The Flat Rate Mindset

[@SLAWDOG5150]

I try to work efficiently as possible...it’s not required where I work lol. It’s more of a pride thing for me. I don’t want my presence kown, I want my absence felt. Awesome post! Thanks!

[@BerkshireBikersBro]

As a UK hourly Kia master technician I agree 110% with the flat rate mentality. Increase efficiency but DON'T cut corners. The come backs will bite you!!!

[@mylarhyrule3752]

Is it true most shops on that side of the pond provide tools for the tech

[@tylerlowdell6032]

@@mylarhyrule3752 I'm a trailer fitter in the UK and we don't get our tools provided and don't know of many places that do

[@mylarhyrule3752]

tyler lowdell well good, I was over here with $50,000 or so in my box wondering if I should have started up in a different area, lol

[@beyer66]

I’m lifting a vehicle up while watching this video...

[@radman999]

Pretty tough to care about efficiency if there is no incentive. Money is a powerful motivator.

[@bndtx3]

Couldn’t have said it better...

[@adamsavage4155]

I'm hourly but when raises come.....your efficient comes in to play. When new service truck get ordered .....it's not gonna go to the slow time waster guy.

[@hawkins8765]

Incentive should be internal not just external monetary motivation if you chose to have a career something inside you should want you to push yourself to better yourself to be able to make those incentives I've made 15k a year and now make 80k a year the incentive never. Changed to be better for me so I don't feel like a goofy at my job so I don't look like a deer in headlights if monetary incentive is what you think will motivate you that's super incorrect you'll still be at a place we're it's never enough because you feel your being taken advantage of or taken for granted you have to want to so this line of work man

[@GunnShineState]

@@adamsavage4155 who tf wants to work extra hard to go mobile? service truck should go to the lazy mfer

[@everydayfleettech2286]

It all comes down to pride. Take pride in your job and you’ll find ways to be as productive as possible.

[@juniorizq2342]

yes sir. in the diesel truck world sometime effisiency and working fast not always good. i sometimes do pms that takes me 4 hrs but my work does not comes back for months. in trucking you gotta slow it down sometimes. DOT aint no joke

[@gregoryfairchild2460]

And you sometimes need to slow down to be fast. Going too fast gets things out of order and costs time taking things back apart.

[@omidee1]

I think all techs should have that mind set . Time is money . “Work smarter not harder “ and it will pay off . Great vids

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

For me, it's a rhythm. It keeps me moving consistently. Some guys have only two speeds, slow and stopped.😬 Good tips!

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I tend to work in my comfort zone regardless. I try to work more in an orderly style, staying organized as I go. I learned early that keeping bolts in order and tools, helps me be sure I did not forget anything, even though I also double check my work. Can’t say i’ve ever unbolted a wheel while raising the car though, lol. Also never been on my phone at that time...I’m usually trying to make sure the area is clear and safe. Been on flat rate all 37 years of my career.

[@wag1492]

At dealership I waste so much time typing and shuffling paperwork!!

[@thegreattreon0177]

I hated working flat rate when I was a mechanic! I want to be be paid for every second I'm clocked in and on the job not when I'm only turning wrenches! Can't believe I spent 22 years as a mechanic and trust me I DO NOT miss it!

[@darklordbarney]

Never a bad thing to be efficient. I'm a fleet maintenance tech and I always keep the flat rate time in mind. I may not always have this job so best to keep myself in the proper mindset in case the next job is flat rate.

[@SAAutoRepair]

The 80/20 rule. It's an interesting concept. Research it when you have a moment. Things like 80% of the workplace conversation is unproductive and a waste of time. 80% of your daily aggravation comes from 20% of the vehicles. Learn how to control those percentages and you'll win every time.

[@pastorjonc324]

a good reason for working like your on flat rate is sometimes things dont work out in one shop so when you go to another thay pays flat rate you will have that work ethic. even if you go from lube tech to main line you need to have that mind set. sometimes its not a matter of if but when you go flat rate. if you have a cart with 3 4 or 5 drawers and an open space at the bottom keep your common fluids like washer, coolant, power steering and or whatever depending on your shop. also 2 racks in most shops is a blessing on flate rate.

[@prevost8686]

I will say again, the flat rate system is the root cause of poor quality work, work being sold that isn’t needed , and a way for lying shop owners to have guys stand around for free. I’ve been at this for 30 years. I didn’t start yesterday. Until our industry makes up its mind that it’s going to be professional and compensated as such nothing will change. I can list on one hand the import shops in central N.C. that have extremely high professional expectations from their techs. Guess what, they never have to run ads for help wanted, they don’t have issues with hack jobs from the 70 hr. Per week super flat rate guys and they are still quite productive and efficient because they only hire and retain the best employees. Like it or not flat rate encourages guys to focus more time on beating the clock than learning their craft. That’s why most super techs that bragg about turning 20 hrs a day can’t read a wiring diagram to save their lives. The focus is on SELLING. Flat rate forces techs to be used car salesmen with big toolboxes. Nothing more. It will not change in my lifetime. Why? That’s simple. It’s far too easy for anyone who wants to open a “repair shop” to do so. Instead of sticking together to control pricing like dentists and doctors do shop owners will lowball a job just to take work from another shop. When’s the last time you saw your dentist run a silly coupon ad for $19.95 cleanings? Never. They stick together to ensure that all of them are fairly compensated for the costs associated with their skills. The simple truth is that our profession is still full of thieves and hacks because it’s all about SELLING. If you happen to fix something in the process that fine but SELLING billable hours comes first. I was a master Toyota Technician before leaving the stealerships and every “technician “ had a quota per ticket they expected you to meet. Mine was 3hrs. per ticket. At the end of the pay period if I didn’t average 3hrs of sold work per ticket my ass was in the office. I’ll stop. I’m sure nobody wants to hear the rants of a burnt out tech anyway.

[@REPOOCNITSUJ]

This is one of my favorite videos that you've done. While I am flatrate, and always try to be efficient, I'd love to hear some of your ideas and what you do. ....maybe make an ongoing series out of it? Great video!

[@blazebox71]

Loved this video i will say im in an hourly shop with no efficiency bonus as a heavy equipment tech. But i am still very organized and effiecient because it lets you do more while not working as hard and get more done so why not. I can walk and get more stuff done now then some of the other guys who are running around the shop because they arent effiecient. Great video and awesome topic

[@DavidSmith-yf3bi]

seems older we get those war wounds hurt more and take longer to heal , an i agree being more efficient whether your salary ,flat rate ,hourly or hourly plus commission , seems to make the day go easier at times

[@djpie2138]

Good points and tips that are not explained or taught to new technicians enough when getting started. It took me a little to get into the habit and groove of rotating while draining oil and checking joints, brakes and so on. Would also combine doing warranty or recall stuff if possible while draining the oil or mounting a tire etc as I worked at a dealer but was a hourly technician. Now it is a little easier at times and a little harder keep up with that same tricks as I work on heavy duty tractors and trailers and while you can move on and check tires, brakes lights and so on while 10 to 15 gallons of oil drain, you can not do some other things due to safety or needing 2 people. Again the point is I wish I had known or was taught or advised some of these tips when starting out instead of being given the talk about how this business or you should stop yada yada yada you get where I am going with this. I really enjoy you, eric o, scanner danner, ericthecarguy, pine hollow diagnostics, clay from koon trucking, bruce allen and really anyone who takes the time give advice, tips, tricks, walkthroughs or just anything relating to mechanical in general as it is not only helpful and informative but also nice to sort of just talk shop without any of the negative connotations that the industry sometimes has come up as you mentioned. In case it is obvious I tend to not talk alot except to the trucks in end up under dodging oil and def fluids so when I do get to talk or type in this case I tend to kind of go on and on.....my supervisor is 50/50 with it too as he tends to appreciate my thoroughness with all my repair notes or inspection reports and diagnostic breakdowns but then remembers he has to enter everything into the computer as we have not yet moved into a system where the technicians can enter or access the fleet software directly. Hope your having a good day and please stay hydrated

[@niteninja0133]

When I have a job I look at it and run it through my mind on how I have to do and look at the nuts and bolts to see what tools I will need in what order. And I was in the military working on tanks n shit. So my mindset is always smooth is fast and fast is smooth. I usually average around 70hrs a week and im only there for 30. So it's not too bad

[@J2000Z71]

I get that... I am flat rate all I do is Bluebird, Cummins and Roush Warranty. Bluebird gives 0 time for diagnostics, Roush has a predetermined time regardless, and Cummins is the best at diagnostics and repair SRT’s. When I came in the guy that trained me taught me everything to look for to make more time. Wiring is the go too, if you need time that day always pull cab trim back on the buses. You’re bound to find 2 hours fairly easy.

[@carlbyington5185]

Back in the day... they trained us, 3 stages up, and 3 stages down (bottom, middle, top) with the hoist...If you get efficient, for the most part, it works great.

[@elmecanico4943]

What I do is while lifing vehicle I am removing tires, draining oil, changing air filter, testing battery, having lunch and swapping engines. Now, that's efficiency.

[@and0pand0]

Id be interested to see a time lapse of a full day in your stalls with you narrating over it explaining some tips and tricks with your efficiency. You could prolly stay late and get a good camera angle then just turn the camera on the next morning and go to work..?

[@honda_doc6826]

Good points and tips as always. I'm not flat rate anymore, but I still have the mind set as one. I always keep my tools on my cart organized, look over the work orders for the and prioritize importance of P.M.s and problems of the day.

[@joeybarth3121]

Great video I am a hourly field tech for equipmentin dallas texas And have took so much away from your videos in just your day to day jobs and tasks. And also enjoy your talks about retirement and money sometimes us hard headed mechanic just need to hear it from one of our own buddy great work on the channel.

[@stevenkietzke5582]

Just switched from flat rate to hourly, not sure if it is a good thing but after 30 years in the business thought I'd give it a try

[@Shawn_Magara]

How'd this go for you?

[@blkthunderbolt]

I've always wished that racks had a remote control. Maybe one day. I once worked at a shop that had a fast rack that had adjustable speeds

[@TylerRivera635]

You get efficient enough, you shouldn’t have to worry about what the job pays. Just get it done!

[@nicholaswalsh3016]

I am so guilty of the technician lean my god.

[@Ram2253spd]

nicholas walsh me too if I’m tired lol

[@ironcross420]

Yup, that's how I roll. That's exactly what I do as an hourly. A tech was off, so I was rolling 3 bays :D I get nothing extra, but I wanna get in the flat rate mentality.

[@tracydiller4492]

Being efficient is the key you are right.Great video FRM and for hitting the nail right on the head until next time PEACE.

[@EXOVCDS]

Same principle in the bedroom with the Mrs.!

[@flatratemaster]

haha!!!

[@GarthGoldberg]

Sometimes I think I'm on hourly at home.

[@EXOVCDS]

ROFLMAO!

[@PaulysAuto]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Ya know I think the watching the oil thing is from changing your own oil... I like to watch my oil drain because I want to see bits of metal and stuff come out even though I doubt thatll ever happen

[@scottpearsontoolsmore185]

Great video thanks brother. I think you hit everything. I think the worse part I had is the customer. That equipment goes down they tend to want an update every few minutes. Time is money the longer it's down the more they are loosing. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother

[@alastairmartin3049]

I’m hourly but work as flat rate I don’t like pissing about I do that when I’m at home. All I have to say is 2 bays 😍 I’d kill for 2 bays

[@brandong1990]

At my shop we are hourly with a commission bonus so that is exactly what we do

[@brysoncaudle1990]

I work at a company for hourly rate but we still have repair times that the company gives us to repair a job and if you don’t hit it, it flags that job so even getting paid only hourly, it’s important to be as efficient as possible

[@stevenjones1824]

Good mindset to have I feel in every aspect of life, I think the more you push yourself to be efficient brings more profit to anything you do great video and subject

[@PaulysAuto]

🤣🤣🤣loved the demonstration of lifting the car Mike...classic!!! Sorry I missed this, I'm playing catchup on videos. As always GREAT POINTS and your SPOT ON efficiency is ALWAYS key! I actually always think about your points on lifting HABITS, going up and down needlessly ever since you first mentioned it in a past video 😉 and you are exactly right on about that eating up precious time in the day...IT IS SIGNIFICANT! Great advice, tips, and keeping us on point about the little stuff that really adds up and counts.

[@bsscards3593]

Like vids like this. Catered to the technician rather than the do-it-yourself-er.

[@davidthecardcollector]

When they walk you to the gate after you made a mistake by working to fast the lazy piece of crap of the shop will be on his phone texting his buddies that you just got fired.

[@ozzstars_cars]

1:35 FRM smashes the heart on my IG account. Good haste not waste.

[@PaulysAuto]

😆😆😆😆hilarious Glen!

[@chrismalitoterec2690]

Good topic Master got some idea. Thanks.

[@jairosendsit8667]

I’m hourly/commission but I definitely keep the flat rate mindset because I’m gonna move shops eventually to make more money

[@anthonygm85]

When i was a lube guy i was slow at frist, i ended up with a dog bone wrench, 4 oil filer wrenches,a 3/8 ratchet with 1/2 adaptor and my maktia impact and flip sockets. just left all that in my bay and it worked out great was doing oil and trans at the same time.

[@ed81ny]

You do make the technician lean look good. 🤣

[@mototebbs209]

Three weeks in on flat rate first week 44 second 63 third 75. Prolly pushing at least 65 for this week at least

[@hi-wc4kv]

One time I used a cutoff wheel to cut the inner fender out to replace a water pump. But that was on my own car, lol

[@meanodustino9563]

Id love to be able to take off wheels while lifting a car. We have hoists with the switch connected to the wall 🙄 your 6ft from the car totally sucks....in ground post style. Great tips regardless. I work with a old guy that was flat rate and learned alot from how to save time. GO GO GO😂

[@williamakers3990]

Not going to lie Watched this video at the end of the day in my recliner almost passed out till I seen you taking lug nuts off while raising the car Epic lmao I had to rewind it at that point

[@adamsavage4155]

I hear ya. Our raises are partially based on our efficiency rating.

[@trainer2018]

I do the same things you do Mike. Plus it makes things go smoother while your doing the job. When I do an ac inspection I always check the entire system first for any problems then when I'm done I pull the system down, change the oil, and then do any repairs needed. If the repairs don't involve any repairs of lines I have the system in a vacuum the entire time I am doing repairs. Then when Im done I recharge the system and I'm done. I'm hourly but I like to be organized and efficient. The intermittent driveability jobs on the other hand sometimes take more time but my boss understands. In this situation we always walk through the diag together that way were on the same page plus in the entire process we learn together.🙂

[@MYERS503]

Our biggest issue is if you have a L&R the writer calls every 5 minutes to see if its done. Full brake service they call every 15 minutes. If you do not answer the phone they get the manager involved and he is definitely not on the side of the techs lol.

[@vincescalise4821]

As always very good advice, thank you flat rate master

[@BADD400]

Great video. Great information.

[@lukeloader]

You're right. Hourly needs to develop that mind set or they're going to stay hourly.

[@gregoryfairchild2460]

Yep...managing free time is key

[@air4ce96]

I catch myself doing some of the don’ts from time to time lol.

[@ifitsnotbrokenfixit1193]

Thanks for the video FRM. Time is money and we all want more money. Have pride in what one does goes a long way. by the way chicks dig scars.

[@raulcamcho7046]

Definitely agree with what you’re Saying

[@xenophonBC]

i have been seriously been ripped off by dealers...if they think you are stupid..they will milk you.

[@nickhouze8849]

I'm hourly fleet tech,our drivers come in at all hours,they give me "8hour jobs" to do in 5 or 5. 1/2 hours cause I can do it,some of my co workers go past 8 cause they're bullshitting

[@AlexJacome123]

Im 3er year apprentice from australia great idea

[@charlespayne1909]

# ITS THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT.

[@robertmullen2480]

you are the best.

[@GunnShineState]

As a hourly fleet tech. and the shortage of techs and low pay. There is zero reason for me to be quick. And more of a reason to take my time. It will get done and right., but when I want it done. not you.

[@ozzyo6733]

Its 4-5 quarts, its takes 30 seconds to drain. Its not like you are working on tractors with 50 quarts to drain

[@chrischiampo7647]

Excellent Video Flat Rate Master Very Good Points 😎😀😀

[@keithkapusinsky786]

There's a couple of dealerships that I really liked but the team leader or shop foreman was a jerk! If somebody like you were there I would have stayed!

[@zachbumgarner8653]

Okay i really do agree with you but at the moment the shop i work for pays me hourly. I produce my fair share but to be completely honest with you me being hourly is to the company's benefit not my own. I give them what i get. I dont stand around with my foot in my ass but im damn sure not killing myself.

[@AutobahnDan]

I’m strictly hourly. No bonus, no benefits, no vacation, NO STRESS

[@juniorizq2342]

lol nice vid u had me rolling when lifting while taking lug nut out. didnt really save alot of time tho

[@edgartehandon1663]

Efficiency is only thing I know

[@mrmurdx8956]

Sad too say but several new techs never learn to hustle like this and tie up the racks

[@scottzig01]

Keep moving all day no phones no lunch limit talking to the lazy tech that follows you around telling stories just work all day and you will make money .I have been flat rate for 25 yrs and make a very good living

[@jairosendsit8667]

I hate when people sit there and wait for the oil to change like help me rotate the tires and we’ll have the car out 5 mins quicker

[@jeteristhebest1]

Well said!

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

I like watching KZbin videos at 1.5 speed for efficiency, and some of them look funnier.

[@MrGcfsa2653]

Hi flare rate master. What I can do better to be more organized and little fast. What steps to take? I am disabled person

[@tjturner4461]

Yo 4:28 if I do a rotate that high up ill hurt myswlf

[@Narcolepsykid]

Thanks

[@xenophonBC]

i had a 1500 dodge ram 1995...it struggled to accelerate and i heard a pinging sound. i took it to Moss Bros dodge in San Bernardo...it sat for a week i had to rent a car. THey did not fix it they Charged me rent for the spot my truck took. I took it to Midas after...they told me i was ripped off and fixed it...minimal charge.

[@sheeptoshepherd4624]

Can u do a video on new techs and how fast/slow they should be? I’m a new tech; I started at the dealer and moved to Indy repair shop. I’m super slow but I struggle with be slow. It gets to me mentally because I put a great deal of effort in my career. I want to be the best I can be. I just want to know how far along I should be in my career

[@flatratemaster]

Pretty sure i have, but worry about quality speed will come with time

[@mathewboyer5141]

How long of a time for a task dictates doing something while its happening? Vacc filling a cooling system on a car takes what 3-5 min. Not nit picking i know you were making an example but how short of a time is it less efficient to walk away and come back?

[@acu112]

last month I received a new nickname, Lightning! I hit my right index finger with my hammer, lesson learned, don't turn around when someone is trying to get your attention.

[@georgecortes6139]

so just work like you mean it

[@brenthoadley2943]

Well, I'll tell you something about me. I work at an agriculture company as a yard laborer I receive and ship out machines. Since I've been there for 9 years I've developed an interested in becoming a diesel technician. So I started going to my community college and taking classes. Now that I'm almost done my boss is giving me a few jobs here and there. While I'm working on these jobs I'm paid hourly, but I have the flatrate mind set. Also we're an union shop. Michael what do you think?? I've ask one guy who is really quick on stuff, he said "quickness comes with time."

[@trainer2018]

Brent Hoadley The efficiency will come it just takes practice. You need to focus on doing the job right. Do that and the efficiency will come.

[@blazebox71]

Totally agree with the other guy invest in your tools when you can, do the job right everytime, stay organized from the start and youll naturally get faster

[@smms1276]

SWEEET VID 🚹, WELL DONE

[@tomfaro6259]

How does a shop do transmission fluid in a 2011 Malibu. Do they change filter? Because there is no dipstick either.

[@johnhnetkovsky8917]

There is a drain plug in the bottom [ 6T30/40] trans.There is a cap on top to fill,another plug driver side rear to check fluid level [hot only] for drain and fill. We use a fluid exchange machine that goes inline with cooler line.The filter is internal and only serviced during disassembly for repair or overhaul.

[@Crazy_clown6969]

I get paid by the hour not by the job I'm gonna stand round from paid by the hour if I'm flat rate and will be hauled a**

[@carlbyington5185]

Your serp belt guide tool is on top of yer hutch LOL

[@gatorgotme]

But working efficiently means hustling...that sounds like work!

[@gordonfreeman5434]

Quantity > Quality

[@leoashrae4199]

I don't see the OTC Encore on the bench anymore...nor have I seen the promised final review. Didn't work as well as you hoped?

[@flatratemaster]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m37GZ6OgetGbbJo

[@flatratemaster]

And it is still there

[@leoashrae4199]

Got it, watched it, and liked it. Many thanks! (Don't know how I missed it...)

[@charlespayne1909]

This helps.

[@superchill27]

You have a point in one sense, but you keep talking about 2 stalls… news flash that’s a perfect world. I work at Audi as certified technician and we only have one stall. People get the misconception wrong about being flat rate. Flat rate is about working smart and no hard. In reality you can only make time on service and small things I.e brake jobs, drive belt and light bulbs. At the dealer you can be efficient if you study the product that means oil capacity, tires psi, multi tasking. I don’t believe independent shops should every be flat rate unless it’s a brake, oil and alignment shop. I would never want a flat rate mechanic who work independent to work on my car. My philosophy is bang out service and small stuff as safe and efficient as you can, but diagnose you will always lose out. I know you’re trying to help but truthfully you the reason flat rate mechanics are set up to fail and leave things loose. I’ve seen it first hand when coworkers of main became flat rate. Thought they had to rush jobs, but ultimately messed and left wheel loose because of the pressure. I only have 1 pace and that’s paced. You’re not the flat rate master.

[@ArteOnez]

Do you have to clean the hubs when doing a wheel rotation?

[@flatratemaster]

Not often here in Georgia, but will if needed on a northern car

[@genawilcox9039]

Man it was hot today I just take my time

[@GrantCoProductions]

That is one slow lift