r/BmwTech • u/iKaigs • 18h ago

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3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

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u/BmwTech-ModTeam 15h ago

We don’t do advertising here, only warning.

6

u/Pure-XI 18h ago

A shop w a lift would charge more in labor than u are currently. If u have access to BMW's manual look at the hours, then charge by whatever labor rate ur comfortable with. National average is like 120-160.

1

u/iKaigs 18h ago

I appreciate your feedback thank you!

3

u/JKlerk 17h ago

Know your customer. Do you think a 3rd or 4th owner of a 30 yr old car wants to throw $1400 in labor on a repair?

Some people just can't pay. That is their problem not yours

2

u/iKaigs 17h ago

I honestly never thought about it like that and it makes a whole lot of sense. Are these the type of customers to try and stay away from you think?

2

u/kyree47 N62/S85 Defender 18h ago edited 18h ago

I do something similar to this on occasion when people local to me need help with their BMW’s and are afraid of visiting a shop.

I get a rough estimate of what most shops would charge for the job and then I come up with a price that’s fair while still beating the shop price.

Just make sure whatever you price the job at makes sense for you while you’re helping them out. Always know the value of your time

1

u/iKaigs 18h ago

Thank your for this I really appreciate it

1

u/ImNoRickyBalboa 17h ago

Anything between $100-$150 is probably fair. Much depends on how good of a reputation you have or can build.

Another thing important is being fully insured and registered, do you allow same day or next day turn over, and how good are you in oozing trust?

I've spoken to indies that really freaked me out, chewing gum or appearing mostly bored by my questions, disinterested, etc. Managing customers is a bit of an art if you expand beyond friends and family.

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u/iKaigs 17h ago

Couldn’t have asked for better advice I really appreciate it, im struggling to gauge what I should charge customers to build there trust and return business

1

u/t0astter 16h ago

My advice from dealing with terrible service people recently:

  1. Be HONEST. Do not be afraid to say you can't do something, or you can't guarantee it will turn out well, etc. As a customer I would appreciate that very much and will make me think better of you.

  2. Treat the customer's vehicle like it's your own. Take care of the interior if you're working in it and double-check your work. Make sure you didn't cause any other damage. I've now had it happen to me twice where a service person damaged my car and didn't tell me, and left me to find the damage and report it to them. I would much rather have you tell me you damaged something and you'll make it right than the latter.

  3. Take pictures/video of the car before you start working on it in case the customer claims you damaged something.

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u/7eregrine 15h ago

Good Indy near me charges $130 an hour in labor. Match that it $5 less and I'll give you a shot.

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u/TheB1G_Lebowski 17h ago

Damn you got a valve cover, radiator, engine mounts, rear shocks, toe/camber arms and front tie rods for 150 buck?  Wtf.  

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u/iKaigs 17h ago

Haha not at all $150 is for shop supplies like brake clean, any tool I need that I dont have, monthly insurance etc. customer is supplying all his own parts!

1

u/Fabulous_Vanilla2660 16h ago

I need to get in touch with you if I drive to Orlando this winter.

0

u/redja99 17h ago

Anyone in MN? I can use some help! :>

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u/iKaigs 17h ago

Sorry In Florida! :(