The next most important thing to making a living for one's self is re-investment in your business. For without that you will stagnate & die and not afford money for new equipment & training, the Motor trade is one of the fastest moving trades in the technology stakes and requires a lot of investment.

I can understand the dealer rates because the manufacturers require now days million pound showrooms & workshops before training & equipment. I understand our local BMW dealership pays BMW training costs up to £5000.00 for a weeks training of one technician including wages & accommodation. Most of their trainees are required to sign a contract before any training starts.

However an awful lot of dealerships 1 million on premises is for prestige sake & creating the mystery that surrounds new technology, helping to justify their excessive labour rates. However we as independents must also make ourselves presentable as well as competent as we will be left behind as Freds in Sheds and not be able to charge a fair rate for our services.

I feel that when we look at dealership prices averaging around the £100.00 mark half that still allows independents to make a fair profit & investment in training & equipment. As for making ourselves presentable just keep your premises clean & tidy looking organized and most sensible people realize they are not being ripped off for expensive cappuccino bars on the premises and are getting a fair deal.
John Kennard.