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Service Prices
#1
H
hlw49
H
hlw49
All you guys out there that do mower repair for a living just wondering how much labor you charge for a typical service. Air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, oil change, spark plugs. Sharpen blades clean mower, air up tires etc.
#2
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
Talk about a loaded question??? Lot of variables. Engine bland and size, unit brand and size, OEM or aftermarket parts, urban or rural location, part of the country, charge by job or hour, experience of the mechanic, etc. Best I can tell you is our hourly rate. $75.00 for the brands we carry, $85.00 for all other brands.
#3
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
I charge set fees according the the warranty scheduled hours at my rate of $ 72 /hr ( Aus ) + parts for general servicing of a mower that is running when it comes in.
For repairs it is scheduled time +1 hour for diagnosis
When a customer tries to get one over on me then it is + 2 hours .
Call outs are 1/2 hour minimum + parts
Just cleaned some wood chips out of the brake linkage on a LX Deer that was preventing the brake activating the switch so that was a 1 hour charge
Then found the solder on battery ground terminal had been crimped with a hammer so it came back with me for cleaning & soldering and that will be another hour
I don't have to make rent or hourly rate so I don't clock jobs do if I don't feel up to scratch I can go slow .
If pressed for a price I tell the customer from $ 300 to $ 600 for a SERVICE and double that for repairs .
For repairs it is scheduled time +1 hour for diagnosis
When a customer tries to get one over on me then it is + 2 hours .
Call outs are 1/2 hour minimum + parts
Just cleaned some wood chips out of the brake linkage on a LX Deer that was preventing the brake activating the switch so that was a 1 hour charge
Then found the solder on battery ground terminal had been crimped with a hammer so it came back with me for cleaning & soldering and that will be another hour
I don't have to make rent or hourly rate so I don't clock jobs do if I don't feel up to scratch I can go slow .
If pressed for a price I tell the customer from $ 300 to $ 600 for a SERVICE and double that for repairs .
#4
shurguywutt
shurguywutt
OEM parts on the service you mentioned could run fifty to a couple hundred bucks alone depending on the mower/brand.
#5
ILENGINE
ILENGINE
For my area a basic rider tune up with the parts you mentions will get you in the ballpark of $150-200, but that is just a gateway to other things like wheel bearing replacement, idler pulley replacement, belt replacement and other repairs which can easily push the spring tune up into the $400 range.
Good example is a rider that came in yesterday for a spring tune up or basically off season tune up. Needs a deck belt due to the customer tying the discharge chute up and rubbing the belt, needs spark plug, air filter, oil, oil filter etc. But also has worn wheel bushing on the right side with the right steering spindle being worn adding to the front wheel issues, and the cast iron axle bushing are worn allowing the axle to move around throwing the steering into a toe out issue. Have to remove the deck, muffler, and front deck hanger to drop the axle. So tune up just went up another $200.
Good example is a rider that came in yesterday for a spring tune up or basically off season tune up. Needs a deck belt due to the customer tying the discharge chute up and rubbing the belt, needs spark plug, air filter, oil, oil filter etc. But also has worn wheel bushing on the right side with the right steering spindle being worn adding to the front wheel issues, and the cast iron axle bushing are worn allowing the axle to move around throwing the steering into a toe out issue. Have to remove the deck, muffler, and front deck hanger to drop the axle. So tune up just went up another $200.
#6
4getgto
4getgto
I do a bit on the side and know a typical tune up kits can easily run $50 alone.
So $2-$3 hundred range isn't out of hand.
The days of the $50 service jobs are long gone..
So $2-$3 hundred range isn't out of hand.
The days of the $50 service jobs are long gone..
#7
H
hlw49
H
hlw49
Talk about a loaded question??? Lot of variables. Engine bland and size, unit brand and size, OEM or aftermarket parts, urban or rural location, part of the country, charge by job or hour, experience of the mechanic, etc. Best I can tell you is our hourly rate. $75.00 for the brands we carry, $85.00 for all other brands.
#8
H
hlw49
H
hlw49
For the basic service and the parts mentioned we get $100.00 plus the price of the parts. Not enough? Too much? Just would like to know how we stand with the rest of the world.
#9
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
Way too cheap
A full service, including the things that most shops do not do like remover the blower housing to clean the fins , pull the rocker cover to check valve lash and the rear wheels to grease the axels and you are looking at the better part of 4 hours
Unless you are charging for every nut , bolt & washer, shop fuel , shop rags then you are going backwards
A full service, including the things that most shops do not do like remover the blower housing to clean the fins , pull the rocker cover to check valve lash and the rear wheels to grease the axels and you are looking at the better part of 4 hours
Unless you are charging for every nut , bolt & washer, shop fuel , shop rags then you are going backwards
#10
Hammermechanicman
Hammermechanicman
I am $40/hr plus parts plus pickup and delivery. A typical riding mower is around $150 for annual maint. Most dealers around me are $75 to $98 per hour. My overhead is very low so my profit margin is actually much higher than any of the shops around me.
#11
StarTech
StarTech
I am @ $55 due low overhead too but it barely pay the bills. Spring and Summer months are more profitable but it is a starvation mode during the winter months with a few ATV and chainsaws repairs. Otherwords I make a profit during the Summer but have a negative income during the Winter even though I make a profit on the repairs themselves.
As for annual maintenance I don't have a fixed fee as there is way too many things that can be wrong with a piece of equipment so I bill accordingly to what has to be done.
It is sorta like the Z830A that I just finished up. Came in with broken muffler and engine loose with oil leaks. Engine had to be removed and cleaned first. Repaired oil leaks and welded muffler. Then the fun part started as to remove broken bolt that someone had already tried to remove. I was just going to Heli coil the Kawasaki oil pan three mounting screws holes but found the engine deck holes already worn out to 7/16"+ so went with tapping out to 1/2-13 threaded holes and brought the engine deck holes to 1/2" too. I took an hour just to tap three holes along buying a bottoming tap because they were 1-1/4 deep. New flange head bolts purchased. Engine remounted and use thread lock on the new bolts. Reinstall the muffler after the studs were replaced which one was stuck. More time. At least I had the JIS 8mm hex nuts in stock, no clearance for none JIS nuts.[no room for a standard 13mm socket, it had to be 12mm socket] After I got everything back together and started the engine that is when I found out I had an idler pulley with bad bearings. We couldn't hear the bearing noise with the muffler completely broken off. End of the story is the customer now has a $375 billed just because four loose engine mounting screws. I should charge for the job but I use the mower to cut my lawn that was overgrown as my personal has bad shorted starter and I allowed for that use. Maybe I can get it back together Sunday as I got some three foot tall grass to cut when things dries out again.
As for annual maintenance I don't have a fixed fee as there is way too many things that can be wrong with a piece of equipment so I bill accordingly to what has to be done.
It is sorta like the Z830A that I just finished up. Came in with broken muffler and engine loose with oil leaks. Engine had to be removed and cleaned first. Repaired oil leaks and welded muffler. Then the fun part started as to remove broken bolt that someone had already tried to remove. I was just going to Heli coil the Kawasaki oil pan three mounting screws holes but found the engine deck holes already worn out to 7/16"+ so went with tapping out to 1/2-13 threaded holes and brought the engine deck holes to 1/2" too. I took an hour just to tap three holes along buying a bottoming tap because they were 1-1/4 deep. New flange head bolts purchased. Engine remounted and use thread lock on the new bolts. Reinstall the muffler after the studs were replaced which one was stuck. More time. At least I had the JIS 8mm hex nuts in stock, no clearance for none JIS nuts.[no room for a standard 13mm socket, it had to be 12mm socket] After I got everything back together and started the engine that is when I found out I had an idler pulley with bad bearings. We couldn't hear the bearing noise with the muffler completely broken off. End of the story is the customer now has a $375 billed just because four loose engine mounting screws. I should charge for the job but I use the mower to cut my lawn that was overgrown as my personal has bad shorted starter and I allowed for that use. Maybe I can get it back together Sunday as I got some three foot tall grass to cut when things dries out again.
#12
bkeller500
bkeller500
As a consumer, none of us want to get hit with a $400-$500 repair for our mowers and tractors. It just dose not seem to settle well. But we don't have the tools, the time, the skills, the knowledge, the lifts, the work shop, or the other resources. We might have a couple of those but most not all. Having a nearby shop that we can trust t take care of us is very convenient. And that shop owner has to make some money to keep that shop open for when we need him. Hat's off to you guys that take care of us and put up with our problems and fix them for us.
#13
R
rustycat
R
rustycat
I get $20 for lawn mowers and $60 for lawn tractors.All you guys out there that do mower repair for a living just wondering how much labor you charge for a typical service. Air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, oil change, spark plugs. Sharpen blades clean mower, air up tires etc.
#14
H
hlw49
H
hlw49
Well a lot of these types of things could be avoided if the customer would do a pre-mow check of the equipment before they mow. I have seen them come in with the engine almost falling off the mower and they did not have a clue there was anything wrong. Hear them drive them in and the engine rattling from lack of oil. Or a T-Box screaming form lack of gear oil and they wonder why the splines on the pump and t-box stripped out and you have to replace the t-box and both pumps because the original parts are nla and they have to update to the new style. That one is really expensive to fix. Around $2,000.00. Or they threw a rod through the the side of the block because they ran it low of oil and it needs a new engine. Did one this summer that customer spent $5,000.00 to replace the engine on a mower that would cost over $12,000.00 to replace the mower.As a consumer, none of us want to get hit with a $400-$500 repair for our mowers and tractors. It just dose not seem to settle well. But we don't have the tools, the time, the skills, the knowledge, the lifts, the work shop, or the other resources. We might have a couple of those but most not all. Having a nearby shop that we can trust t take care of us is very convenient. And that shop owner has to make some money to keep that shop open for when we need him. Hat's off to you guys that take care of us and put up with our problems and fix them for us.
#15
H
hlw49
H
hlw49
Don't shoot yourself in the foot and work for nothing. What are the other shops getting an adjust your price accordingly.I get $20 for lawn mowers and $60 for lawn tractors.
#16
ILENGINE
ILENGINE
A lot of the time those repair cost is due to ongoing lack of maintenance. those are the type that will run their mower until it doesn't start and has to be pushed onto the trailer. Then you find out the battery is bad, needs all the drive belts replaced, bearings are out on at least one spindle, the blades needed replaced two years ago, and after getting the mower started you discover that there is a bad ignition module, or has dropped a push rod due to the mouse nest, and the voltage regulator isn't charging the battery.As a consumer, none of us want to get hit with a $400-$500 repair for our mowers and tractors. It just dose not seem to settle well. But we don't have the tools, the time, the skills, the knowledge, the lifts, the work shop, or the other resources. We might have a couple of those but most not all. Having a nearby shop that we can trust t take care of us is very convenient. And that shop owner has to make some money to keep that shop open for when we need him. Hat's off to you guys that take care of us and put up with our problems and fix them for us.
#17
D
DK35vince
As a consumer I have everything I need to maintain our own car, truck, tractor, mowers. (the time is sometime difficult, but I'll manage)
D
DK35vince
As a consumer, none of us want to get hit with a $400-$500 repair for our mowers and tractors. It just dose not seem to settle well. But we don't have the tools, the time, the skills, the knowledge, the lifts, the work shop, or the other resources. We might have a couple of those but most not all. Having a nearby shop that we can trust t take care of us is very convenient. And that shop owner has to make some money to keep that shop open for when we need him. Hat's off to you guys that take care of us and put up with our problems and fix them for us.
Speak for yourselfAs a consumer, none of us want to get hit with a $400-$500 repair for our mowers and tractors. It just dose not seem to settle well. But we don't have the tools, the time, the skills, the knowledge, the lifts, the work shop, or the other resources. We might have a couple of those but most not all.
As a consumer I have everything I need to maintain our own car, truck, tractor, mowers. (the time is sometime difficult, but I'll manage)
#18
B
bertsmobile1
Also I knw when they oil filter was changed, I know the oil was changed last year and will be dome next year so I am happy to leave the filter for 4 or 5 years.
Similar story with fuel filters .
I also know when things are starting to become a problem so I will change the starter pinion for $ 30 because if let go it will be a new starter or even a flywheel.
B
bertsmobile1
People who come in for annual service get a better price & pay a lot less because as Star has just made very clear, small things undetected can lead to major repairs.As a consumer, none of us want to get hit with a $400-$500 repair for our mowers and tractors. It just dose not seem to settle well. But we don't have the tools, the time, the skills, the knowledge, the lifts, the work shop, or the other resources. We might have a couple of those but most not all. Having a nearby shop that we can trust t take care of us is very convenient. And that shop owner has to make some money to keep that shop open for when we need him. Hat's off to you guys that take care of us and put up with our problems and fix them for us.
Also I knw when they oil filter was changed, I know the oil was changed last year and will be dome next year so I am happy to leave the filter for 4 or 5 years.
Similar story with fuel filters .
I also know when things are starting to become a problem so I will change the starter pinion for $ 30 because if let go it will be a new starter or even a flywheel.
#19
bkeller500
bkeller500
I did speak for my self and a bunch of other's that don't have what you have. You invested in yourself ( congratulations) and you acquired some skills and are independent.......good for you. But if you add up the cost of doing so, you may have spent more than you would have by using a local repair shop. Have you saved some money....maybe so. Maybe a lot. But not every lawn mower owner is going to be able to do as you did.Speak for yourself
As a consumer I have everything I need to maintain our own car, truck, tractor, mowers. (the time is sometime difficult, but I'll manage)
#20
StarTech
It is price that I have to pay in order to do this type of work. I buy the needed tool(s) for a particular job just hoping that I will need them later for other jobs.
StarTech
Because some of us have well over $10K invested in tools alone to run a shop to those that don't have the right tools . I, myself got over $7K in tools and storage cabinets and they are not even major brands. Just two of my 44" tool cabinets over were over $1,000 a piece. Of course there are those custom made tools that I got too. One of these days I sit down add them all up. At least they are usable for other things to too Like using one the 2" wrench to throw a rope high in a tree so it can be anchor to prevent it falling the wrong way as I cut the tree down or to fine tune a customer's attitude.I did speak for my self and a bunch of other's that don't have what you have. You invested in yourself ( congratulations) and you acquired some skills and are independent.......good for you. But if you add up the cost of doing so, you may have spent more than you would have by using a local repair shop. Have you saved some money....maybe so. Maybe a lot. But not every lawn mower owner is going to be able to do as you did.
It is price that I have to pay in order to do this type of work. I buy the needed tool(s) for a particular job just hoping that I will need them later for other jobs.
#21
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
Bkeller, you make some valuable points, but you missed one key one. Every professional is deeply invested in themselves in their chosen occupation. It may be thousands of dollars in education, thousands of dollars in capital equipment, thousands of dollars in tools, etc. Take a look in the truck of your HVAC service tech, plumber, electrician, etc. and you will see their investment, not counting their time getting to the point where they can come to your place to service your needs. I don’t hear a complaint about their rates when they have to help your solve a problem you can’t handle. Don’t complain about a small engine service guy charging you $100.00 an hour for service when you can do it yourself. I’ll bet you will gladly pay a little more to hire anyone who will provide you a quality product or service the first time. I just paid $1700.00 to have my well pump replaced. I couldn’t do it myself, so I had to hire someone. Pump cost $725.00 and the job took 3 hours for two guys to complete. Is that rate too high, not after I saw how professional they preformed their job. Now if you see someone charging an excessive rate and not doing a quality job, I’m behind you 1000%. Just my normally wrong opinion.
#22
StarTech
StarTech
I imagine a lot the professional techs here have done exactly what Rivets said. I personally am self trained for the most part. Even then I have and still do put in a lot time learning equipment ins and outs. Yes it takes a lot longer on a project that I never seen before but where the customer gets a benefit as I charge only what I figure it would taken if I knew that equipment.
It is like a Cam Am ATV I repaired a few years ago. I had to replace the rear universal joints. The first it took 4-5 hours to do the job and I billed for one hour, chalking the rest of the time to training expense. Of course I had go right back in the next day as the drive shaft wasn't clocked properly but that was done by the previous and I had just reassembled as it came out per my witness marks. That time it took less than one hour to disassembly and reassemble rear end.
So yes we all at times spend extra time on a repair job especially if it is a new type of repair. These are non billable hours.
And even the mechanic that works for the other man has a lot invested in his abilities and tools. It is called a career for a reason as we invest a lot of ourselves in it. Even after 40 yrs I am still learning new things. What irritates me is the DIYer that passes themselves as a professional mechanic of the equipment they are repairing.
I think there is an old saying that we work for the other man for 8 hrs a day to become our own boss then work 12-16 hrs per day. Last night for an example I was still up at midnight researching a problem. The shop was closed at 6 PM. I am even on here today working on another problem in between doing housework [cleaning, cooking, and laundry], grocery shopping, and yard work of my own.
It is like a Cam Am ATV I repaired a few years ago. I had to replace the rear universal joints. The first it took 4-5 hours to do the job and I billed for one hour, chalking the rest of the time to training expense. Of course I had go right back in the next day as the drive shaft wasn't clocked properly but that was done by the previous and I had just reassembled as it came out per my witness marks. That time it took less than one hour to disassembly and reassemble rear end.
So yes we all at times spend extra time on a repair job especially if it is a new type of repair. These are non billable hours.
And even the mechanic that works for the other man has a lot invested in his abilities and tools. It is called a career for a reason as we invest a lot of ourselves in it. Even after 40 yrs I am still learning new things. What irritates me is the DIYer that passes themselves as a professional mechanic of the equipment they are repairing.
I think there is an old saying that we work for the other man for 8 hrs a day to become our own boss then work 12-16 hrs per day. Last night for an example I was still up at midnight researching a problem. The shop was closed at 6 PM. I am even on here today working on another problem in between doing housework [cleaning, cooking, and laundry], grocery shopping, and yard work of my own.
#23
Hammermechanicman
Hammermechanicman
I have had very few customers think what i have charged them be out of line. Most folks are suprised how much equipment and tools i have if they see my 24x24 little shop. Some folks have asked how much i have invested in tools and equipment. They are suprised when i tell them over 25k. There is a shop about 10 miles from me run by a real nice fellow. He charges twice what i do which is not out of line since he is renting a building. He has less tools and equip than me but he gets the job done. Is his work worth $80 an hour vs my $40 an hour? I guess that is up to his customers. He is still in business so i guess so. If you can service you own equipment that's great but the average joe or jill can't and they are usually willing to pay someone to just pick it up fix it and bring it back and they don't over think it or lose sleep over a lawn mower. The big dealerships around me all charge $98/hr and $100 pickup and delivery and during spring till fall they are backed up on service for 4 to 6 weeks. Most the stuff i work on they would not even touch. Lots of folks are willing to pay $300 to $400 to have the JD dealer do annual service on a lawnmower. I will do pretty much the same thing for around half that. Who is the better deal? Since the dealer gets over 100 times more work than me must be them. I guess it is all how you look at it.
#24
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
This rather reminds me of an old joke that goes rather like this
A farmer arrives at a remote water trough & finds the windmill jambed, trough empty & stock near death from thirst.
He spends all day & all night working on the windmil but just can not get it to pump water
So he calls the local stock & station agent to get them to send out the windmill technician
The tech arrives , wets his finger , places it into the wind then grasps the pipe in one bare hand
He then goes to his truck , gets a 12' ladders and a No 4 hammer, climbs the ladder, strikes the outer case and Blow me down, water starts to issue from the pump.
He packs up , the farmer thanks him & they drive away
A week latter he gets a bill for $ 568 and is ropeable as all the tech did was hit the case with a hammer and any one could have done that including himself.
He rang the stock & Station agent to check & they confirmed the $ 568 was the correct amount, so he demanded a detailed itemised account
The following arrived .
1) receive phone call, stop what I was currently doing and render it safe till I returned $ 5
2) drive 240 kilometers to do an on site job @ 20 ¢/km $ 48
3) diagnose the problem $ 5
4) Unload tools & set up ladder $ 5
5) striking outer case $ 5
6) knowing exactly where to strike outer case and what size hammer to use $ 500
And this is the case with mower repairs, any one can do it, it does not require a high degree of skill but you do need to know what to do & why you are doing it which the average machine owner does not
And FWIW, the local JD Dealer has a sandwich board out front which reads
"Pre-season safety check
Special price $ 275"
This does not include any actual work all you get for $ 275 is a piece of paper with a list of what needs to be done and the priority levels for doing them
One of the multi brand franchises has a similar sign except they are doing a bigger discount only charging $ 250 and giving a $ 50 gift voucher if you proceed with the work
As far as I can see it is just a clever way of doing repair quotes while making the customer think they are getting some thing.
and FWIW both of those prices are higher than my regular service fee .
A farmer arrives at a remote water trough & finds the windmill jambed, trough empty & stock near death from thirst.
He spends all day & all night working on the windmil but just can not get it to pump water
So he calls the local stock & station agent to get them to send out the windmill technician
The tech arrives , wets his finger , places it into the wind then grasps the pipe in one bare hand
He then goes to his truck , gets a 12' ladders and a No 4 hammer, climbs the ladder, strikes the outer case and Blow me down, water starts to issue from the pump.
He packs up , the farmer thanks him & they drive away
A week latter he gets a bill for $ 568 and is ropeable as all the tech did was hit the case with a hammer and any one could have done that including himself.
He rang the stock & Station agent to check & they confirmed the $ 568 was the correct amount, so he demanded a detailed itemised account
The following arrived .
1) receive phone call, stop what I was currently doing and render it safe till I returned $ 5
2) drive 240 kilometers to do an on site job @ 20 ¢/km $ 48
3) diagnose the problem $ 5
4) Unload tools & set up ladder $ 5
5) striking outer case $ 5
6) knowing exactly where to strike outer case and what size hammer to use $ 500
And this is the case with mower repairs, any one can do it, it does not require a high degree of skill but you do need to know what to do & why you are doing it which the average machine owner does not
And FWIW, the local JD Dealer has a sandwich board out front which reads
"Pre-season safety check
Special price $ 275"
This does not include any actual work all you get for $ 275 is a piece of paper with a list of what needs to be done and the priority levels for doing them
One of the multi brand franchises has a similar sign except they are doing a bigger discount only charging $ 250 and giving a $ 50 gift voucher if you proceed with the work
As far as I can see it is just a clever way of doing repair quotes while making the customer think they are getting some thing.
and FWIW both of those prices are higher than my regular service fee .
#25
Hammermechanicman
I do some IT consulting for a select few customers. Just this week at one account the payroll oerson at the account forgot how to add a new employee to the sofware and send the info to the time clock and called me. 15 minute drive out and 3 mouse clicks and 15 minute drive home. Total time about 35 minutes. I charged them $150.
Hammermechanicman
This rather reminds me of an old joke that goes rather like this
A farmer arrives at a remote water trough & finds the windmill jambed, trough empty & stock near death from thirst.
He spends all day & all night working on the windmil but just can not get it to pump water
So he calls the local stock & station agent to get them to send out the windmill technician
The tech arrives , wets his finger , places it into the wind then grasps the pipe in one bare hand
He then goes to his truck , gets a 12' ladders and a No 4 hammer, climbs the ladder, strikes the outer case and Blow me down, water starts to issue from the pump.
He packs up , the farmer thanks him & they drive away
A week latter he gets a bill for $ 568 and is ropeable as all the tech did was hit the case with a hammer and any one could have done that including himself.
He rang the stock & Station agent to check & they confirmed the $ 568 was the correct amount, so he demanded a detailed itemised account
The following arrived .
1) receive phone call, stop what I was currently doing and render it safe till I returned $ 5
2) drive 240 kilometers to do an on site job @ 20 ¢/km $ 48
3) diagnose the problem $ 5
4) Unload tools & set up ladder $ 5
5) striking outer case $ 5
6) knowing exactly where to strike outer case and what size hammer to use $ 500
And this is the case with mower repairs, any one can do it, it does not require a high degree of skill but you do need to know what to do & why you are doing it which the average machine owner does not
And FWIW, the local JD Dealer has a sandwich board out front which reads
"Pre-season safety check
Special price $ 275"
This does not include any actual work all you get for $ 275 is a piece of paper with a list of what needs to be done and the priority levels for doing them
One of the multi brand franchises has a similar sign except they are doing a bigger discount only charging $ 250 and giving a $ 50 gift voucher if you proceed with the work
As far as I can see it is just a clever way of doing repair quotes while making the customer think they are getting some thing.
and FWIW both of those prices are higher than my regular service fee .
I do some IT consulting for a select few customers. Just this week at one account the payroll oerson at the account forgot how to add a new employee to the sofware and send the info to the time clock and called me. 15 minute drive out and 3 mouse clicks and 15 minute drive home. Total time about 35 minutes. I charged them $150.
#26
H
hlw49
H
hlw49
Sounds to me like you are selling yourself short and not charging enough. Afraid your customers will leave you and go to one of the higher priced shops? I think not. Is there anyone in your area that is cheaper than you? Then they might go to them if there is.I have had very few customers think what i have charged them be out of line. Most folks are suprised how much equipment and tools i have if they see my 24x24 little shop. Some folks have asked how much i have invested in tools and equipment. They are suprised when i tell them over 25k. There is a shop about 10 miles from me run by a real nice fellow. He charges twice what i do which is not out of line since he is renting a building. He has less tools and equip than me but he gets the job done. Is his work worth $80 an hour vs my $40 an hour? I guess that is up to his customers. He is still in business so i guess so. If you can service you own equipment that's great but the average joe or jill can't and they are usually willing to pay someone to just pick it up fix it and bring it back and they don't over think it or lose sleep over a lawn mower. The big dealerships around me all charge $98/hr and $100 pickup and delivery and during spring till fall they are backed up on service for 4 to 6 weeks. Most the stuff i work on they would not even touch. Lots of folks are willing to pay $300 to $400 to have the JD dealer do annual service on a lawnmower. I will do pretty much the same thing for around half that. Who is the better deal? Since the dealer gets over 100 times more work than me must be them. I guess it is all how you look at it.
#27
shurguywutt
shurguywutt
I have found the trades in my area have been terrible.
High prices, low quality work, there have been many times I have hired a professional to come out and do a job and then after they are finished and paid, I have to go back and fix something myself.
It really gives meaning to "if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."
I am sure there are some good tradesman out there that take pride in their work, but from my experience at least, they are few and far between.
High prices, low quality work, there have been many times I have hired a professional to come out and do a job and then after they are finished and paid, I have to go back and fix something myself.
It really gives meaning to "if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."
I am sure there are some good tradesman out there that take pride in their work, but from my experience at least, they are few and far between.
#28
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
You want more than a few good tradesmen in your area, do your part. Every time you find a good one, become their biggest advocate. If we keep bad mouthing the tradesmen, it will only get worse, as the next generation will hear you and not want to enter the trades. Aren’t we starting to see that already? Let everyone you know that you highly recommend them and why. Isn’t that how you grew your business? I’m asked at least once a week who I would recommend to do certain jobs and I’ve got no problem saying those I feel are good and bad. I’ve found that one hand washes the other. Even though I’m 70+ years old and 95% retired, the good ones still recommend me to their customers. If they are really good I even offer to pay for the job if they are not satisfied. Had to do so once when a guy didn’t like his meal at my favorite restaurant, but the owner and I worked it out.
#29
Hammermechanicman
Hammermechanicman
Do quality work and treat people right and they will be happy to pay for your services.
Do bad work and treat people poorly you will soon be out of business.
Whatever your skillset is strive to improve it every day. If you don't it means you really don't care.
$.02
Do bad work and treat people poorly you will soon be out of business.
Whatever your skillset is strive to improve it every day. If you don't it means you really don't care.
$.02
#30
StarTech
StarTech
Getting talented young folks in trade is a lot harder nowadays than in the past. Just much going on in theirs lives during the most critical time. This start at home allowing them to help. Then getting them in technical schools in high school to give them the basic training. We got to have grownups that are willing to recognize talent when they see it and guide the young ones into the respective field of learning a trade.
I started helping my step dad when I was a youngster going to first and second grade. He had me helping assembling V8s and then later constantly giving me puzzles to figure out. That gave me the bug to work on things. Even before I got into trade school I was working on my own equipment. Getting into high school trade school was a challenge as at the trade fair the recruiters were trying to talk me out of it because I was wanting go into the electronics field but I knew I was needing the training.
After I got out high school I took on an apprentice job (actually more like a regular job) working on office equipment. Something I never seen before I started. I spent 8 year learning that trade while further my skills otherwise working on vehicles and other equipment including the company's vehicles. Then I changed job due deteriorating work conditions and went into working on forms handling and financial equipment. I did that until the corporate fad of reducing the work force came along. From there I did got into the scrape metal processing business. That peter out when the economy turn sour and everybody tried to get into it. It just was worth it to get into fist fights over scrapes. That when I started my small engine repair business.
I do understand how the consumer can get a bad impression of repair shops as many of the larger shops just hire just anybody that can turn wrench as they just looking for a parts replacer. They prefer personnel that knows less than they do to do the work. Sorry business owners that the impression I got trying to find work after I deem redundant by Standard Register. Every place I went afterwards I was either over qualified or didn't have the certification they wanted. All I was wanting a job doing what I knew how to do. Most companies were actually afraid to hire me. I wasn't even wanting to go into business for as I knew all the headaches that I would face.
An example is the JD dealer that had tech so bad it was an embarrassment to me. When they start telling that their engine don't have oil pump even through the oil pressure light is flashing low oil pressure. My current customer came to me upon referral by another customer about the problem. It turn out to be a bad oil pressure sensor..
What got me out with them was when I had a Stihl warranty repair that they couldn't fix. The tech didn't even know how to test the two cycle engine. I received the hedger back in about the same condition as I took it in except they left the plug wire off. That when I decided just to repair it myself. It turned out the hedger was dieseling due a bad spark plug.
As for getting a reputation, do poor work and the word gets faster than when you do good work. Personally the only advertising I do is done by my customer referrals.
I started helping my step dad when I was a youngster going to first and second grade. He had me helping assembling V8s and then later constantly giving me puzzles to figure out. That gave me the bug to work on things. Even before I got into trade school I was working on my own equipment. Getting into high school trade school was a challenge as at the trade fair the recruiters were trying to talk me out of it because I was wanting go into the electronics field but I knew I was needing the training.
After I got out high school I took on an apprentice job (actually more like a regular job) working on office equipment. Something I never seen before I started. I spent 8 year learning that trade while further my skills otherwise working on vehicles and other equipment including the company's vehicles. Then I changed job due deteriorating work conditions and went into working on forms handling and financial equipment. I did that until the corporate fad of reducing the work force came along. From there I did got into the scrape metal processing business. That peter out when the economy turn sour and everybody tried to get into it. It just was worth it to get into fist fights over scrapes. That when I started my small engine repair business.
I do understand how the consumer can get a bad impression of repair shops as many of the larger shops just hire just anybody that can turn wrench as they just looking for a parts replacer. They prefer personnel that knows less than they do to do the work. Sorry business owners that the impression I got trying to find work after I deem redundant by Standard Register. Every place I went afterwards I was either over qualified or didn't have the certification they wanted. All I was wanting a job doing what I knew how to do. Most companies were actually afraid to hire me. I wasn't even wanting to go into business for as I knew all the headaches that I would face.
An example is the JD dealer that had tech so bad it was an embarrassment to me. When they start telling that their engine don't have oil pump even through the oil pressure light is flashing low oil pressure. My current customer came to me upon referral by another customer about the problem. It turn out to be a bad oil pressure sensor..
What got me out with them was when I had a Stihl warranty repair that they couldn't fix. The tech didn't even know how to test the two cycle engine. I received the hedger back in about the same condition as I took it in except they left the plug wire off. That when I decided just to repair it myself. It turned out the hedger was dieseling due a bad spark plug.
As for getting a reputation, do poor work and the word gets faster than when you do good work. Personally the only advertising I do is done by my customer referrals.
#31
bkeller500
bkeller500
I am all in for hiring competent service guys to do the things I cannot do. In fact my earlier post was meant to say just that. Most of us do not have the time, space, finances or skills to do a lot of those tasks. We do what we can and we depend on others skills to do what we can't. As I stated earlier, Hat's off to the guys that do the service work when we need them. Like a earlier post stated, if we are treated fairly we will gladly pay for the work done and gladly move on. To the guys that are trying to provide service and make a living doing so........all we ask is that you kindly explain what needs to be done and that you do it at a fair price. If you have to diagnose to find the problem, that time should be chargeable too. Treat others as you would want to be treated and you will do fine. When I ran my business everyone got a fair deal, even if they did not realize it.Bkeller, you make some valuable points, but you missed one key one. Every professional is deeply invested in themselves in their chosen occupation. It may be thousands of dollars in education, thousands of dollars in capital equipment, thousands of dollars in tools, etc. Take a look in the truck of your HVAC service tech, plumber, electrician, etc. and you will see their investment, not counting their time getting to the point where they can come to your place to service your needs. I don’t hear a complaint about their rates when they have to help your solve a problem you can’t handle. Don’t complain about a small engine service guy charging you $100.00 an hour for service when you can do it yourself. I’ll bet you will gladly pay a little more to hire anyone who will provide you a quality product or service the first time. I just paid $1700.00 to have my well pump replaced. I couldn’t do it myself, so I had to hire someone. Pump cost $725.00 and the job took 3 hours for two guys to complete. Is that rate too high, not after I saw how professional they preformed their job. Now if you see someone charging an excessive rate and not doing a quality job, I’m behind you 1000%. Just my normally wrong opinion.
#32
Mower King
Mower King
Nobody likes being charged a lot of money for any repair, especially after they pay and the problem is not repaired......but if it is repaired, they don't mind it "as" bad.
Just remember, you can't always please everyone.....no matter what you do, even if you do a lot of it..... for free!
Just remember, you can't always please everyone.....no matter what you do, even if you do a lot of it..... for free!
#33
B
bertsmobile1
Down here you have to get an electrical compliance certificate because real estate agents are so crooked ( gas ones too if gas is fitted ).
When the electrician checked the wiring he finished off with "Your husband did a good job on the wiring didn't he ?"
She naturally had to deny this because it is illegal to do your own, even if you are a licensed tradie
She then said the electrician was an old family friend so what made you think my husband did it
"No commercial electrician would do the job so neat & carefully " was the reply.
B
bertsmobile1
When we split up the missus sold the house.I have found the trades in my area have been terrible.
High prices, low quality work, there have been many times I have hired a professional to come out and do a job and then after they are finished and paid, I have to go back and fix something myself.
It really gives meaning to "if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."
I am sure there are some good tradesman out there that take pride in their work, but from my experience at least, they are few and far between.
Down here you have to get an electrical compliance certificate because real estate agents are so crooked ( gas ones too if gas is fitted ).
When the electrician checked the wiring he finished off with "Your husband did a good job on the wiring didn't he ?"
She naturally had to deny this because it is illegal to do your own, even if you are a licensed tradie
She then said the electrician was an old family friend so what made you think my husband did it
"No commercial electrician would do the job so neat & carefully " was the reply.
#34
grumpygrizzly
grumpygrizzly
I'm happy just buying those chainsaws/blowers, weed whackers, that "ran last year" that they can't get running this year so they go buy a new one and try to "pawn the non-runner off" at the wifes yard sale.
I've picked up Stihl Chainsaws, a still leaf blower, Husqvarna leaf blowers, you name it. The best weekend I had was a few weeks ago when I saw two identical Husqvarna leaf blowers at a yard sale and the guy wanted $10 each. It was late in the afternoon and I told him I'd give him $10 for the pair. Sold.. Very next sale I found a Stihl Leaf Blower, asked the guy how much he wanted, he says "Just take it, I can't get it running..
All three of those leaf blowers went through my initial testing where I dump the gas, pull the plug, run my wire wheel over the plug to clean it, fresh fuel, little shot of ether in the spark plug hole to make sure it fires..
All three started on the 2nd pull.
I can sell that Stihl all day for $100 to lawn maintenance crew, at least $60 each for the Husqvarnas..
If any of them wouldn't have started, I'd part them out and wait for the next lot to see if they needed parts.
Word of advice. If you see anything with RYOBI on it, run, DO NOT WALK, away as fast as you can. For me, those are the bottom of the line for 2 stroke engines..
I've picked up Stihl Chainsaws, a still leaf blower, Husqvarna leaf blowers, you name it. The best weekend I had was a few weeks ago when I saw two identical Husqvarna leaf blowers at a yard sale and the guy wanted $10 each. It was late in the afternoon and I told him I'd give him $10 for the pair. Sold.. Very next sale I found a Stihl Leaf Blower, asked the guy how much he wanted, he says "Just take it, I can't get it running..
All three of those leaf blowers went through my initial testing where I dump the gas, pull the plug, run my wire wheel over the plug to clean it, fresh fuel, little shot of ether in the spark plug hole to make sure it fires..
All three started on the 2nd pull.
I can sell that Stihl all day for $100 to lawn maintenance crew, at least $60 each for the Husqvarnas..
If any of them wouldn't have started, I'd part them out and wait for the next lot to see if they needed parts.
Word of advice. If you see anything with RYOBI on it, run, DO NOT WALK, away as fast as you can. For me, those are the bottom of the line for 2 stroke engines..