Date:         Wed, 16 Feb 2000 11:44:37 -0800
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      shop rate was Re: watching mechanics
In-Reply-To:  <010a01bf789d$d4799680$b420480c@pavilion>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 09:33 AM 02/16/2000 -0700, you wrote:
>Don't you guys charge shop rate by the book?
>

My shop rate is not in any book. It is posted on a piece of paper and
displayed. If you mean "flat rate" or published estimates.............

No, I charge actual time. I use Mitchell or Motors figures to make an
estimate. If Mitchell doesn't list a time for the contemplated work, I
review the procedures and make a best guess. I can beat these estimates the
great majority of the time. If my actual time exceeds the book estimate, I
bill it if there is a specific reason it took longer i.e. following some
pretty poor doityourselfism like an axel nut that has been destroyed by
several pipe joint pliers attempts at removal with no success, or
JurisRigusElectricus, as examples.

Consequently, my estimates are higher than any of the bottom feeders and a
large percentage of invoices actually cost less than the estimate.  I
replaced a tie-rod end last week that was estimated to include a full
alignment if necessary. Two interations for toe and camber check showed in
spec. Estimate was $135 and work completed and billed was $82. That is
every bit as rare as the 1 hour estimated procedure that takes two to
address unknown required extra time to get results.

As to clients watching, it depends on the motives of the person. If they
are scared silly they are going to get ripped off, I give them references
to allay their fears before agreeing to work for them. If they are in love
with their machine and want more knowledge, I am happy to provide such
additional value at no more or less than the standard rate. I have had very
few requests for 'can I watch'. If and when I do have such a request, I ask
them why they need or want to watch. Whether I allow same depends on the
answer as well of my personal knowledge of the individual.

>Karl Wolz
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Doktor Tim" <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Monday, February 14, 2000 12:46 PM
>Subject: Re: watching mechanics (a totally different question)

>> At 12:11 PM 02/14/2000 EST, you wrote:
>> >I do this for customers who want to watch me change a waterpump, etc.
>> >I usually don't have a problem with it except it takes a little longer
>since
>> >the person is asking questions, etc.  But they are paying by the hour so
>it's
>> >their time :)
>> >
>> >Thanks,
>> >Ken Wilford
>>
>> Ditto that.
>>
>>
>> T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
>> San Juan Island, WA
>
>
T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
San Juan Island, WA