Date: Sun, 29 Apr 2007 19:49:32 -0700
Reply-To: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Subject: Mechanic vs Master Craftsman was Mechanic VS customer (i need you
imput!)
In-Reply-To: <20070429230531.68EA3BD0005@mx01.csee.onr.siteprotect.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Ben,
As you know I have been urging you privately for a long time, to raise your
rates.
It's now time for me to join the public chorus.
Stop what you are doing, put the beer down and listen carefully, because I
know it's not always easy
to get an idea in that thick French Canadian Head of yours.
Sorry for the tough love Bro .. But we're family :)
When you say "local shop rates are between 45$-60$ hr" you are comparing
apples to oranges.
Local shop rate comparisons are very valid if you are comparing good basic
mechanical, electrical etc shop work.
But .. you are quickly becoming a "MASTER CRAFTSMAN" .
You are building a "SPECIALTY BUSINESS" That is very unique and rare.
Perhaps the only place in "NORTH AMERICA"
where a we can get a complete top to bottom Vanagon restoration for under
$80,000 dollars.
Sorry GoWesty .. Big fan of your work .. No slam intended.
Your attention to detail, honesty and fairness are becoming legendary.
Let the customers waiting in que be the guide as to the fairness of your
rates.
It's like buying a nice looking kitchen cabinet from Ikea (love that store)
for $99 or
having a "Master Cabinet Maker" custom build you a cabinet out of exotic
woods for $1,000.
Apples and oranges comparison.
Let me conclude by stating the obvious.
All of us that have encouraged you to raise your rates need to get a
"Lifetime Customer Discount Coupon".
This Coupon will entitle us to any work done for the rest of our lives at
the labor rates you are charging today.
larry chase
www.roadhaus.com
- - -
Subject: Re: Mechanic VS customer (i need you imput!)
In Canada, no, on eastern, no, in Quebec most small shop rate are between
45$-60$ hr, "Shop with a view" (he he), well, those that have good spot have
rate between 60-70, dealer are as expensive. For 10K, you have a Ferrari
paint job, some my price here was fine as NO ONE want to work on Vanagon.
Ok,it's 10pm Saturday night, now, Sylvia (who help me tonight), my
girlfriend tell me stop writing a thesis and go paint those door jams... :-)
So the VEY short story is that the customer (who is a nice guy by the way)
told me that after all, was amazed by the job? just curious about that
strange color
Anyway, more pictures later
Ben