Free: Contests & Raffles.
I can tell you that guys that have mechanics that do side work often get a sloppy rushed job , most mechanics don't understand the business side of things and by the time there done with there week they are looking to get yours done as fast as possible. I own a shop in north Seattle and can tell you the over head in this business is crazy . I go by flat rate manuals and will often give a discount on multiple jobs at the same time like front end or service work . it saves the costumer time and money and saves me the time to create another visit and paper work process. it drives me nuts to see shops double dipping on labor and gives mechanic a bad rap. I also recommend a shop that knows your type of vehicle , often you will pay 2-3 times more labor for a guy to diagnose and repair your car while he learns . I see this all the time with drivability problems and electrical. as far as parts on factory parts I charge suggested list price that way when ever you get checked on price your not a bad guy, I see dealerships and production shops charge 10% or more over list price and I just don't get it(list should be list on factory parts)and I have seen dealerships change the list prices to different shops this is BS. on parts from the aftermarket most reputable shops will use a matrix scale and most data systems have it built in . the lower cost parts have a higher mark up and the more the part costs the scale slides down for instance if I buy a part for $5.00 wholesale it will list for $10.00 if I buy a part for $2000.00 it will list for $2400.00. of course older folks and students or people down on there luck often get a break because I'm still human. always try to get the best parts you can for the money and don't get to hung up on the bottom line say if a shop charges $100 per hour and does good work charges you and hour and the hack down the street charges you 70 per hour and bills you for two hours witch is the better deal ? I don't know to many guys in your neck of the woods but I suggest that you give Seattle automotive Dist a call and ask for ted or paul . they can give you a recommendation for a good shop in your area.1 (800)932-3500 will get you to there warehouse. good luck.
I can't add anything that Coach didn't already say except for the part about adding other parts because you're already there. I'd use the timing belt job as a good example. While you're in there replacing the timing belt, let's replace the tensioner and the idler and the cam seals for example. My reasoning for this is as follows...if you're already in there doing all the labor, why wouldn't you spend a few more bucks on those parts while it's apart? 6 months from now if that tensioner breaks, throws the timing belt, valves smack pistons and ruins your engine, you're an owner. If the cam seals start leaking oil, you do all the labor again to fix it 6 months from now...There is no warranty on anything. Why not have that added insurance? Disclaimer...I'm at a domestic shop and do very few timing belt jobs so my example may not be totally accurate, but you get the idea.
I would just say that if you have a question on something like that just send a pm to one of the shop guys on here. I have been service writing for a day or 2. I am happy to answer any questions I can based on what I do here.
As those boys said timing belt jobs are a full meal for me , I'm not willing to hang my rep on a job that doesn't get the full kit , they only make sense. as well as wear items on jobs like ls lifter guides. the other thing I always do is head gaskets in pairs we never do one side . the other area where I do the while your at it is when i'm in a transmission as far as shift solenoids and pwm solenoids
My shop Is called Automotive Inc. 931 N . 96th Seattle 98103 (206)522-6100 Corey . With this raffle tag you may not see me many Mondays and Fridays , but I should be working late into the night every other day. Feel free to give me a call , if you guys have any questions or need referral's in the north end . often it's better to know who not to go to .
Pricing parts is interesting too:Coil pack for Lexus....Lexus dealership. 120.00Toyota dealership. 85.00Same part number.
Quote from: coachcw on August 20, 2014, 09:34:00 AMMy shop Is called Automotive Inc. 931 N . 96th Seattle 98103 (206)522-6100 Corey . With this raffle tag you may not see me many Mondays and Fridays , but I should be working late into the night every other day. Feel free to give me a call , if you guys have any questions or need referral's in the north end . often it's better to know who not to go to .Are you near 85th and Aurora by chance ? I have a friend who used to own a shop on 85th ish and he was from Thailand. He went by the name ' Mike " but his real name was Krit Muangjinda. Does that ring a bell ?
Quote from: CAMPMEAT on August 20, 2014, 02:29:39 PMQuote from: coachcw on August 20, 2014, 09:34:00 AMMy shop Is called Automotive Inc. 931 N . 96th Seattle 98103 (206)522-6100 Corey . With this raffle tag you may not see me many Mondays and Fridays , but I should be working late into the night every other day. Feel free to give me a call , if you guys have any questions or need referral's in the north end . often it's better to know who not to go to .Are you near 85th and Aurora by chance ? I have a friend who used to own a shop on 85th ish and he was from Thailand. He went by the name ' Mike " but his real name was Krit Muangjinda. Does that ring a bell ?Yeah i'm on 96th. was your buddys place mikes Japanese auto? if so he was a good guy. I'm pretty sure I've helped him on some caddy stuff.
yes I believe he is . I haven't seen him for a few months.
Quote from: coachcw on August 20, 2014, 04:06:34 PMyes I believe he is . I haven't seen him for a few months.If you see him, tell him, Steve, from High School says hi. Just tell him the guy that lived next to the " Weldings ". He'll know............Thanks
