Quantcast
Jump to content

Sell your car with CarBrain


Sell your car with CarBrain


Sell your car with CarBrain

Labor Rates


Recommended Posts

Just wanted some opinions on labor rates. The management teachers always say to charge an uneven amount like 82.74 so it is harder for the customer to figure out. How many use this method and is it a good idea? Dealerships do not do this and they have no problem making lots of money.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Grammarly Writing Support


The #1 Writing Tool


Grammarly Writing Support

Many don't know this, but in New York, you do not have to post a labor rate. So, I don’t post it. All I am required to do is to let the public know how I calculate my labor prices. My sign in my customer waiting area states:

 

“Labor rate may be computed by either hourly rate, which is multiplied by clock hours and / or flat rate manual.

 

Most labor costs are charged by method of menu pricing only. E.g.: oil service, wheel alignment, wheel balance, tire mounting, or diagnostic analysis.

 

You, as the consumer, have the right to additional information and explanation on labor costs upon request.”

 

I don’t know what the laws are in your area, but my opinion is to get away from talking about time. Many of the jobs we do are menu prices and don’t fall into an hourly labor rate. For example: a brake job that takes you 30 minutes you may have a menu price for 1 hour.

To answer your question, having a number like $82.74 is harder to calculate, but do you really need that to avoid confrontation by the customer? There must be a better way.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use an odd number both for my labor rate ($59.97) and my shop supplies amount (8.01%). The example that was used for me was what Walmart does. They won't use even numbers and they also only use 3, 7, 9 price number endings if I can remember properly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know that it really matters a lot. Very rarely do I get asked what our labor rate is. Your labor rate needs to be what you need to be profitable and in line with your market. Our is currently $78. CARMandP where are you at in Tennessee. My daughter and son-in-law live in Cleveland, TN.

 

 

Hey I am in Cleveland, TN. It is a nice town. Where do your daughter and son-in-law go for auto service?

Cleveland is still a small town, I might know them.

 

Tony Gobble

www.gobblesauto.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The only time I have been to Cleveland was to visit a friend at Lee University. That has been more than 10 yrs ago but that campus was very nice. I saw a program put on my the drama team that was probably one of the funniest things I have ever seen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My son-in-law is a minister so they don't have a lot of money. They come to dear old dad for almost everything that will wait until they get to Indiana but I should hook them up with you. There names are Craig and Janna Jones. Craig works for Norvel Hayes Ministries. Craig and Janna even have their own web site. They are both tremedous singers and musicians. They met at Lee University in Voices of Lee Craig Jones Ministries Worship

 

Hey I would love to meet them. I understand wanting Dad to take care of things. If I can ever help them I would be glad to. I will make sure they are well taken care of. Lee University is a great school and a lot of talented folks come from there. Have a great week.

 

Tony Gobble

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
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         1 comment
      I am going to borrow a quote from billionaire, Warren Buffet, “The best investment you can make is in yourself,” This statement, while simplistic, speaks volumes. A shop owner is much more than a boss, a shop owner is a leader. And leaders are solely responsible for the success of their team. This means that you must work hard and commit to a life of continuous learning and improvement. It also means that if the team fails, a leader must always blame himself or herself for that failure and find ways to improve.
      For your business to flourish, you must invest your time and energy in understanding what your role is in your company. It also means that you must be committed to continually improving your level of competence. This does not mean that every task is your responsibility. However, it does mean that the buck stops with you. If your business is not where it needs to be, or you are looking for increased growth, then it is your obligation to do the hard work and set goals, have the vision, perform the research, and develop the plan to achieve your overall objectives.
      When you invest in yourself to become the best leader and the best businessperson you can be, others around you will feed off your energy and your passion. This sends a strong message to everyone on your team that you have what it takes to bring the company to the next level.
      One last thing, another obligation to your company is assembling the right team of people around you. Once you have the right people, you need to invest in them too. Find what truly motivates them, not what you believe inspires them. Be a coach to your employees and always strive to bring out the best in them. Be strong with your convictions and expectations, build strong relationships with your employees, and don’t be afraid of admitting when you drop the ball.
      While Warren Buffet is best known for making billions of dollars with his investment strategies, I want to believe that this quote has its basis in something that money cannot buy.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Transmission Repair

      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
      Part 2 of our labor rate discussion in the automotive aftermarket industry. Our panel emphasizes the importance of setting labor rates based on the shop's own expenses and profitability, rather than comparing them to competitors. They also stress the need for regular labor rate increases and educating staff about the financial aspects of running a shop. They address fear and mindset issues that can affect labor rates and overall success. The episode provides valuable insights and advice for shop owners in effectively setting and managing their labor rates.
      Chris Cotton, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz Podcast. Listen to Chris’ previous episodes HERE
      Rick White, President and Lead Coach for 180BIZ, Listen to Rick’s previous episodes HERE. Dave Schedin, CompuTrek Automotive Management Systems. Dave’s previous episodes HERE Show Notes:
      Build Your Labor Rate From The Ground Up Part 1 [THA 276]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a276/ Where the Money Goes – The $100 Lesson [THA 210]: https://remarkableresults.biz/remarkable-results-radio-podcast/a210/ Labor rates should not be set based on competitors (00:02:10) The importance of setting labor rates based on the shop's own expenses and profitability, rather than comparing them to competitors. Educating staff about where the money goes in the business (00:03:18) The need to teach employees about the various expenses and costs involved in running a shop, to help them understand the labor rates and the owner's income. Fear and mindset issues affecting labor rates and success (00:05:02) The fear and mindset issues that can affect labor rates and the overall success of a shop, and the importance of addressing these issues before setting labor rates. The importance of financials and owner thinking (00:07:46) Discussion on the prevalence of shop owners not having up-to-date financial statements and the need for owners to transition from technician thinking to owner thinking. Raising the Labor Rate (00:15:40) Discussion on the importance of raising labor rates and providing value to clients. Labor Rate and Value (00:17:19) Exploration of flipping the conversation from price to value and the curse of knowledge. Labor as Time vs Value (00:18:05) Insights on how labor is often tied to time, but should be based on value and the skills of technicians. Setting a Higher Standard (00:23:11) Discussion about the importance of qualifying customers and setting a higher standard for the shop's services. Firing Customers for Excellence (00:24:03) Exploration of the concept of firing customers who compromise the shop's level of excellence and professionalism. Running the Business Like a Business (00:25:58) Importance of charging correctly, controlling the schedule, and making every car count to improve the shop's profitability and efficiency. The impact of increasing labor rates on gross profit (00:31:37) The relationship between increasing labor rates and gross profit. It explains that when a technician's pay is increased, the labor rate must also be raised to maintain the same gross profit percentage. It highlights the importance of understanding the math behind labor rates and setting them proactively. The need to compete with other industries for skilled technicians (00:33:42) The challenges of attracting and retaining skilled technicians in the automotive industry. It compares the benefits and compensation offered by other industries, such as Target and emphasizes the need for competitive labor rates to attract and retain talent. It also highlights the importance of providing tools and benefits to technicians to create a profitable and sustainable industry. Building a profitable business (00:42:42) The significance of being profitable and setting labor rates that allow for a 20-25% net profit, as well as the importance of love and grace in running a successful shop. The importance of making changes now (00:44:27) The need to make changes in labor rates immediately instead of waiting and encourages shop owners to trust the advice of coaches. Thanks to our Partners Shop-Ware and Delphi Technologies
      Shop-Ware: More Time. More Profit. Shop-Ware Shop Management https://getshopware.com/
      Delphi Technologies: Keeping current on the latest vehicle systems and how to repair them is a must for today’s technicians. http://DelphiAftermarket.com
      Connect with the Podcast
      -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
    • By nptrb

      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
      Should You Use A Scope Or A Multimeter #autotechnician
    • Fast Free Shipping on All Orders Over $50
    • By carmcapriotto
      Dan Taylor discusses various aspects of running a successful automotive repair business. He emphasizes the importance of having a roadmap to success, repackaging information to resonate with different people, utilizing reliable shop management systems, client and employee retention, effective marketing strategies, well-defined processes and procedures, and artificial intelligence in the industry. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of making money in the automotive repair industry and the need for a paradigm shift towards maintenance and customer service. Dan Taylor, Senior Business Advisor, Transformers Institute. Dan’s previous episodes HERE
      Show Notes
      Retention: Keeping Top Employees [THA 327] Is Your Company Culture Holding You Back? [RR 864] The roadmap to success (00:01:17) Discussion on the importance of having a roadmap to success, both personally and for your team. Repackaging and giving things in a different light (00:02:22) Exploration of how repackaging messages can resonate differently with people and lead to success. Major components for success (00:03:16) Introduction of seven major components that can guarantee success if followed, along with the need to reassess and upgrade strategies. Retention and Point of Sale Systems (00:10:04) Discussion on the challenges of retaining customers and the limitations of point of sale systems. Marketing and Client Retention (00:11:01) Importance of marketing efforts for client retention and the impact on business growth. Team Retention and Processes (00:14:44) The significance of team retention, the need for processes and procedures, and the constant improvement of organizational systems. The importance of presenting all information to clients (00:19:57) Explains how some shops present all the necessary repairs to clients and allow them to decide what to prioritize. Challenges in service maintenance and inspections (00:20:56) Discusses the challenge of inspecting and recommending services that have already been done or are not needed. Utilizing data and technology to improve operations (00:22:05) Highlights the importance of integrating data and technology to streamline operations, improve customer service, and gain trust and credibility. Sales and Relationship Building (00:29:45) The importance of sales and building relationships with clients in the automotive industry, and the need to educate clients about the value of maintenance. Operations and Productive Technicians (00:36:37) The need for productive technicians and efficient operations in order to maximize profitability and provide quality assurance to customers. The forgotten child (00:39:54) Discussion about the importance of the admin role in a shop, including timely financials and prompt paperwork. Monitoring KPIs (00:40:35) Exploration of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as opportunities, closed rate, and client retention.  
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS.
      Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2023. Mark your calendar now … October 31 - Nov 2, 2023, 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/
      Connect with the Podcast:
      -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


  • Our Sponsors


Grammarly Writing Support


The #1 Writing Tool


Grammarly Writing Support

×
×
  • Create New...