tirengolf

Harry, that is good stuff. It sounds like me and you are on the same page , thinking and preparing ahead, you are just a bit ahead of me. I am convinced a guy like you will have great days forward.

I did one thing that almost double my PM monthly income. I have no connection or interest in this business or person. He sells cutting edge stuff, it is simple and easy to use. It also holds up under criticism because it is chemistry. It is a bifold product with Fluid test on Chromatography paper. It is low pressure to the customer, I sorta pick and choose who to perform test for. Just check it out . I actually spoke to the guy on the phone in West Palm Beach and he told me the story of how he got into the fluid testing business as a disgruntled customer with a horrible experience at a Repair Facility. He had a good point and has some very cutting edge and quality products. http://www.fluidtesting.com/ I sell the BG line to my top tier customer, Some of mine want the less cost. I let them decide. I personally like the BG product, my BG rep actually comes and helps me if I run into a snag. That also helps.

I did one thing that almost double my PM monthly income. I have no connection or interest in this business or person. He sells cutting edge stuff, it is simple and easy to use. It also holds up under criticism because it is chemistry. It is a bifold product with Fluid test on Chromatography paper. It is low pressure to the customer, I sorta pick and choose who to perform test for. Just check it out . I actually spoke to the guy on the phone in West Palm Beach and he told me the story of how he got into the fluid testing business as a disgruntled customer with a horrible experience at a Repair Facility. He had a good point and has some very cutting edge and quality products. http://www.fluidtesting.com/

Yes i do although, I have really grown the last 10 years. I am slowing it down a bit and raising my ARO numbers. We are fortunate and have worked hard to get a good base. Ethical business always pays. We are on a new CRM and really aiming for the good client that see's it as a 2 way street. We are booming. Lots of hard work over the years. My dad opened in 61. I like to think we do it right. I just want to stay ahead on this phone deal.

I feel most customers are more knowledgeable , also more confused. Auto Zone is in my office twice a week now. I think they know the DIYr is stopping quickly. Most of the AZ employees were working in Walmrt Produce 2 months ago. I see nothing but good times for the ethical independent shops in the next 10 years.

Charlie we are really streamlined, I got to make a investment in a new phone system. We have to many unanswered calls, I am just trying to make it better. My older system is antiquated.

I have been doing some research on telephone systems for my shop. My 3 phone lines with a on-hold program is running over 250 a month. I have looked at some VOIP systems, I really think I am spending to much on phones at this point. I think I could buy 3 new cell phones or just forward all calls to me and my employees cell phones. Anyone have any ideas how to keep this rather simple, I still want to stay a little on the personal side, I feel like that is important in my business.Technology is changing so fast it is scary. I can exit my phone contract at this point. One other issue is the phone number to our location has been used since 1961. I sure do not want to change that. Thanks for any help. I have not been around the forum much lately, my father is having a few minor medical issue's , although he is getting back in the swing. On more small procedure this week and maybe we can get back to the forum some. Again thanks for any opinions, i am always up to a better mousetrap.

Pap, I I am a tire store also, the inventory and accounting issue were my issue also , I have been on Quickbooks for years, the Mitchell program integrates with Quickbooks. That is the reason I said in my post it was my choice. I, from what I understand, believe you can run inventory on Mitchell but it does not have the accounting side of Quickbooks you would not have the accounting end of it. As I said I will be integrating Quickbooks, I wiill get both.

Winslow, I really think it has to do with each individual needs, I myself have researched this for 2 years almost, I tried NAPA Taxx it did not work for me. Everyone's situation is different. I have just gotten on the Mitchell Program some on here hate it some love it, just like in your business, customer support is the key. My previous Mitchell guy had the job for 25 years, I saw him 2 times in those 25 years. My new guy ,Michael ,is fantastic he actually has a teamed up with a tech guy that works with him on installs and there service to me has been unparalleled so far. I personally think Mitchell is positioning themselves to take over this market with the group being all tied together, Mitchell SE, Pro Demand, Snap On, Napa, they all have a piece of the pie. There integration with Quickbooks was a huge deal with me. The cost I felt was very reasonable. I personally think they have the best bang for the buck, the add on features are so nice, example, a little more money you have a CRM program , if you want to go forward with vin decoding tablets Bolt On Tech is there. It is confusing and almost sounds to good to be true over the years, especially after my wasted time with NAPA Trax, although I really think technology has changed so much in 2 years it is amazing. NAPA trax has probably changed there whole operation also. I will let you no in a few months, we start semi live tommrrw, I had a issue friday called my salesman he had his tech guy and Mitchell tech guy on hone in 3 minutes and the whole problem was some issue's my tech guy had installed on my workstation for security and the dreaded virus , he had really hid it. Getting setup and stated is the toughest, i have basically done most of my training in my house on there You Tube module training. You are on the right track, a lot of these guys have told me and what I have read on this forum, If you want to compete today you must have shop management system unless you want to spend 2 hours before and 2 hours after work entering in your info. I am not associated with Mitchell in any way other than I used Mitchell for estimating for 20 years, I still got shelves of old books LOL. As i said, about 2 months ago, before I was about to hang myself, in my store walks a young sharp looking guy and introduces himself as the Mitchell rep for the area, he says I see you been with us for 20 years , when was the last time you saw the prior rep, I said about 15 years ago, he sorta laughed and said i will be around more, i promise, So I say what about the Mitchell shop management program, and my friend, this guy new ever question I had, I buzz my brother in his office , he comes in and starts asking Michael some integrating Quickbooks questions and the light bulb went off, he sent me a simple short length video of how it works and here we are installed and ready to roll . He also calls me back when I call him. The only thing that worries me a bit is if Michael was to leave. He is so good I am sure others notice and you know how that is. For now, I am with Mitchell, if my guy was to leave I will just cross that bridge when I get there, I am sure a lot of these systems that a lot of guys speak about on this forum are very good right now with me customer service is what I like and my guy has surly demonstrated that , the reason I say that is all the forums I have participated in, all these guys seem top notch and would not recommending stuff that does not work. We are all in the same boat at the end of the day. Have a good one and post more. I am always learning. I just got through with the Elon Block selling tips modules that I am about to spring on my guys at work. I am just keep trying to keep my guys FLAME BURNING.

Frog, As I have said on this forum before I am not a Certified master tech, We have been at this location for 55 years. Dad opened it in 1961, I started in 1975 at 15 years old, I still love it. Not being big headed, my customer base is the best ever. I have customers look at me and go this is unreal. I just sat in here and talked to a lawyer a doctor a housewife and a garbage truck driver. I am nice and honest to people, It is not that I am honest it is just who I am, I see some estimate's occasionally from other places that blow me away. I actually almost interrogate new customer's before I start work on there car. I have recently had to separate myself and a tech from my business, he has been with me 30 years, since he was 16. He is so talented it is heartbreaking he was starting to do some questionable things, and my friends , unethical business practices I do not tolerate. I know enough about this business to go look at a car and see whats going on , I have this sense when I look at a one of my techs estimate if something is not right. I am now looking for a tech and have found a 16 year retired military guy that I think is going to work out. You should see, as I think another poster has spoke about, some of the so called tech's that walk in my door, I almost laugh in there face , the job jumper. I have learned so many things on here from these guys just by reading there hiring practices, I would have to tell you , this guy I am talking to now, I would have probably overlooked, If I did not really read his resume and really went over it, I called him at 7 PM the first time just to sorta see his reaction. Another thing that gets me , is I called a few places about previous employment and some applicants and the business owner blows you off. If someone calls me I tell the truth about previous employment, we should all do that. This forum is all about us making our profession look professional and making more money. I was joking with one of my real good Doctor friends and customers the other day. I said to him, you guys are to dang expensive , he says man I went to school 12 years for being a Urologist, I said to him, I got a couple guys that have went to school 15 years and our patients "cars" keep changing , I said a good tech should make more than a Doctor, he looked at me and said Dave you got a point. I see such bright days and years ahead and really think if you do and run a ethical business and have a passion for it, you will make it , the money always takes care of itself. We must educate the consumer about how difficult cars are to repair today, sure you can through parts at cars all day but is that really the way to do it. I am going in this morning and show a new ,tech school trainny, tech how to test a crank sensor with a meter and show him how we came to the diagnosis late last night. This forum has taught me so much in such a short time that I have been on here, most all these guys are very knowledgable. You must get involved with the local tech schools, they have already ask me to be on the advisory board , I meet with them Thursday, man what I have seen they are so far off base with there curriculum , I guess the State has slashed there budget they are using outdated stuff, I am going to corner my Napa Owner and Snap On guy about this as well, actually you cannot teach somethings in a school, they do not even talk about ethics and just doing good honest business, that flabbergasted me. I am going to speak to these kids in the next few months and lay it out to them with facts, mostly, from what I have found here about the state of our industry and just the facts of doing good ethical business and passion . As you can tell I love this profession and I have a passion for it. You can always remember if you do the right thing nothing generally goes bad. I am not saying it is always a rose garden, I had the first small claims case against me 2 years ago , I got a lawyer buddy and went in and proved there was no way I scratched the wheel in this location with my machine , it does not come close to this area, these were 3 piece defective slow leaking wheels around the sealed centerpiece area. I mounted a used tire on the car, lady judge had no idea, I walked out of there and fist pumped my attorney buddy, I get a letter a month later from he judges ruling, the judge basically says you could have dropped something on it while it as at your shop. I did not pay the $1300 and never will . I know we did not do it and I am standing by on my principles. I have also now posted signs and make people sign a document to this effect we are not responsible for wheel damage.This guy has dogged me out bad review after bad review , even a "ripoff report .com" I did try to mediate initially. I am convinced the public and the judges think most all auto repair shops are a a bunch of crooks, we have to change that perception in the US. Forums like this does help tremendously. I personally think that the small independent is where it is at today, the dealerships are still sticking there foot in there mouth, the box stores are jamming people up, most all on this forum here and see the same horror stories I do daily. Get Involved with the local schools educate people and lets get this stigma turned around. I also did a NAPA TV show ,they begged me to do it, I just do not advertise much , I do not have to, I did this show, no charge to me, I spoke on ethics and PM service, that was a hit. Had a guy call me from NAPA headquarters and thank me and said no one has ever touched on the issues you did, I responded, Times Are A Changing. Thanks again for all you guys insight. You guys have a great day, I gotta go make some people HAPPY!

I have just took the plunge and went with Mitchell Manager SE, this was a huge decision for me. I really like the QB financial part, my CPA uses it also. I have used QB for 17 years, I have just outgrown it. My decision with Mitchell was my salesman who has been fantastic, young guy named JMichael, he also has a tech guy named Dustin. These guys have really impressed me so far, they are professional and know the product. I actually told JMichael about some negative reviews with support from Mitchell, they assured me that will not be a issue , I call them and they call me back. I kid them about Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. I cannot say enough about these two guys so far they are top notch. I think Mitchell may have got the message, they even extended a 30 day get out deal. He advised me to lets just start with the basic management first , although I did sign up for the CRM for my commercial accounts . If all goes like I feel it will Bolt on will follow in the next few months. I end my year this month, we go live Oct 1. I am integrating with Quickbooks. If any of you guys have any TIPS and HELP with the Mitchell program I sure would appreciate you shortcuts and secrets. I know we will have a learning curve and hiccups and second thoughts. Any head's up advice that some of you guys experienced that you feel would help me and my brother with this changeover would greatly be appreciated. GOOD OR BAD. Again I really have enjoyed my short time here. There are some great guys on this forum with some serious knowledge of the business and I appreciate what you guys share. Have a blessed week. David

Need a little info on my up coming building upgrade. Half of my shop floors are all concrete that has been on the ground since the late 50's, The other half has been down 15 years, as you could imagine it is very stained. Have any of you guys redone any of your floors with a epoxy paint. I would also take any suggestion's of not what to do. I am trying to upgrade our image . Our survey really indicate that it a issue that some customers are aware off. I know it is a repair shop, although this new age shopper like clean organized shops. It is just time to do all this. I am open to all suggestions. I think I am going to put wood in my waiting room and sales counter area. Just looking for any ideas. Thanks guys

Tony, Don't forget about the local schols , my outside guy goes into the schools with there permission , He has a good relationship with them , we give to a few of there programs for kids needing financial assistance. Teachers here are underpaid, We give the teachers some pretty good discount cards and specials. My salesman is smooth and starts with the receptionist in the front office, next thing you know we have some flyers in the teachers lounge. I have built some trust with quiet a few teachers and principals over time. You will be giving back and helping people that really need it. Good for the soul. Good Luck

Tony, About 4 years ago I hired a retired salesman part time to sell to fleet accounts, 75 year old retired local guy ex football jock, knew zero about cars but could sell, he is honest and sincere. learned quickly, I rode with him first couple days. I will tell you this as a business owner ,if you walk into a business and say I am the owner of XX auto repair and I want your business you will probably get it. I had to slow him down after one year because of all the work. Just do not l put all your eggs in 1 basket, go after the smaller 5 to 10 trucks or vehicles. Now, i give him a list once every 3 weeks and he goes and sees people, this has worked great for me. Even does a little blll collecting for me !!! Good Luck.

Michael, I spoke to John at Bolt-On this morning,He was very resourceful and polite. He answered all my questions he is sending me the link for some answers I had. I spoke with my Mitchell rep a few minutes ago.We are meeting today. It is actually starting to sink in how it all operates. Us old guys are having to change the way our brains process info. John, with Bolt On,was a super polite and informative guy.Thanks for reaching out. David Mack

I have been watching this topic very close for a few weeks, the more people post the more confused i get. I have been on Quickbooks since mid 90s, My brother has been doing the payables and receivables for 35 years at the store. Business has changed so much and volume has increased to the point that Quickbooks is a paperwork and input nightmare for us, although quickbooks accounting is great, we really are comfortable with quickbooks accounting. We have 1 location but maybe putting in 3 or 4 more locations in next few years. We have decided to reach out and find other options for our shop management software, I really do not use a shop management now, because of me and my brothers knowledge of Quickbooks, integration is a must. I have limited knowledge of all the shop programs, it seems from what i have read and been told is Mitchell "we have had for 18 years" INTEGRATES well with Quickbooks. The new Mitchell guy came buy last week and me and my brother discussed adding Mitchell Manager SE with him, It has really gotten mind boggling for me , out of my comfort range , I am in uncharted waters. I realize no one can tell me which program to purchase. This is my idea ,I think, I want a program that I or one of my writers basically can walk out to car scan vin or tag with camera ,write work order, assign to tech , get diag from tech,he can type in and it comes on our tablets, look up parts and tires ,give estimate , order all items, it puts them on estimate or invoice creates it , it automatically enters it in payables and receivables. We are hand typing that today. Mitchell has offered a 30 day trial, I can bail out with no charge. They do all the setup and integration. I have not made a final decision other than the Mitchell guy did come buy and see me. Ok now it gets really confusing to me, what is Bolt On, I am confused on this, I thought it was in the Manager SE or that SE is the same program . I see where bolt on and Mitchell integrate . That issue has me stuck. Is there another program that works with Mitchell labor and Quickbooks that I should look at. I understand I will be buying some tablets for my techs and SW's. I would rather have a program that does not make me own proprietary computers and cash drawers etc. I have 8 workstations now that I can use . Guys, I understand this is a broad and crazy question, as you can tell I am spending a lot of energy on this , I think this is a major decision in the direction of my shop. Has anyone here been in my situation with Quickbooks and made this changeover, if so could you quickly tell me who you went with , why, do you like it. I have read Mitchell support is not the best. I know it will be challenging for all of us , I have put this off for 3 years. I have got to make a move in this fast changing business. I understand you get what you pay for, I do like the idea of pay as you go with all the updates and changes that will come up weekly. Any input is appreciated. Thanks David

I have been watching this topic very close for a few weeks, the more people post the more confused i get. I have been on Quickbooks since mid 90s, My brother has been doing the payables and receivables for 35 years at the store. Business has changed so much and volume has increased to the point that Quickbooks is a paperwork and input nightmare for us, although quickbooks accounting is great, we really are comfortable with quickbooks accounting. We have 1 location but maybe putting in 3 or 4 more locations in next few years. We have decided to reach out and find other options for our shop management software, I really do not use a shop management now, because of me and my brothers knowledge of Quickbooks, integration is a must. I have limited knowledge of all the shop programs, it seems from what i have read and been told is Mitchell "we have had for 18 years" INTEGRATES well with Quickbooks. The new Mitchell guy came buy last week and me and my brother discussed adding Mitchell Manager SE with him, It has really gotten mind boggling for me , out of my comfort range , I am in uncharted waters. I realize no one can tell me which program to purchase. This is my idea ,I think, I want a program that I or one of my writers basically can walk out to car scan vin or tag with camera ,write work order, assign to tech , get diag from tech,he can type in and it comes on our tablets, look up parts and tires ,give estimate , order all items, it puts them on estimate or invoice creates it , it automatically enters it in payables and receivables. We are hand typing that today. Mitchell has offered a 30 day trial, I can bail out with no charge. They do all the setup and integration. I have not made a final decision other than the Mitchell guy did come buy and see me. Ok now it gets really confusing to me, what is Bolt On, I am confused on this, I thought it was in the Manager SE or that SE is the same program . I see where bolt on and Mitchell integrate . That issue has me stuck. Is there another program that works with Mitchell labor and Quickbooks that I should look at. I understand I will be buying some tablets for my techs and SW's. I would rather have a program that does not make me own proprietary computers and cash drawers etc. I have 8 workstations now that I can use . Guys, I understand this is a broad and crazy question, as you can tell I am spending a lot of energy on this , I think this is a major decision in the direction of my shop. Has anyone here been in my situation with Quickbooks and made this changeover, if so could you quickly tell me who you went with , why, do you like it. I have read Mitchell support is not the best. I know it will be challenging for all of us , I have put this off for 3 years. I have got to make a move in this fast changing business. I understand you get what you pay for, I do like the idea of pay as you go with all the updates and changes that will come up weekly. Any input is appreciated. Thanks David

When I started with my dad in 1975 we were just a Tire and Brake shop, when he retired in 97 we did not even do oil changes. I saw it changing ,I was younger and we went full service, boy I am glad we did. Therefore all my young learning years was tires ,recaps, front end and brakes. I am 55 now and I do not have any ASE certifications although i am in the process of starting to take them. Two of my techs are certified , although it is like anything else, I have seen guys with a arm full of patches not worth a flip and I have seen another guy with a arm full that was the sharpest guy ever. I think "most" of you guys have had a lot more experience and knowledge than I have had under the hood . I would really like to see this industry get a uniformed code for license. It would really help clean out the rip raft. We are still going to have the dishonest guys , you never can stop that, they are in everything although the computer has made the consumer more informed. I have female consumers today wanting to look at date codes on tires, most guys and a lot of tire people have no idea how and where it is located years ago they never even new it existed. I still occasionally go outside and True and Strobe light balance a set of tires and people look at me amazed. in the 70's i did almost every tire that way. I have one other guy out of 8 with me that can true a tire. I still use my on the car spinner daily for wheel bearings and other stuff, I still think it is a time saver and feel strongly about being able to duplicate a sound with a car on a rack. There still is a common sense issue in all we do . As someone recently spoke about the reading comp test on pre employment really got my head spinning about that issue, me and all my techs need to slow it down just a bit and digest what we read, as we no some techs are hardheaded and stubborn, they to me, are the losers in there ability to repair and diag a car. HAS THERE BEEN ANY DISCUSSION IN THE LAST FEW YEARS ON STATE OR FEDERAL LEVEL ABOUT THE LISCENSE ISSUE ??? We all know times are changing, one thing I have never ever wavered from that is the Ethical Business Practices that my father instilled in me and that my friends is one of the biggest secrets, I feel, to putting the whole puzzle together. After all these years I still love my work and really enjoy my customers.

This is some great stuff here !!!!

xrac, I had employee issue's as well and even after 40 years doing this , I do not know how to handle all of them, as you can tell by some of my post. Glad we can share info. I have implemented some of you guys ideas in the very short time I have been a member of this website. I think the stars are lining up with my shop. I really think the next 10 years will be very very good. Hope yours and everyone else's does as well. David

I have noticed the shade tree mechanic in Florida Panhandle disappearing quickly, we had them on ever corner few years back. The shops in Florida are regulated by Dept of Agriculture but we have no car inspections on automobiles whatsoever. Go figure that one . I agree with some kind of standardized testing for techs, I just do not think it will ever happen. I really do think the public is starting to understand just how complicated and complex automobiles are today. I have preached to my customers the importance of correct diagnosis for years, funny how some customers are just not upfront about everything. You get what you pay for, I hear the stories down here everyday.

Sorry for the late reply, Michelin makes us set up primary and secondary distributors, you must buy 75% of their product from primary and the rest from secondary to qualify for the CVP "rebate" money. I have been on average of a 88% to 12% since 2000, this year Michelin had a unreal supply issue, I had to get Michelin/ BFG tires from whomever had them which skewed my numbers to 60/40%, 100% supply shortage issue. My rebate will be around 10k, was 18k 5 years ago, changing markets have really caught up with them. They really have no solution , I turned my secondary supplier off, so no rebate money from the product from the secondary point. After I saw your post about the direct sales, it really hits me wrong, I have been loyal to the Mast program since the inception. The Independent Tire Dealer sells 48% of Michelin/BFG product, the rest is split up by car dealers , large franchise locations, big box stores an so on. I suspect when word hits the Independents will not be renewing there Mast agreement and move to other brands that protect us to some degree. Watch Cooper, they are licking there chops. This will be a interesting 4th quarter for Michelin, as you said whether you sale tires or not, "this is a game changer" . I just can not for the life of me understand there mindset, Michelin could loose 10 to 15% of Independent tire dealers in quarter 4, This will be interesting to watch. Thanks for the heads up on the direct sales, did they really think it would be a secret.

This is very interesting, I watch and talk to techs all the time about how something works , example lets check that bad fuel pump or cut a ac condensor apart and ask them how the system works. It blows me away at some of the answers and questions a "what I thought" good tech will ask. I am not the smartest tech or shop owner by any means although I want to know how it works ,most have no clue. I personally feel like once you understand the way it works it is a lot easier to diagnose and repair. I have 1.5 alignment guys , 1 has been with me for 30 years ,started on gauges and toe stick. The other .5 guy is a young guy that worked a Honda dealership , he has absolutely know idea how to align a car with a camber gauge and toe stick , me and the older tech tried to explain to him how alignment works , basic older techniques , he cannot get the fact you start level u actually could use a tape measure for toe in and a level for camber. Did not even go to camber. I watched him tell a customer about some torque keys and it would make his truck ride real bad, I went outside and called him out and said do you really know what you just said. It all has to do with how much you torque the rod not necessarily the key. He looked at me like a deer in headlights and says boss your wrong. I let him go a few weeks later. I will screen better. Knowledge is so powerful and professional , it always shows in the special shops . You guys have some great ideas, i am glad I found you. Have a good day

CITIES Seattle sees fallout from $15 minimum wage, as other cities follow suit By Dan Springer Published July 22, 2015FoxNews.com Facebook26065 Twitter2276 Email Print NOW PLAYING Seattle grapples with fallout from $15 minimum wage policy Never autoplay videos Seattle’s $15 minimum wage law is supposed to lift workers out of poverty and move them off public assistance. But there may be a hitch in the plan. Evidence is surfacing that some workers are asking their bosses for fewer hours as their wages rise – in a bid to keep overall income down so they don’t lose public subsidies for things like food, child care and rent. Full Life Care, a home nursing nonprofit, told KIRO-TV in Seattle that several workers want to work less. “If they cut down their hours to stay on those subsidies because the $15 per hour minimum wage didn’t actually help get them out of poverty, all you’ve done is put a burden on the business and given false hope to a lot of people,” said Jason Rantz, host of the Jason Rantz show on 97.3 KIRO-FM. The twist is just one apparent side effect of the controversial -- yet trendsetting -- minimum wage law in Seattle, which is being copied in several other cities despite concerns over prices rising and businesses struggling to keep up. The notion that employees are intentionally working less to preserve their welfare has been a hot topic on talk radio. While the claims are difficult to track, state stats indeed suggest few are moving off welfare programs under the new wage. Despite a booming economy throughout western Washington, the state’s welfare caseload has dropped very little since the higher wage phase began in Seattle in April. In March 130,851 people were enrolled in the Basic Food program. In April, the caseload dropped to 130,376. At the same time, prices appear to be going up on just about everything. Some restaurants have tacked on a 15 percent surcharge to cover the higher wages. And some managers are no longer encouraging customers to tip, leading to a redistribution of income. Workers in the back of the kitchen, such as dishwashers and cooks, are getting paid more, but servers who rely on tips are seeing a pay cut. Some long-time Seattle restaurants have closed altogether, though none of the owners publicly blamed the minimum wage law. “It’s what happens when the government imposes a restriction on the labor market that normally wouldn’t be there, and marginal businesses get hit the hardest, and usually those are small, neighborhood businesses,” said Paul Guppy, of the Washington Policy Center. Seattle was followed by San Francisco and Los Angeles in passing a $15 minimum wage law. The wage is being phased in over several years to give businesses time to adjust. The current minimum wage in Seattle is $11. In San Francisco, it’s $12.25. And it is spreading. Beyond the city of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors this week also approved a $15 minimum wage. New York state could be next, with the state Wage Board on Wednesday backing a $15 wage for fast-food workers, something Gov. Andrew Cuomo has supported. Already, though, there are unintended consequences in other cities. Comix Experience, a small book store in downtown San Francisco, has begun selling graphic novel club subscriptions in order to meet payroll. The owner, Brian Hibbs, admits members are not getting all that much for their $25 per month dues, but their “donation” is keeping him in business. “I was looking at potentially having to close the store down and then how would I make my living?” Hibbs asked. To date, he’s sold 228 subscriptions. He says he needs 334 to reach his goal of the $80,000 income required to cover higher labor costs. He doesn’t blame San Francisco voters for approving the $15 minimum wage, but he doesn’t think they had all the information needed to make a good decision. Dan Springer joined Fox News Channel (FNC) in August 2001 as a Seattle-based correspondent.

I guess that is the ethical part of me I have a hard time hurdling, I am in such a small town although I feel it is coming to that. I am not saying it is unethical, I guess it is time to change my thinking. Funny I just had one of my 30 year customers tell me the same thing you just did. Have a good one.