Someday I'd like a climate controlled pole barn on some land in which I could do some side work or restore old vehicles. That dream is a ways off though.

I've come to the conclusion that the only type of shop that can effectively perform repairs on modern vehicles is a dealership (no offense), and I'm a bit short of the venture capital needed to open one.

Unlike the guy who owns the dealership I work for, and 10 others, I wasn't a trust fund baby unfortuantely. But I do appreciate the vote of confidence!

It is more fun, Powerstroker, to do repairs as a hoby than professionally, but isn't that the case in any line of work?

Your shops owner may have some capital behind him but don't let that discourage you.

Then again if you are happy with your current place, by all means don't let me discourage you.

What the dealership isn't telling you PowerStroker, is that unlike a dealer, a independent will not usually see anything new, or should I say "under warranty". The independent will normally see cars at least 2-3 years old at minimum. Thus by then most all the secrets are already out. Not to mention the fact an independents overhead costs are usually astronomically smaller than that of a dealer. Sure it helps to have extra stalls and lifts for other mechanics (if you own the shop), but you can start small and work yourself up.

I know what warranty time pays, and I know what dealerships pay their techs per commission hour. How many more years do you think you can keep beating book time? Never mind the fact warranty time pays much less than book time. Even still the first three jobs you lose your ass, and as you know some warranty repair times can not be beat.

Anyway, as one of the only verifiable people in here outside of Gerry I figured I'd throw that out there for you to knaw on.

PowerStroker wrote:

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Well thanks, but I'm working toward a pension, and it will max out in another 12 years. After that I may consider doing things differently.

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You are such a trusting person PowerStroker! Wish I had your faith in such things as pensions. 

Anyway, I guess customers be like - "damn it's cold! Fix that shit I'll pay them dealer prices"

Isn't your biggest customer Ford Motor Company anyway?

On the other hand, at least you get to stay on the cutting edge in the field. Do what works but for gawds sake change that profile photo until you're willing to do something about it ! LOL

Get one that says "powerstroker be like, I'm working on a pension".

SELLC wrote:

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for gawds sake change that profile photo until you're willing to do something about it ! LOL

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I don't care that my customers think I'm too expensive, Price isn't how I compete - competence is.