Posted by Barry Rudd on October 12, 2005, 5:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Too many garages?"
Hi Its all too easy to set up a business repairing cars a few haynes manuals from the library an add in the paper a hundered quids worth of tools from the market and off you go working out of the back of your car. That is oneof the problems. There is always some one out there who will under cut
Where the bonafide garage should be making a living is from the investment in brain power and and diagnostic equipment needed to solve problems on modern cars-its about time we started charging properly for this type of work and accept that the profit from shocks, exhausts and most parts that are coming in from china at ridiculous prices even at retail went years ago
It is completely unacceptable that a technician working on modern vehicle should earn less that a washing machine repair man
Next time you solve a complicated problem that you feel proud of solving, charge for it as if you are a plumber--other wise the future is bleak
I remember when I first started overhearing a customer say I was cheap--- now I am happy to hear them say he's your man and does a good job-I'd rather they moan down the pub that I was a bit dearer that expected than say his alternator was cheap but has failed again Barry