Pros and Cons of working at an Independent Shop as as Auto Tech

Today I start a 4 part series on the Pros and Cons of working at different kinds of shops, Independent vs Dealer vs Chain/Tire stores vs Fleet shops
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[@deamonmachine]

I like working independent for these advantages: 1: Something new every day, I don't feel like a factory worker doing the same jobs over and over again. 2: The crew at my shop is very "family" like.. we all get along very well and help each other often (Paid Hourly) 3: When some personal issues come up, sometimes they can actually help instead of complaining I'm not at work. (eg. got in an accident, car was totaled (only car) and they let me borrow a shop car until I got another one).

[@flatratemaster]

Very Nice list!

[@NeverEnoughPyro40]

WOW It sounds like you work at the same shop I was at for 12 years! We were the same way. In those 12 years I have never locked my tool box, and I have never had a tool or money stolen or lost!

[@michaelherbert8213]

Great video. I work for an independent shop. My boss says you're either in it, or you're not, when it comes to special tools and equipment. He purchases anything and everything we need to get the jobs done right.

[@flatratemaster]

Very nice! always a lot easier with the right tools and equipment!

[@guy-uo8nv]

I would rather work for independent because of the family aspect. I would rather have a job where I like the people then make a lot of money and not like the people.

[@fordtruckguy5545]

I work in a family owned independent heavy diesel shop (over 30 years in business) and love it. we have a lot of drama but it is part of the character of the shop. we are paid good, hourly wages and the owner provides electronic diagnostic tooling, some OEM/speciality tools and needed air/hand tools over 1/2" drive. also a mix of OEM & aftermarket diag info. the mechanics' change/lunch room is in another building, away from the main shop, with satilete TV, air conditioning and soon to hopefully have WiFi. Dealers are good for letting trucks get the sun treatment, while independents have to provide quality work and get the vehicles out in a timely manner, to earn customers' continued business.

[@jaywebb0113]

here at the dealer if we can't figure it out we pawn it off on the engineers lmao

[@flatratemaster]

LMFAO!

[@juanpaz6707]

jay webb so true. Lmao

[@fordguy395]

GM dealer tech here! Call TAC. let them figure it out if I can't! And once that gets exhausted, the gm field rep/engineer comes out to the shop.

[@southernheritage8740]

I’m a Ford tech and when I get those vehicles every now and then that seem “undiagnosable” I put in for a technical hotline assistance to speak with a engineer and I gotta say they will always resolve the issue you have…. Unless Ford chooses to buy back the vehicle from the customer which has happened twice for me in my 8 years

[@curte7739]

The biggest perks for me from working in an automotive shop. I worked in one from the mid 80s up to early 2000s was being able to buy parts at cost the markup on automotive parts is ridiculous. The other perk was being able to use the lifts and equipment in the shop sometimes on the weekends when the shop was closed so I can get my own stuff done now I have a large shop at my house and anything I do to my vehicles I basically got to lay on my back to crawl under them. I will be putting in a lift this summer though to make things easier.

[@danielslonecker6708]

I like working for an independent. The dealers have always gotten stale, for me. The guys I work with tend to help if I get stuck. Worst experience I ever had was a dealership where the shop foreman got paid flat rate. You can only guess how that worked out.

[@Thetinytalkshow]

Let me guess he took all the gravy work

[@dnzgarage]

The best indy shops are the ones where the owner is the one whos got the most experience

[@Thetinytalkshow]

Leaving the dealership life to a independent shop life a little nervous but I for sure won’t miss CSE and all those damn Electrical work with the craziest drivability at the dealership

[@7cperformance314]

great video very accurate I've worked in independent shops 16 years and your description makes me feel like we work together.

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@volFD59]

While I'm not really an automotive tech, I can relate a lot to this, especially to the not having proper equipment and having something different to do everyday. On the one hand it's awesome coming in one day and there's a forklift that needs hydraulics serviced and the next day I'm assembling a launch and recovery system for an AUV, but I'm also well aware of the fact that I am a lot slower at certain jobs than people who do that particular thing on a daily basis, especially when you don't have that certain wrench to pull the ram apart, or there's no assembly procedure for whatever, but ultimately it comes down to whether or not you enjoy what you do more than you hate it. No matter where you go or what do in life, there is going to be crap involved, you just have to find the crap you don't mind shoveling.

[@flatratemaster]

LOL, very true!

[@markferraro5250]

Thanks FM a lot of very good points

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@marshmallow1965]

Advantage for me was I got to grow extremely quickly. In one year, I was doing what alot of things that took techs 5-8 years at a dealership. Cons: Huge lack of training. I got hired with the owner knowing I had no work experience at all in the field except for some classes at a local college. Second week I was pulling a transmission. Eventually got good at it and I was doing all kinds of jobs by the time I left. Pulling a couple of engines, window regulators, water pumps, brakes, transmissions, clutches, changing all kinds of gaskets etc. For the most part we had limited access to all data and mitchell on demand. We actually didn't have a problem with lack of tools though surprisingly.

[@binzsta86]

Are you still working as a mechanic?

[@wyattoneable]

I'm a DIY'er so a lot of this doesn't apply to me, but I tell you what, it's still good information. Thanks for the info.

[@flatratemaster]

Thanks for watching!

[@douglasdetwiler8938]

love the video lot of good points

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@daviddntait]

I worked in a pretty well known speed/custom shop here in Hawaii for almost 10 years and our bread and butter was largely supported by our race track and we uses to have until that went away in 2006 and things slowed down a bit. Talk about working on all types of cars and trucks! I remember having a 37 ford street rod in one bay getting a Ferrari electric fan put in while doing a timing belt on a late model camry and someone waiting for me to put Westin step bars on a Dodge ram. I think working on all types of cars and trucks hones your skills on a whole new level! not to mention your tool collection becomes a conversation piece! anyway I gave a thumbs up on the video, you hit the nail on the head all the way across the board, these young guys will understand one day!

[@flatratemaster]

Very cool JOB! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@nicholaszavala6991]

Worked at an independent shop for 4.5 years when I first started in the industry. The owner was impeccable. He listened to the master tech with 30+ years of experience when it came to shop equipment. He upgraded the alignment rack and computer, the scan tools, anything the shop needed. He would pay what he needed to be able to keep the shop up to date. He also tried his best to buy the top quality parts he could. He would give the customer 2 or 3 different prices depending on the brand he was gonna use. This shop was one of the best I've worked at. He had generations of families as customers with multiple cars in the same family bringing it there for repairs. Customers that drove more than 30miles one way just to go to him for repairs. Second best place I've ever worked at. Worked at other places that are just as you described. Poor quality parts, hacks, never wanted to diagnose anything rather just throw parts at a car to make money and say "o well". Great video!!! Keep it up. Just became a new subscriber here.

[@ClydeDoSomething]

Did the fleet thing once and you're right, it gets boring. Thing about independents is it can get overwhelming at times. Total opposites on that level.

[@flatratemaster]

Very true! like forest gump you never know what your gonna get!

[@karlx-1]

This is why I like being a classic car mechanic and restorer.

[@matthannah4621]

I don't care for interesting. I like the dealership environment where theres just the right amount of interesting. I like knowing the product, working on a Ford in the morning and then an audi after lunch isnt appealing to me.

[@kylepowell4906]

I've done both dealerships and independent shops. It's really all about the owner of the company. Between the two Indy's I've worked at, the first one was a total crap shoot. The one I'm at now is wonderful. Great environment.

[@JMKady76]

One huge one, as a guy who worked indy shops, went to the dealer and is now back in an indy, there's no WARRANTY work at an indy shop. I don't have Ford telling me "Oh well that only pays .3 because we're paying for it" anymore.

[@flatratemaster]

Yep Everything is CP!

[@snap-onman5088]

good video,good points

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@leefhead1]

I cant agree more about dealer work being BORING. Ive grown in the industry at independent shops learning and learning, and in the past 2 years ive been at Honda. As great as having the information readily available, and support is always there, its not challenging at all.

[@flatratemaster]

LOL, I have heard that many times

[@Toolaholic7]

My dad's shop,we have the Tech 2 only for OEM scan tools and even have the Tish program for the GMs.Do GMs mostly and this saves time going to the dealer.I know of one shop in my area that buys the cheapest parts from AutoZone,Advanced and on online.Have sent a few to the dealer as well.One was a Ford Freestar minivan,was running bad with no service engine light on.Did the compression check which came out good,swapping coils and plugs did not fix it.Found out it was a bad computer,told the customer take it to the dealer.Took them 3 days to figure it out being a bad computer.Was not telling when to fire the middle back spark plug at the right time.

[@widowedsorcerer]

I ve worked for dealerships, chain stores and currently an independent. I find them all the same. The dealerships have good training, but I work currently for an independent that uses Napa as a primary part supplier and we have identification, all data, and prodemand, my boss has enrolled us all in the Napa autotech program and previously we all were in the Napa excellence program. I find these to be very good and informative. I will agree about the shop tools. We have no shop balljoint press. But we have a hub grappler. The rest of the tools are ok. We have a modis and all the accessories . But I am fortunate as most independent shops are not as equipped.

[@flatratemaster]

We do the NAPA classes they have some very good classes, some indy shops are great and others not so much!

[@ZombieCraftSlaya]

I left firestone after 2 years of being a high level B tech to go to a independent shop and since I was the new guy all I got was oil changes absolutely that only, they would book me endless oil change waiters and drop offs so if I found recs I would have to pass it on, hated my experience I went to a dealer now and its the best experience ever

[@mevsme6416]

great video

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@CursedPurse]

Knew a guy that worked at an independent shop that the owner spent over 300k on snap on hand, power and diagnostic tools as well as equipment. Apparently he paid it off in two years just on productivity from having the right tool, however it was a diesel repair/modification not general repair.

[@FBobby]

Yeah I'd say that's a super rare situation.

[@flatratemaster]

Very rare!

[@KobaBlack113]

Very very very rare

[@jeffbell2321]

I have one of those mini matco boxes in blue, i put my wallet amd phone in it.

[@maxvolovich9407]

I have worked at dealer, chain and independent they all have somewhat the same problems. same with being paid hourly or flat rate. it is all on how you look at it.

[@flatratemaster]

iIts all in what you are willing to put up with!

[@bigg4454]

Great vid! Great points! I started in a gas station and learned state (Md.) inspections along the way. Most of my career was in independent shops. I've kicked ass in independent shops and lost my shirt in dealers. I've worked in chain/tire stores where they treat you like kids ( I was the oldest there) and they avoid jobs that are labor intensive. It was brakes everyday and the only good part about that place (for me) was I was the only one there who did a/c work. I've done my time in a fleet type shop (municipality) as well, so I been around the block. I think the biggest factors are gonna be your region (part of the country) and market (economy) where you live.

[@flatratemaster]

Region is hard to get into on a video, very true btw, I can only do general statements that apply to most overall. Thanks for watching!

[@bigg4454]

+Flatrate Master - I agree! I do realize region does cover a lot of ground when considering this subject. Just a lil' something to thing about tho'. After all, I think you did mention shops where one might find themselves workin' on less than desirable vehicles (rags, hoopties and auction treasures) versus well maintained vehicles.

[@505fastlife6]

Treat you like kids in what way?

[@bigg4454]

@@505fastlife6 Telling you what to replace and not letting YOU do the job you were hired for (to include diagnosing). When something comes back because you did what you were told instead of what YOU found to be the issue, who's gonna "catch it"? You of course! If I made the mistake, that's one thing. I'll take the heat, BUT, if I did what the service manager with the "General George S. Patton complex" told me to replace something and I did exactly what he said, the heat's gonna be on him. I wouldn't work in a place that didn't let me do my job. I'd keep looking.

[@derekthompson8706]

You have very good videos. And I understand wanting to use the best part but there are plenty of people that can not afford it. Alot of times you tell someone they need to replace this part it is 500 alot of people will just say no I'll just deal with it how it is which can be alot more dangerous than using the cheap part

[@dianasworldoffixingthings4090]

Thank you for saying "Guys and Girls". :)

[@flatratemaster]

You are welcome, I am doing my best to change that! Thanks for watching!

[@dirtsquadatv2714]

lol I think highly of you aftermarket guys. We work on a few different brands from time to time do to used cars. But if a BMW rolled in here I'd don't know what I'd do and I'm sure I would lose my butt

[@flatratemaster]

Trust me we lose on plenty of cars that a dealer tech would go whats the problem, like a dealer tech as long as you win,(CP) more than you lose(warranty) you are doing ok!

[@willrobinson6253]

excellent chioce of topic! ive done indepentants, a short stint at a dealer and work on fleet, for me indenpendants just dont want to spend any money whatsoever and can be a horrid time i didnt enjoy it, dealer was a joke a serious lack of tooling, training and general commen sense, there were lads purely focused on bonus regardless if the cut corners on the job a zero f@#ks given, some wouldnt even try to diagnose a fault either go with a known fault regardless of syptoms or what thats what the computer says. me i love fleet they buy the tools you get training and you always get interesting jobs

[@flatratemaster]

There are very good dealers and Indy shops out there! just not on every corner!

[@crazyelmokong]

Lack of training is the biggest reason I decided to go back to the dealer don’t get me wrong I’ve had the privilege to able to work and learn with a lot of great knowledgeable ppl and some good independents but at the end of the day they can only dedicate so much to u when they have their own work to do and ur trying to expand ur knowledge as well but I was lucky to end up at a dealer where everyone pretty cool for the most part very little drama If any and a lot of available training and learning

[@kenman1717]

You mentioned special tools, but a pro and a con in my opinion is tools in general. When I worked at the dealer I only needed certain tools, as you mentioned working on the same vehicles everyday. I didn't need full sets of anything really, I had one set of metric sockets in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in chrome and a set of metric deep impacts, a set of metric wrenches up to 24, a 3/8,7/16,1/2 and 9/16 wrenches and a few odds and ends of other things. When I moved to an independent shop, I think I ended up spending like $10 000 in the first year buying tools, and It wasn't upgrading to Snap On, it was just buying tools. In addition to tons of specialty tools, I have so many full socket sets both metric and standard, I even have 3/4 drive up to 2 3/8inch and 46mm. In wrenches now I have up to 36mm and 2 inch. I don't work on semis or heavy equipment either, but I work in an area that has oil patch and forestry. When I worked at the dealer I had maybe 10 grand in tools and a $5000, now I have a $60 000 toolbox and I don't even know how much in tools, I have over 10 grand in my socket drawer. I do work hourly and have benefits, but don't get any training, no vacations, sick days even have to be planed or its the end of the world, but I'm the only tech at the shop I'm at. I even had to buy a 1400 ft/lb 3/4 drive impact gun, because there is so much rust and corrosion here aswell which really increases the time it takes to do jobs, cause everything is seized solid or breaks as soon as you touch it.

[@HardKnocksForge]

kenman1717 sounds like it sucks balls where you're at.

[@flatratemaster]

WOW! I will be getting into the tool end of it on the dealer video! as it is a big pro to working at the dealer

[@markd6637]

U never talked about ups or post offices working on the fleet vehicles

[@beemertekm3276]

my buddy works at independent shop,he haves more tools than the shop,and that's why I left my previous job they dont offer any training especially with new technology coming out with the cars.now working at a dealer which im happy at

[@flatratemaster]

Big advantage to working at the dealer!

[@chrischiampo8106]

😎👍🏼 Right On

[@flatratemaster]

:)

[@johngibson3594]

Nice video, I was going to say training is one huge thing that at private shops that is usually lacking. I agree 100 percent on your video this is great info for new service techs.

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you! yeah training is a big issue!

[@raba650]

Is it reasonable that if you work at a dealership and get to know your craft to the point of it being repetitive or boring or what not, is it reasonable to change dealerships to get to know another type of vehicle model? I wonder if people who’ve worked in dealerships have changed for this reason, if not to another dealership then to an independent shop or what not. Also, about how long does someone at a dealership last there before wanting to try the next best thing to get to know other vehicles to work on.

[@nathanstoltzfus4593]

Im in highschool still but I'm taking classes at a local trade school, when I graduate would a independent or dealership tech be a better option?

[@malcolmtrammell8473]

Very accurate. Idk if Nissan charged $12000 for the consult J2534 tool 5 years ago but it's definitely not that now. MB however... they can kick rocks with that price tag. Or I'll kick rocks, happily.

[@ofwolfandmanii]

I worked for two different dealerships, both of them would not allow you to work on your own vehicle in the shop, I work at a independent shop now and can work on my cars anytime I want that's not during work hours.

[@Friebe1000]

Can you make a video about apprentices?

[@flatratemaster]

Will Do!

[@gordonfreeman5434]

Some independents are great. But I find some of them don't have good lighting in their shops. When your workplace don't have good lighting, it really does have negative effects on your morale!!

[@flatratemaster]

Yes Lighting in a lot of shops dealer or indy suck and I just don't get it!

[@MikeThaKnight]

Speaking of keeping up to date, how do you feel about R1234yf coming? Stuff is going to be crazy expensive. I work at a chain shop and am torn being trying an independent or going dealer because I'm getting tired of making min wage and busting my ass because writers can't/won't sell despite me voicing my concerns to management several times. I want to work at the chain ~16 hours a week since they close late i can come a few hours after the new main job whenever I find one.

[@flatratemaster]

R1234yf is coming no matter what, we still do not see much of it yet, so we have not invested in a machine yet, it will be a huge learning curve for those that want to diagnose it the same way a R12 or R134a, you are not pumping the system back full to look for a leak with 50 to 100 bucks worth of r1234yf, you will need to have a nitrogen or CO2 system to check for leaks. Chains can either be ok or really bad, as can any job, find a shop that is a correct fit for you, as the best time to look for a job is when you have one, and can better control the outcome, as far as negotiating pay and benefits

[@FBobby]

Yup. My last shop didn't want anything to do with training. Didn't want to pay for any info if they could avoid it. Our all data was only updated till 2013 and they used identifix as a bible for fixes. Reasons I'm not there anymore.

[@flatratemaster]

Yep, sounds like very good reasons!

[@KobaBlack113]

"#1 fix is" the most annoying thing I hear.

[@ryanstafford8839]

I've only worked in fleet shops, for two big companies. I'm interested in seeing your take on fleets

[@flatratemaster]

I worked in a fleet based shop so I have some ok insite into it! I hope anyway:)

[@ryanstafford8839]

Flatrate Master I'll be the judge of that! Haha. Glad you guys made it through the tornado safe. Living in central Oklahoma, I've seen one or two of those.

[@dieseldawg7132]

I worked at a fleet shop for over 10 years, in many ways it sucks you got shit bags that never handle the load they are given yet they are paid the same… and then they depend on the hard workers to keep things up while other play the outta sight outta mind…

[@lukereinhardt4638]

I don't mind when aftermarket shops send cars to the dealer atall. The only thing I ask. Is when you send it over put everything you took apart to try and diagnose the car back together!!!!! I've had multiple cars come in pieces. Then I have to waste my time being flat rate putting together what you took apart that has nothing to do with the diagnostics of the vehicle then diagnose it getting 5 tenths maybe an hour.

[@flatratemaster]

+Luke Reinhardt I completely agree, I send a car to the dealer, as if arrived

[@mikejens2271]

Oh i especially love when it's been through 2-3 independent shops and the service writer gives a vague customer complaint on the work order "customer states car will not start" NO SHIT!!

[@LucasEHonda]

What is your opinion on Dorman OE Parts?

[@flatratemaster]

I avoid Dorman, total crap

[@theone6805]

I'm work at an independent shop and I'm the only guy who does smog, smog diagnostics and repair, and everything else that comes in. I got to say I rather work on the same type of vehicle every day. Man those OB1 vehicles is a pain in the S and my boss just laughed everytime. Plus in an independent shop bosses can get greedy and makes the technicians work on shitty cars that just can't be fixed.

[@Drunkis1337]

I've been at an independent shop since I started in the field and I can relate to so many points you brought up. I'm actually salary which is only nice when its slow. When it's busy and your knocking out 60+ hours a week it seems like shit until it gets slow. I'm currently seeking new employment though. The lack of updated equipment and lack of information is the biggest pain to me. I bought my own scan tool because the boss doesn't update his. From seeing different cars everyday for 13 years I see pattern failures or common maintenance required on many different makes and models so I still do the same crap on almost a weekly basis. I do get things coming in herds then not seeing it for some time though. My boss is also one of those people that are like well lets send it to the dealer because he doesn't want to be bothered with it. I've also never been sent to training which is in my opinion hurting me and my career. I will stop ranting now and say I enjoyed this videos and your channel and look forward to seeing the rest of the series.

[@flatratemaster]

We all get that same work in over and over, but then you get that different car in for a CEL you have never diagnosed so you get a little play time:) Thank you!

[@andrewvisiko5250]

I guess I'll just stay being a blow molding technician.

[@mekayladelk1881]

Dear FRM, I have been offered a job at an independent shop. I am currently working at Toyota and put my 2 weeks in today but they offered me an apprenticeship. Toyota will pay more but I feel like I'll develop more as a tech at the independent. Any advice sir?

[@flatratemaster]

It really depends on the shops, you are comparing, how is the working environment at each? Who will help you grow as a tech, with training and assistance? I think a indy shop will offer a more diverse skill set, but maybe at the cost of advancement in the trade, i.e. training available etc. With a Dealer you will always be on the cutting edge of technology.

[@davezanin1863]

im kind of questioning going into the automotive field theirs about 98% of the youtube vid on auto mechanics that put it down then theirs 2% that says its great im almost done with highschool and im stumped so might as well go to a shop first then go to uti and maybe work for dealer im hoping it will work out easy like it sounds

[@davezanin1863]

but i will go to mmi because i love working on dirtbikes and i have a dirtbike so im always wrenching but i want to learn more on cars i want a job thats fun and doesnt fill like work can someone shed some light on the automotive mechanics field for me

[@flatratemaster]

It is either a job you love or you don't, like any job you can get burned out on it and most times those posting are burned out. I love what I do, so it is easy to go to work everyday:)

[@flatratemaster]

A friend of mine says if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Working on cars or bikes as a job is just that a job, it is no longer just for fun it is for money and money changes everything, so you have to understand that it will be work, just like any other job, but if you enjoy it as a job it can be a great career, but some find out they lose the fun part doing for a living. It is not hanging out in the garage on saturday, it is working, with time constraints, boss asking is it done yet? etc. You will have to find out for yourself if you will enjoy it as a career or not

[@adamwhite2136]

What do u rec dealership or independent? Been at ford for 2 year and it so stressful bc of service advisor screaming at us lol

[@flatratemaster]

find the best fitting shop for YOU! doesn't matter indy or dealer, all about the environment, amount of work, training available, and support

[@howtowin.facts.7247]

I like dealer

[@cwahl13]

Flat rate master would you say its better to start as an apprentice at dealership or at a chain repair shop such as pepboys or bridgestone?

[@Kelvin-gi1sn]

Personally small shop like Midas

[@ascotell]

How are you doing with the I85 crap

[@flatratemaster]

It sucks for my commute

[@phillipzan2005]

I disagreed with someone yiur points. But I agreed with a vast majority of your points.

[@flatratemaster]

Your mileage will vary on what you or I see in a shop

[@phillipzan2005]

Flatrate Master definitely a good video

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you!

[@brandonmurphy4657]

You turn away the old guy with a1999 ford ranger needing a alternator and a belt?

[@AaronFernandes__]

I am sure he will accept them with few exceptions.

[@normansmith7806]

Good video. A lot of good points ! I 85 sure is in a big mess

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

N Smith Cocaine is a hell of a drug!

[@flatratemaster]

Yes total cluster!

[@flatratemaster]

Crack is wack! I know the homeless guy they arrested he lived in a car behind the shop!

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

LOL!!! He was way more depressed than me after you took down that poster.

[@normansmith7806]

Hard to believe one crack head could cause all that.

[@bosborn1]

Video Critique- your audio sync is a little off. Are you using a standalone audio recorder?

[@flatratemaster]

Yes Zoom H1, audio is a little off in the 2nd half after an edit, my scratch track got FUBARed so I did the best I could and hoped no one would notice, guess that didn't work out:(

[@bosborn1]

Flatrate Master I'm really critical, so most would not notice. I just know your trying new video stuff so I'm trying to give you feedback. On the positive note I think your audio quality is much improved

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you! Yeah I noticed it but just could not get it perfect without a usable scratch track Glad the audio is better!

[@Inkd_watkins]

I have worked for independent shops my whole career. There have been bad the good and the down right ugly. I am currently leaving a corporate shop that seriously lacked in equipment and training. Plus the have no customers. So time to move on.

[@gizzync1525]

Slightly off topic but here goes anyway. I work at an independent & I have a fair few European vehicles coming in. Is there a tool out there that can reset service lights on Euro stuff? I know a cresetter does it but I have heard they are very hit & miss. anybody help me with some info or alternative option because some of the service reset procedures are very time consuming & talk about complected.

[@flatratemaster]

Creader 129p by Launch works pretty well, but honestly even high end scan tools can me hit or miss, but that one is used by our GS and that is what he uses 90% of the time

[@gizzync1525]

Thank you! it just takes so bloody long pulling the info & of course it never works first time. lol without doubt its the biggest pain. I will look into one, many thanks.

[@flatratemaster]

Your welcome!

[@HardKnocksForge]

For me I'd never have a chicken box but I'm guessing you got a really good deal. I'm also too old to be doing side work, lol.

[@flatratemaster]

LOL, paid 1500 for the chicken box

[@HardKnocksForge]

Flatrate Master yeah that's a pretty sweet deal other than the color.

[@snap-onman5088]

Flatrate Master --cant beat that!

[@flatratemaster]

Nope!

[@flatratemaster]

Yeah the color sucks but it holds my tools and locks!

[@elBrando22]

I perfer the dealership, Ive worked for Honda for 6 years, I have almost all the tools I need to work on Hondas. I moved and there was no honda dealer near by. Worked at a independent and disliked it alot. Needed more tools had to keep borrowing tools, not my cup of tea. Got paid hourly at the independent, but got paid 50 cents less on flat rate and made more. Im a hustler so flat rate was great just not warranty work lol. I changed careers and driving 70 miles to the next honda dealer is a no.

[@flatratemaster]

Some are indy guys others are at home at the dealer, it is all about what you like.

[@binzsta86]

what you do now?

[@boristhewolf9890]

What city you in I wish I could work for you!

[@flatratemaster]

Atlanta Georgia

[@boristhewolf9890]

Flat Rate Master looks like I need to move up there lol

[@yamahaJDM]

i have give up flat rate job and less vehicles to repair. i rather go hourly job.

[@flatratemaster]

Everyone is different, do what works for you!

[@daveridgeway2639]

They keep raising the labor rate and cutting the flat rate time allowance, that's MORE money for the shop and LESS money for the mechanic! Mechanics have to supply there own tools and you need more tools to fix the late model cars and tools you need cost more now. Another issue that I want to add is that mechanics receive the worst fringe benefits, i.e., health, eye, dental, sick, life, disability, retirement, vacation and holyday pay. Dave...

[@EXOVCDS]

lack of direct training is a big one... looking back, i should probably have done thongs different... but then i wouldn't be here to comment!

[@flatratemaster]

Thomas EXOVCDS very true!

[@autotech1467]

Working on just one make does get boring!

[@flatratemaster]

Yes it would!

[@bosborn1]

So you did see that ridiculous comment about the yellow box!

[@flatratemaster]

Yes I did, and had to make a joke about it!

[@flatratemaster]

Thomas EXOVCDS 🤣

[@jimblane1183]

I think the green Snap on boxes are a lot fruitier than the yellow Matco.

[@flatratemaster]

It's Teal thank you:)

[@jimblane1183]

I meant the extreme green they make. Teal is doable.

[@flatratemaster]

I hate green period:( The tech next to me has a extreme green cart, he likes it at least

[@jimblane1183]

Ah, I found it. 57 Chevy Bel Air Snap on limited edition. Circa 1997? 40 year anniversary of the 57 Chevy. That's a nice piece.

[@flatratemaster]

I bought mine in 96

[@bwest-yq3uc]

This is a sad state of affairs for the mechanic field.

[@joekrim6557]

Manufacturers do not care to share technical bulletins with independents. More over independents do not have access to manufacturer scan tools. Snap on doesn't do half as much as say a tech 2 or drb 3.

[@flatratemaster]

As I have a tech 2 sitting in my hutch, or the bmw factory tool i have in a drawer of my box, the manufacturers will all sell you the factory scan tools. most are way cheaper than snap on.

[@Ken-wu6hr]

Dorman SUCKS. But if you price a Dealer widow regulator You'll lose the Job Joe Cut Rate

[@flatratemaster]

Dorman window regulators are not too bad, but every now and then they are wired backwords:(

[@tmtheasphaltgambler3709]

The real disadvantage is working as a flat rate tech ....period

[@codybear56]

Take it from a Nissan Tech: I dont even like programming a Nissan with Consult PC and a VI its so glitchy lmao

[@Decker1800]

This man talks in football referee

[@kevinjohnson5210]

WAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYTOO many ads my friend.

[@bwest-yq3uc]

Until mechanics start getting paid an hourly rate and not a flat rate, will they be able to afford to feed their families. I would never recommend to a friend to become a mechanic or a truck driver. Look what the corporate world has done to the truck driving world. ..and we are short of truck drivers, now. They care less about the drivers or this Nation...just greedy corporate types. My trash can gets washed out monthly and that is more often than some owners clean out their vehicles.

[@TheBandit7613]

I have a vintage Jeep and Mustang. Only slightly more complex than a lawn mower. I often don't have the time to do simple repairs. I have money so I don't care necessarily how much it is. Turn that down? Okay.

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

Monotonous jobs, where your soul goes to die.

[@flatratemaster]

LOL

[@oldwrench4213]

Junk cars? You just described the entire population. Spend money on my car? Never. Find another career young people.

[@fordtruckguy5545]

I work in a family owned independent heavy diesel shop (over 30 years in business) and love it. we have a lot of drama but it is part of the character of the shop. we are paid good, hourly wages and the owner provides electronic diagnostic tooling, some OEM/speciality tools and needed air/hand tools over 1/2" drive. also a mix of OEM & aftermarket diag info. the mechanics' change/lunch room is in another building, away from the main shop, with satilete TV, air conditioning and soon to hopefully have WiFi. Dealers are good for letting trucks get the sun treatment, while independents have to provide quality work and get the vehicles out in a timely manner, to earn customers' continued business.

[@flatratemaster]

Nice! Sound like you found a great place to park your box!

[@williamhorvat8224]

Flat Rate Master , Just wondering if you offer your employees retirement or 401k, or vacation? Great web videos. 👍