Quantcast
Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

what is the best way to mark up parts. When i worked for someone else i always went by the list price and cost price. But now that im on my own. I'm not sure what way to do it. So many people call autozone and advanced so i have to hear "they only charge me this price". I want to keep my customers happy but i need to make a living as well

Posted

what is the best way to mark up parts. When i worked for someone else i always went by the list price and cost price. But now that im on my own. I'm not sure what way to do it. So many people call autozone and advanced so i have to hear "they only charge me this price". I want to keep my customers happy but i need to make a living as well

 

Common question and a big issue with all of us. We have Adanced Auto around the corner and they sell to walk-ins the same as they sell to us. It's for that reason I will not buy from them.

 

There is always a balance between being profitable and being competitive. With that said, you need to charge enough to remain in business. You also need to do a Cost of Doing Business Analysis, which will determine the needed money you need to bring in to break even and to make a profit.

 

Generally, most shops that I have spoken to try to get 45-55% on most parts, maybe a little less with dealer parts.

 

Many shops use a matrix system where the lower cost price items are charged at a higher percentage and the higher the cost the less markup. In other words; a part the cost $11.00 may sell for $31.00 or more, but a part that cost $500 may only sell for $650.00.

 

By the way I don't worry too much about people calling around, they are not my customers and I don't want them. (But that's me)

 

Hope this helps, let me know...

Posted

The biggest mistake new owners in this business make is not charging enough for labor and not marking up parts enough. People just do not understand how high the cost of doing business and overhead can be. We have been in business 12 years and my biggest concern right now is my margins are not good enough. I do not just want a job but also a return on my investment. If people want to pay the prices that Auto Zone or Advance charges for parts they are not going to be my customer. Most of the time we do not install customer supplied parts. However, we do make occasional exceptions especially in dead times.

Posted

I agree with both of the guys above. I can tell you personally (as a tech gone shop owner) I was a little nervous about charging what I thought was too much for parts. Since I have moved to a bigger building with a LOT more overhead, I am quickly realizing that the 45-55% is what you will NEED to be able to pay the bills and make any money. I personally use a matrix like Joe said. The Mitchell1 manager system that I use allows me to easily do this.

Posted

Great points everyone. I just want to emphazise what xrac said, We don't just want to pay our bills and survive. That's not the point of being in business. We are not being fair to ourselves or to our customers if we are not making a return on our investment. We do no one any good if we do not generate enough profit to continue to grow our lives and our business. We want to be around next year, right? Well we won't unless we make a profit.

Posted

When we don't charge enough we find ourselves working 6-7 days per week at 10 hours or more per day. When we are doing this and just scrapping by we find ourselves tired, exhausted, and burnout after a few years. We suffer and our families suffer because we are selling ourselves and services too cheap.

Posted

In hard times our upkeep becomes our downfall. Get debt free ASAP. Work six days a week and rest the seventh. Too much idleness and gossip will dress you in rags.

B)

Posted

When we don't charge enough we find ourselves working 6-7 days per week at 10 hours or more per day. When we are doing this and just scrapping by we find ourselves tired, exhaust, and burnout after a few years. We suffer and our families suffer because we are selling ourselves and services too cheap.

 

Could not have said it better. With three sentences you summed it all up!

Posted

What are your margin targets? I look for 80% before mechanic labor and 65% after mechanic labor is factored in. To achieve the 80% before labor, I teach my writers one very important rule: When Ticket Total equals Cost of Goods times five, then Gross Profit will always equal eighty percent. (TTL=COGS*5,GP=80%). This is an immutable law of math. If a part cost $10 and you charge $20 for the part and $30 for the labor, then your gross profit is 80%. If the part cost $10 and you charge $0 for the part and $50 labor, the gross profit is still 80%. Yes, I know, you can't always apply this formula. If you go by a labor guide (we use Mitchell) the labor is what it is and you cannot ethically alter it without solid grounds. It also becomes a problem when you have an expensive part such as an alternator. If an alternator costs $150, you can't very well charge $750 for parts and labor and expect to stay in business. But what I teach my writers is that you can take the rule and use it as a guideline and then look at add-ons. In the case of the $150 alternator, I would expect to sell the part for $250-300 and usually about 1.5 hours labor. So if I sell the part for $250 and my labor is $150 (1.5*$100/hour), this is a total ticket of $400 which gives me a gross profit of 62%. This is well down from what my target it. If that is the case, they need to thoroughly inspect the vechicle and see if there are other services that they can legitimately recommend without raising the COGS. An alignment and balance ($125) has no COG but will bring my GP up 9 points to 71%. Still down from where I want to be, but it is much easier to make up the nine margin points between 71 and 80, than the 18 margin points between 62 and 80.

 

I don't spend much time worrying about what the parts markup is, but I obsess over my margin. As a franchisee who has to give 10% back to the mothership, margin targets are hugely important to me. A $72K month at 65% (after mechanic labor at 15% is added in) is $46800 in gross profit. The same month at 60% is $43200; $3600 that could go right into my pocket. For doing the same amount of work.

 

Anyway, my two cents.

 

phl

Posted

What are your margin targets? I look for 80% before mechanic labor and 65% after mechanic labor is factored in. To achieve the 80% before labor, I teach my writers one very important rule: When Ticket Total equals Cost of Goods times five, then Gross Profit will always equal eighty percent. (TTL=COGS*5,GP=80%). This is an immutable law of math. If a part cost $10 and you charge $20 for the part and $30 for the labor, then your gross profit is 80%. If the part cost $10 and you charge $0 for the part and $50 labor, the gross profit is still 80%. Yes, I know, you can't always apply this formula. If you go by a labor guide (we use Mitchell) the labor is what it is and you cannot ethically alter it without solid grounds. It also becomes a problem when you have an expensive part such as an alternator. If an alternator costs $150, you can't very well charge $750 for parts and labor and expect to stay in business. But what I teach my writers is that you can take the rule and use it as a guideline and then look at add-ons. In the case of the $150 alternator, I would expect to sell the part for $250-300 and usually about 1.5 hours labor. So if I sell the part for $250 and my labor is $150 (1.5*$100/hour), this is a total ticket of $400 which gives me a gross profit of 62%. This is well down from what my target it. If that is the case, they need to thoroughly inspect the vechicle and see if there are other services that they can legitimately recommend without raising the COGS. An alignment and balance ($125) has no COG but will bring my GP up 9 points to 71%. Still down from where I want to be, but it is much easier to make up the nine margin points between 71 and 80, than the 18 margin points between 62 and 80.

 

I don't spend much time worrying about what the parts markup is, but I obsess over my margin. As a franchisee who has to give 10% back to the mothership, margin targets are hugely important to me. A $72K month at 65% (after mechanic labor at 15% is added in) is $46800 in gross profit. The same month at 60% is $43200; $3600 that could go right into my pocket. For doing the same amount of work.

 

Anyway, my two cents.

 

phl

 

It was much easier to maintian that type of margin with Midas was strictly an undercar shop. Now that you do everything how has that affected your margins?

Posted

It was much easier to maintian that type of margin with Midas was strictly and undercar shop. Now that you do everything how has that affected your margins?

 

 

I became a franchisee right before the economy collapsed in 2008, so I've never known any of the good times. I took over a franchise that had been horribly mismanaged for years. The previous franchise had managed to give both the shop and Midas a bad name. He had alienated the customer base because he had refused the recognize the changing demographics (shift from caucasion to African American with much lower disposable income). I've never known the good times that I've heard so much about. So, to answer the question, my margin target is 80%. Some things will swing it down. I will sell you tires if you insist, but there is a Costco down the road and they are welcome to the tire business. We don't hit 80% every month but we come close.

Posted

what is the best way to mark up parts. When i worked for someone else i always went by the list price and cost price. But now that im on my own. I'm not sure what way to do it. So many people call autozone and advanced so i have to hear "they only charge me this price". I want to keep my customers happy but i need to make a living as well

 

 

You should go for about 53% on your parts margin which is just over double your cost on every part that comes in , some big items you cannot mark up that much so on the smaller stuff you need to sometimes triple your cost , Don't worry about the price shoppers just explain to them you use a higher quality part and warranty it both parts and labor, We have averaged about 51% parts margin over the last 3 years and now that the work is coming in steady we will shoot for that extra 2% on parts margin.

 

Above all else don't give that parts margin away it is the difference in staying in business or going out of business

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
      Our world is rushing head first into an A.I. future and we want to encourage our listeners to remain vigilant in these exciting times, as there is some legitimate cause for concern with the changes brought by A.I. Technology.
      Joining us as our guest is Dan Vance from Shop Dog Marketing.
      Craig has known Dan for a few years now and it was at ASTA in 2023 that he first heard Dan Speak Up on the topic of AI to a group of shop-owners on the promise and peril of AI…and he saw Dan deliver a presentation on the topic again at the MARS marketing conference with the Institute for Business Excellence in (beautiful) Ogde, UT earlier this year.
      In this episode Dan acknowledges many of Craig's concerns regarding AI, while they both align on the actual benefits. 
      Craig states regularly that the last skill machines should ever be able to take from us is our ability to communicate interpersonally and … but in some areas - A.I. is far more capable of outperforming certain tasks.  While that is happening - there remains a disconnect between AI’s ability to generate data and present the data in a way that can produce more effective interactions with real people. 
      Our listeners who may share in Craig’s concerns will no doubt appreciate Dan’s calm and reassuring thoughts on the topic.  
      Watch the YouTube Video
      Topics include:  
      Early AI and Machine learning The concept of Human Capital. Authenticity as a new focus Communication tendency becoming less synchronous Efficiency vs. Authenticity and what we lose AI Strengths and practical uses Social Proof - and a word on Reviews and AI Google quality rater guidelines - EAT - Experience Authority and Trust
      Join Our Virtual Toastmasters: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      Thank You To Our Partners:
      The Institute at WeAreTheInstitute.com.  "Stop stressing over your business, you deserve a good night's sleep. The Institute’s coaching helps you achieve success and financial peace.
      AutoFlow at AutoFlow.com. Your partner in technology, Autoflow consolidates your client interactions - before, during and after the visit to a single thread. Learn more at Autoflow.com
      AutoLeap at AutoLeap.com. Are you tired of juggling multiple tools to manage your auto repair shop? Say hello to the streamlined efficiency of AutoLeap, the #1 all-in-one Auto Repair Shop Management Software!
      Shop Dog Marketing at Shop Dog Marketing.com. "Want to see your auto repair shop thrive? Let Shop Dog Marketing be your guide. Our customer-first approach, combined with AI-driven creative content, ensures top rankings.
      In-Bound at CallInBound.com. Cover your communication needs and revolutionize your auto repair business with AI-driven call analytics from InBound.
      Contact Information
      Email Craig O'Neill: [email protected] Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters
      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/
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Changing The Industry
      Optimize Your Marketing & Stop ARO Drops NOW!
    • By Joe Marconi
      Many auto repair shops are adding a fee to the final invoice for customers using credit cards. I get it, but don't agree.
      For me it's simple. First, do your best to negotiate the best deal from your credit card provider service.  Next, take that fee and add it to your cost of doing business.  To me, I consider this fee an expenses, just like all other expenses: office supplies, utility bill, insurance, taxes, training, travel expenses, maintenance, etc. etc. 
      From your total average monthly expenses, you will be able to determine your breakeven, and from there, set your net profit goal. In other words, forget about the charging the customer a fee, just build into your overall prices. You will accomplish the same thing, and not bring attention to the customer that small fee that may be a big deal. 
    • By Joe Marconi
      More and more shops are hiring or taking one their techs and make them the shop foreman.
      What are the pros and cons of having a shop foreman? 
       
    • By Changing The Industry
      Quality Matters More Than Ever In Auto Parts #podcast #autorepairbusiness #automotivebusiness


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...