only pay 150 bucks here and some take a long time to install. I did them for about 3 years then got out of it. Plus most people that have them only come for that stuff and nothing else. DONT DO IT!!!! 

 

  • Like 3
tirengolf Collaborator

tirengolf

Posted
Posted

I have done them for 2 years. My experience is like most, not any return customers. If you do decide to do it make sure you start your pricing at 350.00 or more per installation and watch out for the pushbutton starts, they can be difficult. 

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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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