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Does the customer pay for the coffee break?

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by pete04222, Sep 30, 2006.

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  1. pete04222

    pete04222 Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    613
    Maine, USA
    Full Name:
    Peter Cyr
    #1 pete04222, Sep 30, 2006
    The technicians get a coffee break at 9:00. I can see them through the glass. They all walk off the job and stand around and bull**** for 15 minutes while my car is on the lift.

    Question - Am I paying $25 or more for them to stand around? Would I be getting a better value if my appointment was at 7:00 rather than 8? Does the clock on my bill start when work actually begins or when the tech thinks he might pull it into the shop after his coffee cools down a bit?
     
  2. DrStranglove

    DrStranglove FChat Assassin
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
    31,756
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    DrS
    #2 DrStranglove, Sep 30, 2006
    Good question.

    Why did you not just ask them then?
     
  3. Whisky

    Whisky Three Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 27, 2006
    32,260
    In the flight path to Offutt
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    The original Fernando
    #3 Whisky, Sep 30, 2006
    You're going to pay one way or the other.

    I took my car in for a simple oil change to a large dealership (I know the owner - gives me a reason to brown-nose him), and I waited in the waiting area - supposed to take 30 minutes - AS SOON AS the service guy pulled my car onto the rack, he left for lunch - FOR ONE HOUR !

    Have not been back since, and yes, I told the owner. Problem is, his dealerships are so big he doesn't care, really. He acts like he does, but he doesn't.
     
  4. Detailers Paradise

    Detailers Paradise Formula Junior

    Feb 7, 2005
    316
    Denver
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    Nick
    #4 Detailers Paradise, Sep 30, 2006
    You pay by the book, not the hour. Book says a tranny is 6.5 hours. That is what you will get charged whether it takes 20 minutes, one hour or ten. Good mechanics can easily flag 80 hours in a week while working 40.
     
  5. JamesSimpson

    JamesSimpson F1 Rookie

    Jun 29, 2005
    3,629
    Toronto,CANADA
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    James Simpson
    #5 JamesSimpson, Sep 30, 2006
    exactly!
     
  6. Kds

    Kds F1 World Champ

    May 1, 2003
    10,994
    Canada and Brasil...
    #6 Kds, Sep 30, 2006
    There are straight time repair shops out there as well.............but in reality, of course you are paying for their coffee break....and their lunch as well......because somewhere, someone, is out there paying for yours......if you are going to look at it that way.
     
  7. Ciao Bello 348

    Ciao Bello 348 Formula 3

    Oct 3, 2005
    1,844
    The Garden State, US
    Full Name:
    John C
    #7 Ciao Bello 348, Sep 30, 2006
    Jobs are usually flat rate out of a book (like Chilton Guide)


    Example: R&R Water Pump, bleed system, replenish coolant 2.3 hours


    The tech will flag and charge 2.3 hours of labor. If he gets it done in 5 minutes, its still 2.3 hours. If he gets it done in 4 hours, its still 2.3 hours.


    Thats how most major shops run. Now on the maintainence end of it, oil changes/brake jobs/fluid changes, flat rate is pretty much thrown to the way side due to competition. If trans fluid change flat rate is 1.2 hours, thats $90 for labor, plus the parts. You wont be able to compete in your market charging $130.00. You might drop it down to $85 to compete. The tech will get flagged maybe .5 hours or whatever the shop works out. The tech will take a beating, but it will bring in more business and more opportunity on the repairs.
     

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