How To Write Repair Estimates

This video offers some basic insight into writing auto repair estimates. I’ve been writing repair estimates for more than 20 years, and offer some basic tips to help you better serve your customers.
Even if you’re not a shop owner, you may benefit from this information.
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[@aserta]

I only do repairs for friends and family, what i do is a hobby and a means to keep my loved ones safe. BUT, this will help in deciding the beer quantity per hour worked in the future. :D

[@frugalprepper]

I try to over estimate and come out under whenever possible.

[@edgardoamoros3042]

Honesty and a good customer relationship creates more clientele, and in return generates job security.

[@flatratemaster]

We prioritize all repairs, 3 categories, immediate, upcoming and maintenance. We do our best to include all possible parts needed in an estimate and remove any unneeded parts from the final bill. As you said better to be high on the estimate and lower on the final bill, than the other way

[@wrenchitout5952]

I inform my customers that before i even start, that i charge $50 to troubleshoot and diagnose, and then we go over parts together. I always make everything known to the customer, whether it's a leaking valve cover, failing cooling hoses, broken or cracked mounts, etc; i prefer full transparency. I also put repairs in levels of priority.

[@daddydoesdyna9539]

30+ years experience. Now I own & operate a mobile repair service. Number one rule is BE HONEST. I am completely honest with my customers. I've never once advertised, done any sort of marketing and have more work than I can handle. All my business is from word of mouth. I am scheduled 3 weeks out, turn down jobs all the time because I simply am buried in work. Honesty and integrity bring me more repeat business than anything else. I have customers that have moved and they will gladly pay me travel expenses just so I can continue being their mechanic. Be honest and have integrity and do excellent work and you'll always have clientele.

[@VWWRENCHIE]

You are 100 percent correct, Eric. The best mechanic is an honest mechanic.

[@4BillC]

I currently do construction, there has been many times we bid jobs so low we barely made anything, but did good work and now have life long customers...

[@machintelligence]

But sadly, sometimes you hear "nice job, but what took you so long?"

[@4BillC]

@@machintelligence oh for sure... People just don't get it...

[@NotAGroovyGuru]

Great topic, Eric. Thanks for sharing. I've been the service advisor at an independent repair shop specializing in European makes for nearly a year now. The shop employees three technicians and I'm in charge of writing all the work orders and estimates. It feels great when my estimates are exactly the same (or less) than the final invoice. My methods are improving for each estimate I write. I have passed my ASE C-1 service advising exam and I am in the process of completing the work experience requirement to receive my official certification. After the technician completes his inspection and diagnostics, I summarize his notes documenting what tests he performed, what he saw, what he felt on the road test, etc. That way, even if the customer declines the recommended repairs, the customer can still see the value in the diagnostic work that was performed. I take pictures or the show the customer directly if he or she is waiting. After summarizing the technician's notes, I prepare the estimate prioritizing the customer complaints first, then safety concerns the technician might have found during his inspection (e.g. tires, brakes, etc.), and lastly anything else the technician found during the inspection that the customer might not have been aware of (e.g. minor service items that due, etc). I keep all of our parts suppliers on speed dial and I call to check for the price and availability of the parts needed. For the parts mark up, I prefer to match the retail list price even if it results in smaller than preferred margins. Online parts suppliers also make this part easy. I estimate labor times using services like Alldata, Motor, the technicians experience etc. Once complete, I print a copy of the estimate and review it with the technician. If I'm missing a needed part or my estimated labor time is too high or too low, he let's me know and I make adjustments as needed. If the technician approves, I am then ready to contact the customer. I prefer emailing the estimates to the customers because it allows them to review the estimate at their convenience. They can even sign the estimate electronically for authorization. For declined repairs and services, the estimate writing software saves the estimate in the event the customer decides to return for the work at another time. It also helps me and other customers with the same make and model in the future because I can restore previous estimates that only needs to be tweaked and not re-written from scratch in the event that the same repair or service is needed. Phone skills are also essential when I call the customer for approval. In the past, I've simply broken down the cost of each line item but lately I've been clearly stating the bottom line for all recommended repairs and services and asking the customer directly, "would you like us to proceed?" If so, I record the time and amount authorized for the phone approval. Managing customers' expectations for completion time is another topic for another day. I err on the side of caution and agree with the underpromise and over deliver philosophy. And with three technicians, selling larger jobs can occupy their bays for days at a time and I need to be mindful of that when scheduling other customers in for service. I do not work for commission but I still have the responsibility of selling enough flag time for the technicians to make a satisfactory paycheck. The faster I write the estimate and get approval, the more time the technician has to turn more hours. Sometimes the technicians give me pushback for preparing lengthy estimates on vehicles that are simply not worth repairing. I simply remind them that it is up to the customer to make that decision. Frequently when I encounter this, the customer decides to proceed with the repairs because previous shops or previous service advisors had not made the time to complete such lengthy estimates fearing it was a time wasting endeavor. If the technician encounters a larger problem during the repair that will require additional parts and labor, I revise the estimate and get authorization from the customer for the additional cost as soon as possible. If it's relatively minor and still within the contingencies of the original estimate, I authorize the technicians to complete the repairs. Any additional parts or labor required are clearly identified on the final invoice a long with an explanation for why they were needed. I love my job and estimate writing is what I enjoy doing the most. I stand firm on my prices in the event of the occasional objection because I do my due diligence in ensuring that my estimates are accurate and fair to the customers, technicians, and shop owner. I have built up a trust with our customer base because they've found that my estimates are as complete and comprehensive as possible. A complete and accurate estimate today pays dividends later when the customers return to complete the recommended repairs and services. Thanks again for the topic Eric. I hope this gives technicians and car owners a greater appreciation of the work that goes into a preparing a repair estimate.

[@0003rc]

Jesus, that's one hell of a long comment man! 🤣

[@jlang8213]

You learning to write books too?

[@stevewaclo167]

Too bad many folks have limited attention spans and dislike reading more than a snide comment or two. Well said sir and wish there were more folks like you laboring in the automotive service field 👍👍👍.

[@asmautollc]

Taking pictures a very good idea. Old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” particularly true in auto repair.

[@hansvormhat]

Great reply.

[@yerboogieman]

I do it exactly how you said, and glad someone could confirm I was doing it right. I let the customer know that if we don't do it right the first time to cut corners, we may be doing it a second time. Valley pan on a BMW M60/M62 is a great example. Cheap out and buy the flat gasket instead of the whole pan and you'll be doing it again within a week.

[@jaredstrehlein5605]

Truth and honesty create the best customers. A happy customer is your best reference.

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

On you Ezza. Yes some work is critical from a safety point of view, and some is not so critical. From watching you, for what feels like 50 years, you are a good soul Eric.

[@ETCG1]

Thank you

[@dmwtech4495]

this is a good video for owners of repair shops. as a tech, you were not writing the repair estimate, you identified the problem, made your recommendations about the solution, but after that you had no control. As a tech you must always stress to your advisors and service managers or owner, the value of estimating the unforeseen. you can always, like you said, lessen the price when those unseen problems did not occur, and a good business will, but some wont to take advantage. A costumer that gets a estimate, communicated in a way that explains the pitfalls that can occur, and expects that cost, will be your best customer when letting them know, the pitfall did not happen and the repair cost is less and will be a happy customer when the cost of repair did not exceed what they expected and prepared for. this a hard balancing act, but err on the side of your customer. 40 years doing this, that's my feeling on this. great video topic.

[@TheWolvesCurse]

3:10 "peoples cars break down in the least convenient time of their life." trying hard to remember when tze last time was when i felt: "damn, i'm so well off now, i could really need my car to break down." xD just joking. great videos eric.

[@okkrom]

After 2 winters here, its rusty everything. Torch in one hand and wrench in the other.

[@LASKY-xf3ok]

I've been in business 20 years, it sounds like we do things the same way. Great topic for this video 🏆

[@streettruckin785]

I work with customers that don’t have much money. Now keep that information in mind. I have a 1hr minimum rate, and .50 PHR after the first hr. Basically that means if the labor guide call for 1.75HRS or more you pay for 2hr, if the job is less then you pay up to 1.50HRS if more then 1hr. I flat rate oil changes and minor tun ups. I do not mark up parts. In fact I encourage the customer to B.Y.O.P. I add in a shop change of up 2hr labor. That covers unforeseen issues like rusty bolts that require replacement, lubricants, and so on. If the job goes smooth with no trouble. I remove that and add $10 charge for shop supplies. (= a cheaper bill) I don’t fix any more then what needs fixed, or Only what the customer wants fixed. I don’t try to up sell. Unless it’s a safety issue or major mechanical problem. Now with that said my labor rate is $40 an HR. I don’t do it to get rich. Or make a living I have a day job for that. I work with all my customers, and only ask for parts money if they can’t afford to pay the full bill. Then take payments on the labor. That way I don’t loose money on parts. I have never retained anyone’s car for nonpayment, and I always have repeat customers. If any one doesn’t like how I charge for my time I always refer them to the shop down the street, and they almost always come back. I must be doing something right.

[@jaredstrehlein5605]

Honesty

[@streettruckin785]

I have always been honest. Thank you

[@ramonpagan695]

I watch your channel because they are entertaining and I get to learn something.

[@jakeparker1220]

Spot on Eric. Thank you.

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

I'll try to work a plug for ya into one of my next vids! You, Eric O, Ivan, Paul, Matt, and Dan are some of my favorite contributors!

[@seeya205]

I would rather get a call that the estimate was high and it cost less.

[@AutoFixYT]

Well said! Can't wait for the videos on this Camry! In the meantime I'm enjoying the TL videos. Keep it up Eric!

[@ETCG1]

I only shot 1 video diagnosing the Camry, sorry.

[@AutoFixYT]

@@ETCG1 Well 1 is better than none! :)

[@TommyGuns84]

Wise words from a very wise man. 👍🏼

[@gordonfreeman5434]

Writing good estimates is an artform!!

[@Glenford13744]

I do small engine work. Always get customers asking what it will cost to fix. I say got to see it first . And always give an estimate with range. Say $100-300 depending on what I find when I get into it. Also ask what is there limit to spend. Some stuff is cheaper to replace then fix in my business.

[@FartSmucker]

17 year carpenter and I'm similar with estimates after looking at a job if there's a lot of demo involved or repairing things that have layers to them in a sense as there usually is unexpected issues you'll come across. Unless I have to pick up a lot of material I charge only for what the items cost and maybe factor in a a half hour here and there to pick it up depending on, as I said, how much is involved and where I have to go to get it and my labor is always a good rate ;)

[@andyluzeckyj]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS ONE!!!!!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Honesty is the best policy

[@montefiveforty1]

Best Camry ever made right there.

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Good vid, I wish all mechanics shared Eric's values about repair costs.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good informative video creating relationships and long term customers is the best I have long term customers for both computers as well as automotive I only charge for what is neccessary

[@meeshta]

As a service writer for heavy duty truck work, overestimating is a huge thing no doubt. Coming in over an estimate is no big thing to you, but huge to any customer. If you do happen do wind up over the estimate, letting the customer know right away is one way to really help the situation. One of the other tricks we always use is to check standard rate times, then compare to the technician estimate as to how long he believe it will take, and find a middle ground. Not only that, but to add miscellaneous parts. This extra 25-200 you add onto the estimate can really help with the odds and ends you may come across.

[@Brandonvscars695]

Been waiting years for my virtual birthday cake from etcg! Even better is it was a taco

[@0003rc]

What's up! 3rd 😁 I wish my mechanic was that honest before I started working on my own cars. Really hard to find an honest mechanic these days.

[@TheDrunkardHu]

It's really hard to be a mechanic and make money... So there's that.

[@enriqueortiz5440]

If you're an honest mechanic and do good work you'll make great money because by doing that you build a long term relationship with customers and they tend to spread the word about you being a good honest mechanic.

[@eajosephedward]

Its also hard to find good and honest customers, that works both ways.

[@0003rc]

@@eajosephedward True that!

[@eajosephedward]

@@enriqueortiz5440 And you must also be careful of the bad ones too

[@bradmaas6875]

Around 1985, a friend of my GF wanted me to re-gasket their Audi carb. I suggested a replacement carb siting prior damage from a BFH and screwdrivers. and refused to work on it otherwise. After a month I caved and did the work, making it clear, with no warranty what so ever. When I was done car was running sweet as an angel, all for $15- and a gasket set. Almost a year later she wanted her money back, it wasn't working well anymore. Didn't happen.

[@chrisre299]

i enjoy knowing the estimates so i know how much i save by doing the work myself

[@TheZProtocol]

I fix laptops as a side-gig. I always show the exact listing of where/what part I need and I semi-flat rate labor, usually 50% of what a computer technician quotes but also depending on the complexity of the laptop itself. So far over 60 happy customers and only one laptop I couldn't fix.

[@nonchalantbeatz]

TheZProtocol i’ll send u $50 by paypal/venmo/zelle if you can successfully advise me in correcting my boot loop after attempting to update windows on my rb15

[@scallywag1716]

Yup, create the relationship and if you have one with a good mechanic don't poison it or take it for granted!

[@tizzim]

I was quoted £200 for exhaust repair for exhaust hanger that rusted off, i asked how will they repair it oh they said we will put a aftermarket u clamp on it, well I borrowed my friends 3 ton jack and half an hour later and £15 spend on buying my own u clamp

[@cardo1111]

Excellent video and I wish more in the industry as a whole worked/wrote estimates using this model. Unfortunately depending on where you operate your shop, the equipment at your shop, the shop owner's lifestyle (maybe paying off the X, the vacation house and vintage muscle-car collection...) rent/overhead can vary dramatically, commissioned service advisors at dealerships/bodyshops etc. all play into estimating. Unfortunately this environment creates the maximize each estimate/job mentality.

[@chrisleggett685]

We only get 15% maybe 20% of retail. We could not keep the doors open if we only charged retail on parts. We usually double the price on parts. We are in california where rent is high,permits for air compressor,solvent tank,business license,insurance etc. Costs us $1k per day just to keep the doors open. The BAR are real sticklers on writing estimates. Get one thing wrong and they crack the whip on you. Our labor just went up to $98/hr. We are the cheapest in town! Pb ,firestone etc are $125-$150/hr

[@CantKillMe]

I have ran into a repair where I had to drop the laber just of the customer could get there car fix and now they are my #1 customer now and I try to work with them as much as I can the money is not that part of the job its about a family that can get there car fix and be safe to drive down the road so sometime you need to tack a lost just to make a head way but people now a day wants money not there to help

[@reng223]

Can’t wait for the videos (mostly because I have a similar Camry, lol). Seems to be in pretty good condition for a car that is at least >15 years old!

[@ETCG1]

Don't get too excited. I only made a video of my diagnosis of this car. Sorry.

[@The.Dude.Abides.]

ETCG1 That’s too bad. In my opinion this would make a great car for anyone who wants to learn how to fix their own car. These are so simple and there is so much room they are a pleasure to work on in my opinion.

[@ETCG1]

@@The.Dude.Abides. So the 1000+ repair videos that I've made NOT using this car don't count?

[@The.Dude.Abides.]

ETCG1 hahaha no no no that’s not what I meant at all and I didn’t mean for it to come off like that. What I mean is that one of the reasons this generation of Camry is so popular (other than its reliability) is due to the fact that the weekend warrior isn’t as intimated by it than other cars. I greatly appreciate all your content and it has helped in numerous circumstances. All I mean to say is that this is a great car for a first timer to start wrenching on due to the cheap parts and the simple way it’s put together.

[@reng223]

ETCG1 no need to be sorry! I am grateful for all your videos and learning the general concepts of how to repair an issue is more than half the battle. Also, of course all the entertainment value of the videos too! Thanks for all you do!

[@brianreese9318]

I work on a lot of friends and families and friends of friends never see em once done for months sometimes years

[@asdf072xxp]

Do you aim for a higher profit margin if you know the job's going to be a PITA? There'd probably be more labor hours involved anyway, but do you add a little more parts padding than usual?

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Camry, 25 years old, very well serviced, twice!

[@ncpowdercoatingllc2819]

In my shop I always high light what can wait and what needs attention asap

[@WanJae42]

Yep, in the middle of summer in Atlanta, if you don't have AC, you're better off using Uber. 🙂

[@keysautorepair6038]

Just had a guy buy a radiator online after I told him the price told him to put it in himself not doing it anymore already been there done that before.

[@Genecaster]

I'm not a professional mechanic and I usually don't have my car worked on by others, however, there have been times I've needed an expert's hand, sometimes the best decision is to admit you can't handle something (or do so in a timely and cost effective manner) and I've had to have my car seen by professionals. I most appreciate if they can give me a ball park in chunks of 1-2 grand (I usually only take my car in if it's a pretty major repair), or something such as "Will it be more or less than a grand, will it be more or less than 5 grand, will it be more or less than 10 grand" sort of on a doubling scale of sorts. I..Might not speak for most people, but I feel I'm not alone, when you take in your car, there's a HUGE difference between a 1 grand repair and a 5 grand repair, but maybe not so much between a 200 and a 500 dollar, or between a 5 grand and a 7 grand...But then you cross over that 5 digit threshold for some things and numbers start to blur. People don't think of money linearly, I don't think, I think a lot of people see money logarithmically of sorts. So I don't ask that the estimate is perfectly accurate...That's what it is, an estimate...Not a quotation...But I do ask that it's in the correct ballpark. Just tell me you can get it done under a grand. Just tell me you can get it done under 5 or 10 or 7 or 6.5 or whatever that number is, and as you said, chock up the worst case scenario. I'm not a mechanic, but I am mechanically inclined, and I usually know when something is bullshit estimate-wise, that said, I have a lot of tolerance for mechanics estimates. I understand that billed labor is NOT what the mechanic actually gets paid and that some shops take more than others and certain parts are hard to find and come from different suppliers. I get it. But you won't be able to tell me that it will cost X amount to do some arbitrary work I've done before on a vehicle, perhaps for accessing something more internal to one of the vehicle's systems. What I'm saying is, before I usually take any of my cars to a specialist for anything besides perhaps tire work and body work, I've got a surface level intimacy with all the systems of a vehicle. Edit: Eric, I also live in Cincy and I know how the rust goes, something must be said about the damn rust factor. Southern guys just won't know.

[@FreudianSlipDK]

lol after rear ending someone (bad tires and rain is a crappy combination) the absolute first thing to be fixed was my AC. Without AC there was no way i was gonna put ANY effort into getting that car rolling again :)

[@FINFLEX88]

as a customer, what should i do if the place i took my car never gave me an estimate until after the work was complete? i even specifically asked for them to give me a quote before they started fixing everything because i had no clue how much money it would cost. they never sent me a bill untill 1 month later when everything was done. i knew they were doing work to the car but they wouldnt give me a price. i asked two times. any advice for that?

[@jasonyoung6420]

My cars only ever go to a mechanic when I can't do the work - example, I had a lower ball joint corroded into my (at the time) 110k mile 2006 wrx wagon that has lived it's whole life in New England. The pinch bolt had become one with the hub, there was no way I was getting it out. I warned the mechanic, told him he would likely have to drill and tap the pinch bolt (common Subaru thing in New England), and I understood it wouldn't be a "book" job; I requested a moog ball joint be used (since he wouldn't do the work with the ball joint I had purchased, totally fine). He tried to use a torch on the bolt, in the process he melted my cv boot, he offered to replace the axle with an aftermarket rebuilt unit (napa, advanced auto etc.), which I declined - there is exactly one good aftermarket WRX axle on the market, and it's not a rebuilt unit it's a race part; basically rebuilt ones (if they aren't DOA) last 6 months to a year and fail, while haing vibration issues along the way, and although they are have a warranty, there is the downtime & expensive transaxle fluid to replace when you pull one so it's an expensive headache I didn't want. I requested a used OEM or new OEM if he was going to swap it out; instead he repacked and rebooted the outer CV joint and it was still fine years later when I sold the car. Anyways, he ended up drilling and tapping the pinch bolt, when I got the bill he charged me for four hours, which was fine, the part that bothered me was that he charged me a 900% markup on the ball joint. it's a $22.00 part and he charged me a little over $200 for it. I know he spent time on the car, I knew it was going to cost me in labor, but trying to hide labor costs in part costs is shady. After talking with other people in the area, they have had similar experiences where the parts were very expensive compared to other shops.

[@tsw199756]

Sounds to me like you micromanaged the guy so much that he retaliated by hitting your wallet.

[@kingcarcas1349]

handy, im taking a mechanic class now even though i don't think i'll actually become one

[@BedjamRivera]

AC is also on the bottom of my list. My car hasn't had AC in almost a year but everything else works flawless. During summer it can get over 100°f here. Just role the windows down

[@rahrah8076]

Bedjam Rivera what kind of vehicle is it ?

[@midnightmystery544]

I miss my 2001 Camry!

[@erichelfrich1011]

2007 Si needed front ball joint. Mechanic charged $107 for it. Same part delivered on Amamzon- name brand part=moog was $30. Is this normal? Is paying %350 fee to get part delivered the same day? Don't forget the always popular $25 mystery shop fee included in this estimate of $320 for 1 ball joint installed.

[@cobra454tim]

Hi Eric recently I just took my Subaru in for the latest airbag recall and I asked for a quote on a fluid drain and fill for my transmission and the Subaru dealer quoted me $210 and that’s with me bringing the OEM fluids! I usually try and do all my own maintenance but I just don’t have the time I just can’t believe $210 if it was 60 bucks I could understand!

[@rahrah8076]

Timboslice did you supply the transmission filter kit as well ?

[@cobra454tim]

RAHRAH807 I did not I did not because in my transmission is basically a steel strainer and not a paper filter type

[@markwilliams2620]

How to write repair estimates: Calculate boat payment. Multiply by bigger boat. Done. Miss u Click n Clack.

[@jacobpalmer2285]

Give an over estimated quote 🙌

[@simonlaroche5058]

When i do the firts evaluation i do it with my custumer To show them what is broken, why and what Will broke in the futur. I do it To educate them so they do a decision. I know it is longer both they love this and i nerve had a person Said the have ben rip off with me. I work i m'y private garage

[@bneyens]

I saw a 4th gen Camry so I clicked.

[@richieschmidt6225]

Bob Marley +1 Wondering what could be wrong with this one. Broken timing belt is common on neglected 5SFE engines, as well as locked up engines from people forgetting to top off the oil. Oil pump shaft seal and spaghetti seals LOVE to leak. Maybe a charging system issue (failed alt) at 250k+ miles. Not really too much for these cars to have fail, they usually just keep on going and going.

[@jacobpalmer2285]

Hate it when I don’t get a quote at a shop

[@aleskyfinis1025]

I agree from Aleskyfinis

[@williamhouse754]

❤❤❤

[@fordwindsor351]

But when the labor books are written they don't even through in any math as to where the vehicle is at as in the Northeast for example....

[@mclehed77]

Great advice to mechanics, but I live in NY and most of the mechanics just try to get u for all your worth. So it is kinda hard to trust em. On the other hand I don't mind paying to get get it fixed right (no im not rich)but some of them don't do it right and they even go as far as to send you to the steelership,like if I had the money to go there I wouldn't come to you.

[@mds2465]

If memory serves me correctly I believe that generation Toyota Camry has a non interference engine

[@Renaguard]

Yes, the 5SFE engine is a non interference engine.

[@jameshowlett8811]

How do you feel about buying parts

[@ETCG1]

It's usually very difficult to repair broken parts without buying new ones. ;)

[@jameshowlett8811]

@@ETCG1 lol sorry I meant customers buying new parts for you to install

[@ETCG1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmfTqoVsjst-hpY

[@georgebonney90]

Definitely under promise over deliver

[@MrEyad1990]

Ac can stop the car from moving . When the ac bully sruck on and rip the belt

[@ETCG1]

I think you misinterpreted my comments on that.

[@professorpizza69]

Couldn't have posted this yesterday on my birthday? Huh? Lol

[@ETCG1]

Happy Birthday!

[@professorpizza69]

@@ETCG1 No way!!!!!

[@Tibadude]

A broke down Toyota??? o boy, someone tell Scotty Kilmer, those cars are supposed to be bullet proof reliable and last a million miles (if properly maintained of course). LOLZ

[@dillonahrens7857]

Scotty is an idiot in comparison to Eric.

[@lexmaximaguy8788]

scotty is only good for the stupid pictures he puts on his videos....thats it..

[@aserta]

Kilmer is a fictional character, why would anyone give credence to his notions?

[@machintelligence]

@@aserta Because he is right more often than not?

[@MrJimmy3459]

That's like a 20 year old Toyota and its still running and worth repairing pretty impressive compared to other brands

[@chrism5433]

You can't work for free.but have to be fair . Our tools are so expensive and you need a massive variety of mechanic tools

[@davyarthurs]

I am glad it wasn’t my birthday as I didn’t like that cake 😜

[@ShopTalkWithJason]

This is why I don't help people out. A 30 minute repair can take well over an hour to explain to somebody and get parts and everything else. I stopped going by flat rate times and started going by flat rate plus headache rate. If I've gotta sit there and explain it to you, and then sit on the phone with the parts house and then go get the parts myself, I'm charging you for all of that time. Gee, the guy doing work wants to be paid for it. Imagine that That, and everybody wants you to fix their clapped out shit for free.

[@chrisj197438]

Bob Sumeral doesn’t care as long as the estimate is at least $1200

[@TreyCook21]

Your shop has been infested with Camry. Probably want to bleach that out :)

[@Nipplator99999999999]

My experience taught me to invest in a signal scrambler covering the work bays, when solo it saves you from "but Google says...", and if employing techs it will help guide their focus to the job at hand. Important points to avoid unless really good at what you do, not just thinking you are cover any head/internal work on all 3.8L engines, pre-OBDII including a lot of Post-OBDII spark chasing, but avoiding at all costs "fixing" non-broken Mustangs and Hondas (for pure power gains w/o control improvements) for anybody capable of dying young. My personal adjustments to estimates are {+25% total labor if watching and learning through questions}-{+50% if assisting by slowly reading the job's service bulletin aloud as you work} -{+100% total cost if helping you do the job, or if the vehicle was delivered in multiple boxes due to an aborted youtube repair because alot is missing/broken with all fasteners in a single jar, if you are lucky.

[@kamdaddypurp3341]

You know I hope youtubers don’t add in the time of dicking around with the camera on the bill lol

[@nathan4919]

Enjoy this digital cake that a taco Eric you are doing it wrong lol.

[@kennethiman2691]

A Toyota that broke????

[@stephetpi228]

Fr lmao

[@mindthependulum6245]

I'm out of the game these days. Before moving to another state, I had a mobile auto repair business. I eventually had 2 groups of customers. The first, from a church on the darker side of town, the other a group of engineers from India working in the aerospace industry. I'm still good friends with the pastor of the church, but the customers from the church don't keep up with me at all. The church folks were cheap. Not trying to be mean, just honest. I've been cheated by them more than anywhere else. I heard more complaints about the cost of everything there. A woman had a suburban with no brake pads, half the rotors gone from the caliper piston grinding into them. She had 5 kids and all their fathers were in the big house. I begged her to let me fix it, I offered internet parts and pricing with zero for labor. I stressed how awful her situation was, she dismissed me entirely and drove off. She would get a decent used car, run it into the ground, then ditch it where it was and go buy another used car. Others there would buy a car that was shiny, but awful in many ways. When asked why they bought it, they would say because the grill looked nice, or the aftermarket amp was thumpin. Endless frustration there. My Indian engineer customers were by far, my favorites to work for. They asked intelligent questions. They took care of what they had. One of them stiffed me on a bill once, his entire community came down in him. I let it go by that point, but 8 of those guys knocked on his door and told him to apologise to me and pay me immediately or else. I really miss those guys! The first time one of them contacted me thru a Craigslist ad, he was amazed that I was just a nice guy who knew what I was doing. He broadcasted my info around the engineering team and that's how they all became my customers. They said they were ripped off by a lot of places and they felt it was due to their accent and skin tone. A sad truth. The Indian dudes propelled me to be better at everything, including estimating. I felt free to be logical instead of worrying that a customer would think I was trying to rip them off with an offer for a free major brake overhaul job. I guess this goes back to another video about firing customers who are dead weight and cost more to keep. At a contrast, I went to work for a shop in my new location who told me flat out, don't let Somalians drop off a car for repair there. He refused to work with them on all levels. I'm conservative for the most part. I looked at his actions poorly and didn't stay. I tend to give people a chance to begin with. If they cheat me, I cut them out of my path and move on. I know this is a long rant. Maybe what I'm getting at, is do a good estimate of the job, and the potential customer.

[@R.E.HILL_]

Silly titled video...

[@rickjames5998]

Why would you make a repair estimate if you cant even make the repair? Eric is a strange man.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Good video as a customer the last thing I want is to be called after given an estimate to tell me that there’s a price increase

[@AkinsSemiAndMobileServicesLLC]

Thank you