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Should I buy a scanner

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Rooster Rookie

Rooster

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I am running a tire shop, but we also do some auto repairs. I hope to eventually do a lot of repairs, but right now we're only doing a few here and there.

 

My question is this- how do I get a scanner for my mechanic without spending thousands and thousands of dollars.

 

Our last mechanic had a $4000 scanner, and now we had to fire him for stealing money, so I am about to hire a new guy. I'm wondering how I can get this done without spending a ton of money. We are cash flow NEGATIVE right now, so I gotta get it done cheap.

 

I've seen stuff on the internet for $100, are these any good? What would you recommend?

 

thanks guys for the advice.

CARMandP Proficient

CARMandP

Posted
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$100 will buy you a code reader only. Something the auto parts stores will do for free anyway. I have one of these for very fast code reading when I need it and I have a $4000 Snap-on scanner for when I actually need to do some diagnostics.

john13 Newbie

john13

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Posted
  On 8/26/2012 at 8:21 PM, Rooster said:

I am running a tire shop, but we also do some auto repairs. I hope to eventually do a lot of repairs, but right now we're only doing a few here and there.

 

My question is this- how do I get a scanner for my mechanic without spending thousands and thousands of dollars.

 

Our last mechanic had a $4000 scanner, and now we had to fire him for stealing money, so I am about to hire a new guy. I'm wondering how I can get this done without spending a ton of money. We are cash flow NEGATIVE right now, so I gotta get it done cheap.

 

I've seen stuff on the internet for $100, are these any good? What would you recommend?

 

thanks guys for the advice.

first what are you looking to do depends on what you should purchase...how do you wake up tire pressure sensors if you replace them or rotate tires etc? A code reader may work but they are very limited in their ability.. I have a modis a verus both are costly and something new to the market call a Launch through Mac tools which set me back 3 grand a big saving over the snap-on stuff.

ecar larry Rookie

ecar larry

Posted
Posted
  On 8/27/2012 at 2:20 PM, john13 said:

first what are you looking to do depends on what you should purchase...how do you wake up tire pressure sensors if you replace them or rotate tires etc? A code reader may work but they are very limited in their ability.. I have a modis a verus both are costly and something new to the market call a Launch through Mac tools which set me back 3 grand a big saving over the snap-on stuff.

You should try watching craigslist, we just got a Launch x431 master kit for 250.00 updated to 2008 for 250.00.

anther option is the Autel Link, it's a high end code reader with live data for about 175.00 off the Matco truck.

 

Larry

  • 6 years later...
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  • 6 months later...
Hands On Community Regular

Hands On

Posted
Posted

Get the local desperate tool guy to float you or sign up for credit. My scanner costs 24 a week.

If you are unable to do that you need to change something and maybe should ask for more help here.

  • 2 months later...

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    • 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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