Doing Side Work as an Auto Tech! Getting Your Side Hustle On!

Today I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of doing side work

[@JarOfRats]

"Hi, I know it's 10pm on a Sunday night, and it's snowing out, but remember that brake job you did 2 months ago? Well, for the last week, my car is stalling and I have a doctor's appointment in the morning. I'm not saying you did anything wrong, but it never did that before..."

[@denverpierce970]

Him- "I'm a negative guy" Me- I like this guy!

[@NewLevelAuto]

Side company. That's what I had to do to support three kids and an apartment in NYC. Opened a second company and worked every evening to make ends meet. Without the side company I never would have been able to start the mobile business , would have not been able to pay for subscriptions and new tools. But not once ever did I take away a job from the shop I was working for. I created my own customers by approaching other shops that wanted to hire me full time. There are ways to make it work , you just have to think outside the box.

[@lop8828]

New Level Auto fck that shiii I put my business cards inside the customer vehicle as soon as I know my employer will tax them so heavy I could still make money at half the quote. The vehicle has already been diagnosed lifted on the air tires off. Very rarely do I pass those jobs simply cause I have already done all the homework.

[@505fastlife6]

@@lop8828 that is a good way to get fired. That is stealing from the company.

[@lissettelopez8331]

@@lop8828 You know, the reason you can do the job half the price is because you don't have to pay taxes, business insurance, shop utilities, and especially payt crummy employees slipping their cards in their employees vehicles that got diagnosed on the shops dime. Nah, bro, you won't keep a job like that, and in truth, it doesn't end well for you or the shop in the long haul.

[@dantheautoman3821]

Let's face it. If the trade paid a qualified technician what they actually are worth, no one would do side work. The main issue is most technicians need the extra money to survive.

[@Houseofarrows]

Dan Theautoman shop floods the floor with techs. We had a couple busy weeks and the boss got another tech; that’s a 25% deduction of pay. He don’t care though.

[@Houseofarrows]

Tim Willson it’s true, when, In actuality it takes a long time to find a reliable technician who owns his work (both good and bad) and is a long term reliable employee. I think a lot of technicians get paid enough (their rate), the problem is simply having too many technicians for the car count that comes Into the shop. We were running a good shop, and all 3 techs were slated to make 100k (60 hrs a week average). Thy brought in another tech, because they hated having to push some cars off to the next day, and now it’s a struggle to get a damn broken car it feels like. Even just a 10 hour a week decrease is 300-400 just depending on if it affects hitting a bonus ($100 at 50 hrs and another $100 at 60 hrs). I loved where i work before, now I’m trying to find some side work to get through the slow season!

[@KobaBlack113]

If you work for less than what you're worth then that's your fault.

[@peanutbutterisfu]

It’s a 2 way street! Many shops don’t pay enough and many techs don’t learn enough to be worth good money. The business needs to be revamped as a whole.

[@BriarHood]

No kidding. Shop quoted a guy $1000 for all 4 O2s. I google and find a fuse problem. Fixed with a quarter. Edit: I'm pretty good at diag but get paid shit. My bad.

[@brianmason1414]

Did do the side work thing for awhile back in 09, after a big tragedy and became a single father literally at a moment's notice. Had to make ends meet! Was working 72 hrs a week at day job (working on cars), then went home and had "home shop" cust cars waiting that had to be fixed. Because, as I said, became widower father of 4kids, literally overnight! But, I was VERY fortunate that nothing God awful ever happened (bolts braking and such).....and am VERY thankful for the home shop, b/c through it is how I met my current wife of going on 8yrs in November! Yes I still rarely do side work, but time w the wife and kids, NOTHING can replace that!

[@mindiseverything5036]

My dad was a auto mechanic for 35 years he never really spent time with his family worked every day including sundays... from 6am-7pm .... and i could safely say It felt like he was never around but he did provide all the money that his family needed.

[@flatratemaster]

You have to do what is right for you and your family

[@jorgeardon2040]

My respect!

[@dimmn82]

But at the end of the day, you also have to realize if you're working too much. My Dad when I was growing up was out every week doing installs of photo processors. Our relationship took a big hit. I understand he had too. But he was offered a job at another company and he'd be home more often. He didn't take it out of fear of it not being as stable of a job. Long story short, company he worked for went under.

[@thetrain5785]

Ive been doin side work 20+ years and will continue to do so till i die! Vacation home, boat ,motor home, harley davidson .all because of sidework ! Job is dedicated health care for the kids. house pmt bill ect..full blown american blue collar gearheads getter done always will!!

[@flatratemaster]

Do what you want to do!

[@MLMechanic]

I normally only do simple stuff on the sides like brakes, spark plugs, suspension components, or oil changes. I stay away from more complicated things not because I can’t do it but the time I’d have to invest in my days off and the liability of jacking stuff up. That extra $400 at the end of the month really helps this time of year when normal business is slow

[@michaelsieber6601]

Mitchell M. I bring in a grand pretty easy I mainly do mobile diagnostics 80 bucks a car I get 5 or so a week

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

@@michaelsieber6601 That includes getting the part after you diagnose it and installing the part? Seems like some jobs would be worth more than $80...

[@michaelsieber6601]

@@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago 80 is just diagnoses

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

Kind of on/off topic, don't do work for friends or family once you do it will never stop. Just like loaning them money.

[@flatratemaster]

So true!

[@moparmania86]

And you never get paid... I do stuff for free %80 of the time. Sucks but I'm just too nice.

[@ClydeDoSomething]

I hear ya there Buddy. Just had to learn to say no. My family loves that word now.

[@7cperformance314]

DOYLECLEVERLOBE1 man you are right I never work on stuff for friends and family they will bug the shit out of you FOREVER

[@Ray-uv4sk]

DOYLECLEVERLOBE1 amen...

[@robertmunoz11]

You change a alternator but then all the sudden you changed my alternator now my transmission doesn't shift lol the number 1 reason not to do side work

[@markkukowski3710]

Started doing side jobs around 1989 when I was younger. Worked on mostly muscle cars and "fun" stuff (Let's bolt these Edlebrock heads on my 455 Firebird with a Holley 850 and see what it does at the track!). Nowadays, I find myself underneath 2002 Ford Expeditions replacing exhaust manifolds and fuel lines - What the hell, how did it come to this?

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Everything's been Walmarted/cheapened my friend 😂

[@GrimmsAutoService]

Here we call it moonlighting.... I used to do it ALL the time and made enough that my wife could stay home with my two boys. Now I have my own shop for 11 years and I don't need to work on stuff at home cause I just work late all the time to try to make everyone happy and on the road.

[@charlesshankle3178]

This advice is spot on. For newer guys, make sure you take work you can accomplish. Don't take the really challenging stuff unless you are at your day job.

[@jorgehernandez-dw8gi]

Master good information, I started my business 3 year to go I was 4 year mobile mechanic on Dallas tx ! And now My business excellent!!! My life change I work on diesel o I love working on RAM 🐑 is my name lol Thank you for everything sir

[@prevost8686]

I’ve never met a technician,including myself, that just loved the idea of working on the side. I’m sure shop owners that keep 10 guys standing around when five could be well paid had nothing to do with me having to do side work. I’m too old for side work now. 8-12hrs a day is more than enough for me.

[@dirtracingfan8742]

my biggest problem with sidework was the burnout. after dealing with cars and service writers 10 to 12 hrs a day the last thing I wanna do is pick up a wrench when I got home

[@flatratemaster]

Very true!

[@EXOVCDS]

Good points... I only worked on relative's vehicles. Stopped doing that a long time ago.... not worth it, never got out of it equal to what they received. I still look after my parents' vehicles though.

[@flatratemaster]

I know I have watched the Passat videos:)

[@dirtracingfan8742]

I've found when doing sidework something stupid ALWAYS happens. bolts that don't normally have problems break or strip, or you'll lose/break a clip that you can't get at the parts store but you have a couple in your work box

[@flatratemaster]

Very true!

[@slowpoke96Z28]

Because not only do you get the broke people for side work, you also get the bad deals no shop wants to work on, or the vehicle has been so rat fucked by previous work done on it. Substandard parts, substandard methods. Like in the example of the radiator swap that becomes an all nighter. Or some tech didn’t have silicone, so they used red locktite. Or lug nuts that should have been torqued to no more than 110 lb/ft that were installed instead with a 3/4” impact. I literally saw a wheel have to be cut off a hub once. Something JB welded that just disintegrates when you disassemble it, and of course the parts store is closed. They can miss me with all that.

[@fashionstreet1]

Great and awesome video tutorial absolutely encouraging to start my own side business once I finish school!

[@MH-wo4be]

Been there done that. You have hit the nail on the head brother.

[@honda_doc6826]

A lot of good points were mention there. I personally do side work, but it isn't all the time. When I do it's something I know I can complete in a day or less. On a side note, When I worked at a car dealership, I did side work on motorcycles, opposite is when I worked at a motorcycle dealership I worked on cars so there is no conflict of interest. Anyway great video as usual and keep up the good work.

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@malkire89]

I'm a fleet tech and I manage the shop and vary close with the owner. so I can come and go as I please and work on anything After hours I want Owner don't care as long as his buses are running. I've even fixed my own car on the clock.

[@flatratemaster]

Nice!

[@250xrider1988]

Great video man. great subject. it's something that we all face as being somebody's 'mechanic buddy' LOVE THAT CRYSTAL CLEAR SOUND! WHOOP WHOOP!

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@heatherlyons5568]

Love your channel great advice im new mechanic and still learning

[@hondaguy425able]

There is cheap people who have money and then cheap people who really cant afford to take their car to the dealership. I do side work not only for the money but it makes me feel like I'm helping out my community.

[@dylankinch2735]

good points u make. the sound quaility of this video is much better. i also do alot of side work and it can take a toll on u thats for sure but i love doing it. its a great feeling to get a broken vehicle up and running again for someone that cant afford a shop.

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you. everyone's reasons are different for doing or not!

[@mikethemobilemechanic2683]

I do side work at home, made nice business cards and posted an ad on offer up. With honest quality work I stay pretty busy. The key is to balance side work and family time. The extra money I do make I spoil my family with. I bought a scissor lift from harbor freight and that has been my best investment ever, it paid itself off in a month. It’s important to know what’s possible to do at home and what jobs might bight you in the ass, so be smart and use your gut instinct. I recommend to anyone to do side work but be smart about it and downloaded Mitchell, all data and auto part stores on an iPad for quick look ups and helps out a lot.

[@justinserosr6322]

Holy I can actually hear u now! Must of upgraded. Good job man. Love ur vids bro.

[@flatratemaster]

Glad it is better, I have even better audio coming:) Thank you!

[@ClydeDoSomething]

@8:20 "If ya got time to have fun. If you're not always working....." LMFAO!! Ain't that the truth.

[@flatratemaster]

:)

[@ericfaley9019]

Good points. I gave up most of my side work. The only thing I do is diagnostics on vehicles at local shops that don’t have access to the factory scan tools.

[@mph5896]

I play with cars, completely different over my day job. Its a nice change

[@flatratemaster]

Very different!

[@LVCatSociety]

You make a lot of good points frm especially about the toll on your body and about making a bunch of trips to the part store and working at 2 am. Cars are most of the time head aches and something always goes wrong like needing hoses, clamps, washers, bushing, etc. I set my hourly rate and don’t take on the job unless my customers are willing to pay it. There’s a lot of complications like you said frm

[@dirtsquadatv2714]

I quit do side work on cars a long time ago. Now I work on motorcycles dirt bikes stuff like that the equipment is cheap and it's super easy work I do most of my work during winter time.

[@flatratemaster]

So the fun stuff:)

[@TrudeauCallsMePapi]

Some stranger said to me one time "you must be busy working on friends and family's cars on your own time." I replied with "no, I rarely work on friends and family's vehicles." He snapped back and said "you must not be a very good mechanic then if your friends aren't taking their cars to you." I couldn't believe someone would actually say that to someone they don't know anything about. Apparently not breaking your back all hours of the day and night implies that you're an inferior tech. 🙄

[@robbiefrentz9427]

Never really did side work. But many friends came over. I’ve spent lots of money for tools and always had a good shop tools. Believe it or not my side job is doing tractor work brushog and box blading. This way I didn’t get burned out

[@SHAKA38]

How many techs do side work as a FULL TIME job though? I imagine that there are SOME that pull it off, but more often than not, it's occasional work. I don't work in the industry but you're spot on about parts availability/quality, a person who needs the car like yesterday, and limited access to information. When I do work on a family member or friend's car, all of that is put up front. I also work for peanuts so the State and local governments can kiss it. It helps me pay my wheel tax and my registration fees that balloon every other year.

[@flatratemaster]

I just gave the negatives and positives of doing side work, everyone's situation is different and you should do what works best for you!Thanks for watching!

[@greygoosemafia]

Great video. I love your vids!

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@XXGunzNClipzXx]

Idk if you've done avidoe on this topic but what do you think about flipping cars, I think it will be better than doing side jobs as the sale will benefit you 100% and it's at your own time not the customer being annoying or not able to meet like on side jobs

[@blkthunderbolt]

Side work to me is like my main job. I work in a shop for extra money.

[@Zslowzr1]

I have a completely separate full time job as a professional working 40 hours a week. So I''m not working on cars all the time. Great video, and I can definitely elaborate on a few things you said: It IS a lot of added stress at times. The jobs like brake changes are easy and quick money, but you do get the jobs where things do get more complicated, you need more time than you thought, you worrying about getting it done because you still have to focus primarily on your main job, and sometimes you just want to get the damn car done and out of your life. It's the jobs like those that take a personal toll on me. I should mention I am a single guy and am at a point in my life where I'm just focused on working and making money, so I don't have the whole family thing to deal with. For the most part, I love my side piece. I live working on cars, and some weeks the extra money can be quite a lot. I started a facebook page about 3 years ago and am about 1000 likes on it, so people are very trusting of my work based on my reviews and for the most part, I'm usually dealing with really nice people and having fun. I do have almost every automotive tool a shop as aside from a lift. I also have access to Mitchell and a everything else. The points you brought up in this video were all spot on, and I can personally relate to a lot of things you said. Great video!

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you, I just wanted techs to understand all of the points of doing side work, no real judgement about doing it.

[@Zslowzr1]

Yeah as a tech I could see how it could be a conflict of interest with the shop you work at. For me it's a perfect side job

[@flatratemaster]

Cool!

[@johngibson3594]

Great vid and great advice

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@bobbyu8991]

Lost a lot of " friends " when I stopped doing side work

[@chryslertechnician3439]

Great video!

[@omarvilla7476]

I do side work to save friends and family money and to help me buy tools that I want for my shop at home. I’m an IT guy but I enjoy wrenching on cars and building my tool collection. I have a BendPak lift, COATS tire changer and wheel balancer, Branick wall mounted strut compressor, Mig welder, Oxy set up, and a bunch of other tools - all mostly from the income of side work. The key to side work is to only work on stuff that you’re confident in and in limiting it to stuff that you can finish in a day or so. Also I insist on buying all the parts and in getting paid right away in cash. Anyway I don’t advertise as I mostly work on cars for friends and neighbors and all work is done around my schedule. There’s plenty of good money to be made, just be smart about what you commit to and make sure you have the right equipment to do a good job.

[@PhillyDee215]

I just started back into Meineke after a month of sitting home bc my last shop closed due to Corona virus. I turned down a lot of work at my house for reasons u mentioned plus once u get use to working in a shop the house becomes an non option at least for me.

[@up1029]

Hi. What do you think about mobiles mecánica?

[@Nick-oy5fn]

My father worked as a professional mechanic A tech from 68 to right around the mid 90s. opened his own shop at home doing "agriculture equipment repair". As long as there was a shit spreader or a John Deere parked in the driveway, nobody ever asked questions. fixed a ton of cars for years under the radar.

[@flatratemaster]

LOL, gotta hide the real work with camo!

[@XXGunzNClipzXx]

I don't like doing side jobs but it's mostly friends and family and I try on my days off and explain to them that the parts they hand me might not work or kill check engine

[@StoneColdStrah]

What if your own car needs work say like needs sway bar link or tie rod do many shops allow you to do work on your own car or does your shop allow you to fix something on your own car?

[@I_Died_2_Weeks_Ago]

Some do

[@bigg4454]

All valid points! No question! I done my share of side jobs (appointments only), I've worked two legit jobs (automotive), 'cause it takes two BS paying jobs to equal one good paying job sometimes. Lotta this stuff is regional too! I've worked for so called bosses that didn't give me a W-4 to fill out when I got hired! What does THAT tell you about THAT business? Anyways, great vid as always!

[@flatratemaster]

A shop that doesn't do payroll is a big red flag! Thank you glad you enjoy the videos!

[@gilbymdg9609]

really good advise mate. GP

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you

[@franklopez8454]

been a mechanic for 28 years and i get a call from my bother in law saying that i he needs timing belt done in its lancer yesterday and he specs at least 50% discount because we are family , i dont say much at this stage then he asked me if i know how to do the job then i said ...no problem i do them all the time man ..just loose the alternator and put a new timing belt in no time ..come over tonight i do it for you .........he never call me for any job ever.....

[@7cperformance314]

I've had people approach me on the job and ask me to do Side work but I always turn them down because I feel like your biting that hand that feeds you . the only time I do Side work is on hotrod and race cars stuff that would never come to the shop I work at.

[@flatratemaster]

It can be a huge conflict of interest, and all you need is that 1 problem to bite you and it is over! Thanks for watching!

[@bosborn1]

Here's what it comes down to...Either your a hard worker or your not. Some guys are totally fine working 40-50 hours a week. Other guys want to work more. I for one need to work 7 days a week. I don't like having days off. If I'm not turning a minimum of 12 hours a day I can't stand it. I hate standing still I always need to be doing stuff. As far as family you need to involve them in the work. I think side work at home is a great way to have family time. I had to move sidework home so I can see my family. Otherwise I would spend 100 hours a week away from home.

[@flatratemaster]

My kids have way too much stuff going on the weekend, golf, horses drama etc so I would rather spend my time with them and I don't feel any need to work anymore than I already do, but to each his own! thanks for watching!

[@bosborn1]

Flatrate Master I totally understand. I think the people who do side work are the types who are going to work a lot no matter what. I think family time is also important so I involve my family. My wife works a full time day job but also works full time at my business. My kids are homeschooled and also work for me. We have activities such as Irish dance and Gymnastics and we make it all work. It's hard but we wouldn't want it any other way. I just can't see sitting around and watching TV. I just don't understand not being productive all the time. We don't take much time off, just seems like a waste. Not slamming anyone. Some people are just wired different.

[@Jpilgrim30]

I keep saying I'm going to slow down and stop doing side jobs but me and another tech I work with constantly have gravy jobs falling in our laps. Hard to say no to easy money! We can tag team a motor swap on a Sunday morning in a matter of hours. One on top and one under the bottom.

[@flatratemaster]

:)

[@renatoperez8392]

So you guys are gays??

[@up1029]

What do you think about mobiles mechanics?

[@jonathanfisk2183]

I have 2 jobs 72hrs 7 days a week I'm tired all the time but gotta do what ya gotta do

[@flatratemaster]

Yes, you gotta do what you gotta do!

[@billmck12345]

for the information side of things when you do side jobs, the alldata diy option is great for the past year i'v been able to put vehicles on a 6 month sub for 8.95 so there isn't even an issue when I tell i'll need 10 for alldada.......I highly recommend nothing but electrical and drivability....it just seems that people are afraid of those topics....so if you know what you're doing just find a big rake....good vid

[@billmck12345]

oops...alldata not alldada ha ha

[@flatratemaster]

Good Advice!

[@meabob]

Alldata is not that great. Many times it doesn't even give you labor times.

[@bradhaughton6698]

What about doing general maintenance on your cars and maybe some of your neighbors cars just to help him out

[@flatratemaster]

I would never pay someone to work on my own cars or my family, and you can do what you want as far as side work, all up to you

[@nicke2307]

you hit the nail on the head. i really dont think youre negative... youre just being realistic. you have to think of all these things before doing this stuff. its kind of unrelated but ill be doing mobile auto repair and theres a lot of disadvantages like non ideal weather and work surfaces, parts are a big time waster if you get the wrong parts. the advantages are overhead is very small.

[@nicke2307]

im going to have a fully equipped portable shop in a 8.5x20 foot trailer equipped with a tire machine, wheel balancer, quickjack lift, toolboxes, waste oil drums etc.

[@flatratemaster]

NIce set up for mobile!

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@nicke2307]

thank you. I have my trailer on order, should be getting it next friday. We'll see how mobile goes. It can either flip or flop lol. My target customers are going to be people who live in the burbs and will be willing to shell out some extra cash to have it done at their house and professionally. In a nutshell the yuppies who have money and don't want to make arrangements to bring their vehicle to the mechanic. I'm going to star out doing mainly gravy work like brakes, tires, wheel balance, belts, fluids and routine maintenance and a few more involved things like starters, alternators etc. No major engine or transmission that'll eat up my whole day. Also going to go door to door at small businesses with fleet passenger vehicles that would like them repaired/maintained immediately on the premises and that way theres going to be little to no downtime. The nice thing is I'm not confined to one demographic area and can have a huge number of customers. I also have a repair waiver form that each customer has to sign to protect myself in case property damage occurs and also have liability insurance. Im going to be a one man show for now so payroll is going to be pretty low. Im also doing it legally by the books and formed an LLC, have a EIN and getting my NYS registration so that way I cant be shut down. Another service I'm thinking about doing is module programming for shops if they don't have the capabilities

[@Jpilgrim30]

nick elias the module programming can be pretty lucrative. Hi around to all of the smaller independent shops in your area and pitch them good. Some shops would be more willing to replace modules if they could contract out the programming without having to worry about towing to the dealer and other headaches like that. Sign up with iATN and get your locksmith credentials to program keys and such too.

[@jcsuperstars1100]

I do a little side work. I'll do maybe 1-3 cars a month on average. But, the customer HAS to know what to expect, "you're getting a good deal because this is how it's going to be" etc, etc.. I try to keep it to my friends and MAYBE their friends. No warranty on anything and I really try to provide the parts. I have my own worldpac account so that helps cost.

[@kyleformosa1847]

Hi, can you tell me how to get a worldpac account. Thanks

[@kyleformosa1847]

hi, how do you get worldpac account

[@pakliv3243]

only side work " is your only car" ... side jobs "buy cheap car n sale on internet" .... this is from a 25yrs machanic / 20yrs shop owner .... I like your video .. " real world machinac issues"

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@yourlocalalexis4578]

some companies outlaw workers from moonlighting as auto techs, expecially if you work for an auto dealership!

[@wayneshanks9005]

You said it all buddy

[@TheWildmanjr]

I work 10 to 14 hours on weekdays and 6 to 10 hours on Saturday. I don't have time for side work. PS one up side to being the head tech at the shop.

[@flatratemaster]

10 hour days plus 45-1 hr commute plus KZbin , plus a wife and kids me neither:)

[@lucifchristo]

I half expected you to say I go home smoke cigars and play with myself and I do not know why LOL?

[@IXpressThruSaxophone]

Your hair looks awesome in this video. No homo, you are a handsome man and your normal hair makes you look macho blue collar. Like a mechanic. This hairstyle makes you look very technician. Very professional

[@WBOS72]

Great video. Life is too short to wotk that much.

[@davidh266]

some fathers do side work early on to pay off their mortgage faster so when the child is slightly older there is more money around

[@flatratemaster]

No judgment on doing it or not, just pointing out the positives and negatives!

[@Tecalitlan1943]

One very important point that is missed is the legal liability. I am not a lawyer, but if for example a master cylinder replaced malfunctions and the guy decides to sue you doing side work, they can sue you for personal assets since they cannot sue the company. At the job, they can still sue, but the companies are licensed and insured.Your assets are super safe. For example, in the entire city of Chicago its illegal to work on cars in your garage (as a business). If you do side work to help relatives, friends or that young blond across the street its cool, people are always looking to save money, etc. The moment you advertise as a business, that whole mindset changes. Now they treat you like you are a shop on main street. I remember an instructor in one of my classes in mechanics school told us to stay away from side-work. You can pick up side work from people seeking your help on weekends or emergencies from close relatives and friends. Remember, these folks come for one major reason, they are mostly all cheap. I have driven 30 miles to work on cars on the street for little to nothing. Like you said, a typical one hour job can turn into five hours. If you just work on relatives/friends and its w in-win situation, go for it. The win for you is that you will be compensated well. If not, don't do it. By the way, I knew a mechanic that went back to law school. He probably now makes $300 talking on the phone for 15 minutes. LOL

[@Toolaholic7]

In the state of Michigan,people can call the state of Michigan and file a complaint against the person doing the side work.This is when they find out they are not licenced

[@frap6790]

When did they start doing that?

[@Toolaholic7]

A long time and they check into this.I know of one this way in my area,he has a shop at his house doing work for an used car dealer and is not licenced

[@flatratemaster]

Lots of state are very strict about doing repair work out of the house, though Michigan is one of the strictest, but other places the rules are almost non existent

[@raymondromero4558]

I tell all my friends all the time the same things! Parts can come wrong and then they get mad ... oh and I hate it when someone brings there own parts and then they are the cheapest money can buy and break and then up blaming the mechanics... if I can't convince them when I explain the situation of working from home .. they will never understand our world !

[@crazy_dixieboy_dipper6994]

Hey can you give me some advice i plan on opening my own shop up one day after i get done with school

[@flatratemaster]

Don't get experienced first see how a business runs and get experience working on cars

[@crazy_dixieboy_dipper6994]

Thanks for the advice ... Your videos have been really helpful man

[@crazy_dixieboy_dipper6994]

I've learned a lot from your videos

[@tyronesmith3812]

I've been doing it illegally without a license for 3 years and have the most 5 star reviews in my area for mobile mechanic work

[@jasonsanchez5987]

The only thing I didn't hear you say is unruly customers.they could show up at your work and cause trouble because let's be honest even at your main job there are customers that will cause trouble.

[@brianbowman5402]

The extra money is a double because you don't have time to spend it! So, it grows like crazy. But, don't shit where you eat! If you do a side hustle, do it in a different field. If you are an auto tech do something else for the side hustle. Do house plumbing, electrical, painting, consulting, or something else. It is a huge win to do something different as well! Its all common sense.

[@flatratemaster]

LOL

[@moparmania86]

I know guys who mow yards and claim to make more money than their pay check as a mechanic. I live in a real shitty area though. Even the best oldest guys won't get over $16 an hour usually.

[@lovemym16]

I'll usually just throw breaks on freinds and family cars. I hate doing large repairs on thr side

[@azleal6014]

I do side work all the time. it is what it is my price customer pays less I get paid more and like I side my price and my time. Meaning I can take 2 or 3 days thats what I tell them from the start. If I feel like stopping and getting ice cream with my son I can.

[@mrturner69]

i wont do side work, got caught one time with a supposed simple job that turned into a 5 hour ordeal because of poor maintenance. and i hate working on the ground all the time especially the jobs you know could be done so easily and quickly on a lift that turn into a struggle. However if you dont mind that stuff or your an incredible mechanic (no sarcasm!) theres money to be made! ive heard of guys pulling in tons of extra cash because they were really good and didnt mind doing it on the ground

[@flatratemaster]

I would rather not be working on my time off! Thanks for watching!

[@mrturner69]

Me neither! Home time is for other things, even if that means nothing important

[@epicragegaming2016]

any one who is in a trade and doesn't look for side jobs is leaving a lot of money on the table. keep it simple, keep it honest, and let the word of mouth feed your pockets with cash. my boss lets us use the shop freely as we please so i kind of have it good. its nice to have all my tools, and all the shop supplies available. we've even tried to compensate our boss for the kindness and he turns it down.

[@martinlavoie4002]

That video is spot on on some of the things that can occur for sure it was like that for me at first until I did iron out the bad customers and the easy way to do that was just quote a ridiculous price and I must say for the first year it had a lot of downs. I got out of the trade cause I was sick of seeing the boss going on 3 month European trips overseas weddings driving the new Audi as I drove a beaten up old MK 2 golf got sick and tired of seeing my hard work not returning me a pay 💰 so when it comes down it like one of the comments if we got paid our worth we probably would not be doing side work. Anyhow got so tired of being taken advantage got out of the trade all together and went for another trade became Elevator constructor but deep down my passion is wrenching on Cars my great paying job in the elevator trade allowed me to equip my home shop with everything a professional shop has the only difference is that I can pick and choose the projects or the jobs I want to do. And sometimes I get a snag but with me ironing out my clientele I have for the most part a great relation with my customers and seeing as I charge them a fraction of what a garage does they are happy and I get to still do what I am passionate about. When I left the trade I was so upset from being taken advantage of I promised my self to never have to rely on a garage ever and that is what I accomplished. I feel bad for all the guys working their asses off and not getting their fair piece of the pie 🥧I know running a shop has a lot of expenses and overhead but in my opinion the tech should make at least 1/4 of what the door rate if not more. And a good tech will always find work when I get laid off because of shortage of work I go work for a friend of mine and ya knows I do side work he sometimes sends his cars my way I am still cheaper sometimes then one of his bays getting tied up lol that’s a whole different story but you are correct things go wrong. I also have 2 boys and a wife and a dog and cat but when I am working at hone I am there just in the garage sometimes my kids help out so it’s also learning for my kids thanks for the vids keep it up

[@ed81ny]

Omg FM no hat! Kinda like the look.

[@tylershields4945]

pizza delivery at night is my side hustle aside from mechanics

[@flatratemaster]

Getting paid to drive around and smell pizza not too bad a side gig:)

[@elBrando22]

I rarely did side jobs. Im not good at talking to others and trying to make them my customer lol. Besides my kids need a dad, and I really dont want to be divorced lol

[@gordonfreeman5434]

Like you my feelings on side work are mixed. Some techs are bold enough to do the side work at their main workplace!!

[@bigg4454]

+Gordon Freeman - I've done that before, but always lookin' over your shoulder kinda compromises concentration (at least for me it did). Sounds cool tho' haha!

[@flatratemaster]

Yeah, we had a tech do that at the shop, the boss had to put a stop to that and there is now a rule against it, family vehicle only after hours. Someone abuses the system and everyone pays! Thanks for watching!

[@autotech1106]

Risk v reward!!

[@flatratemaster]

Yep!

[@pizzaki582]

dam, only 10k subs.... when friday hits i ain thinking about cars till monday

[@sannissansanjuan5074]

In 2008 Oct lose my Job due to the recession, Master GM homeless sleeping 89 Chevy Caprice, Found a Job in 2010 at Chevy/Cadillac, 6yrs on the inside hustles at night every night 8pm to 3am, The Cadillac's & Vettes were big Money cars, Adviser setup the deals, it was the Lottery, 5,500 sq ft House in 2012, Cars 2010 CTS -V, 2012 Corvette was the trophy, my adviser E55 03 NSX until 2016 Got caught 3am swapping Engine Harness on a ZR1, me and the Adviser got Fired , Today we do Nissan's GTR's rebuild CVT on the Side

[@lovemym16]

the only thing ill do at home is repairs for freinds and family.

[@flatratemaster]

I do 0 at the house

[@theporkchop9922]

Is it true that they start most new techs off at 12 - 15/hr ? If so then I can see why it would be necessary for side work.

[@michaelyang5947]

why do you have 2 computer monitors?

[@flatratemaster]

Because the boss loves dual monitors, and having used them for several years i love it!

[@jonathanjiles781]

The more monitors you have, the more work you get done. I saw a girl at the customer desk of a dealership recently running three monitors. From the looks of it, one had some type of scheduling software running, one looked like some kind of pricing list and the other was Facebook. Gotta have a Facebook specific monitor.

[@Alanthe918mobilemechanic]

If u have to side work to make ends meet ur either underpaid or not at a skill level to make good enough money but if you are already a seasoned established tech avoid side work unless it’s the perfect situation.

[@devoncoolman88]

Double edged sword. Money is great. Time away from family. And having to deal with people calling you at all hours of the day/night. And not understanding you have a life as well.

[@flatratemaster]

LOL, I smoke Cigars and edit youtube videos:)

[@Nards_1997]

Halfway thru the video, so I don't know if you've mentioned this or not, but "side hustle" is what hurts our industry when we are at work a lot of the time. Because Billy Joe Bob down the street at Midas will fix a radiator for $300 cheaper than any shop will. And that's who a lot of customers will go to.

[@tedmattingly7564]

Never wanted to work at home, already working 60-90 hrs a week made me miss enough of my family

[@gerardoreyes593]

I do side work but, I only do tune ups oil change simple stuff. An like the extra money for me. I would say never take dose big jobs. My friend

[@andrewhutchinson5490]

Why do side work when all your good tools are at the shop. In fact that is the best point you made Flat Rate, in my opinion if your not using quality tools it is not worth doing the job, it belittles you as a professional and gets you into shitty habits when it matters. Now doing a few favors, like you said as well, for "family" or friends, or even a neighbor, or girlfriends friend, is ok. I would never zone my house Lol, but great vid. Thank you.

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@70corwin]

If you have to do side work to survive you need to find a new shop to work at or a new career. There's very few in this industry that make a good living. Thats a whole other topic.

[@asavage1576]

Easier to keep it as a side hustle if you ask me. Self employed equals no benefits etc.

[@flatratemaster]

True!

[@gregoryfairchild2460]

Never take customers from my shop. Many times I get asked of I will do it cheaper at home...I say no thanks. But friends and family and friends of friends yeah.

[@gregoryfairchild2460]

But with no overhead of course you can do it way cheaper at home. Now over 50 yrs old my free time is more valuable.