ENOUGH IS ENUFF! - If You DIY or OWN a Shop You Should Watch This - Kevin Baxter - Baxters Garage

[@mattmattes3913]

As the co-owner of machine shop / tool & die shop, here in S.W. Pa, the first 15 seconds of these video explains most of our days perfectly. No words, you can just see it in the eyes. Most folks thinks since your self-employed that your a millionare, well its quite the opposite. I do this job because I love it and I was born in to it. I'm lucky to have worked for my Dad, I never had a boss. But most folks are employees and don't understand how business personally affects the owner of a business, deep down, when your name is on the door and your the one that signs the checks , pays the bills, make sure everybody else gets paid before you do. After all that, tell me its easy.

[@lpd1snipe]

I love my local Machinist, who's the last guy here that will work on old Harley parts. Unfortunately, he's not getting any younger along with myself and when he quits we're stuck here.

[@seandompe7300]

Yep my Dad always said it’s a big responsibility owning a business he said you get good employees, you grow you get bad employees you lose if your employees are treated right they go out of the way to help you and themselves be better people, also my dad said the pressure was on him to not only make money and put food on the table but he would say he was responsible for our family of workers to keep their families going I never looked at it that way until I was put into managing my own company it sucks when someone says look at all this stuff you got you must be rich. Well, not really we are all in this situation together hopefully things will get back to realistic prices and stop gouging us

[@ckthompson7928]

True words.... When he sat down I saw it.... Owning your own is a hard line to walk... A person pays for the best work.

[@ckthompson7928]

Good,Fast and ,cheap does not exist you get one or the other. As my grandfather was trying to saying perfection takes time and expertise

[@ckthompson7928]

Fond of saying.... Friggin autocorrect

[@bt7843]

“You need to be a customer before you can expect ‘customer service’” 😂😂😂. You are 100% right

[@ardyrides834]

Kevin you may need to get more rest. You always appear to be completely exhausted or like you just woke up in your videos. Take care of your health. Without your health, it doesn't matter how much time or money you have. Sharing your knowledge with us is commendable and appreciated. Thank you for your help Kevin.

[@rvator7291]

"You need to be a customer before you can expect customer service" That needs to go on the shop wall ! Classic answer

[@carlbruhn1772]

Kevin you're swimming upstream on this one. Human nature is greed and angling for themselves only. Integrity and honorable intent is very rare.

[@lpd1snipe]

I am a retired Merchant Marine engineer/ mechanic, and I used to do a lot of work out of my home garage on Shovelheads, Panheads, Knuckleheads, Flatheads and Ironheads, and British unit twins. I also worked part-time in a motorcycle shop owned by a friend of mine years ago when I was not working on the ships. Most shops now will not work on the old stuff. I do this in my free time. I don't do it anymore for people I don't know. They don't understand how much shop supplies cost, much less parts. I only help with select few friends I know that ride old iron like myself, and they are very grateful for my services. I didn't do it so much for the money as I love to keep the old machines running. They are part of our history.

[@p.s8950]

As tradesman, i find myself often quoting my long gone father, to customers. "You aren't paying for the hour it took me to do this job. You are paying for the decades it took me to be able to do this job in an hour". Thanks for yer vids.

[@michaelmalone6858]

I hear you Keven, I am now 71 years old, I spent most of my life in the motorcycle industry, long ago I quit wasting my time answering questions for folks who were not my customers. I closed my doors four years ago and retired. Hope you can soon .

[@rageracing6435]

I’ve owned a Harley-Davidson repair and speed shop since 2007. I have been exactly where you are with this video. I had the same response as you and I feel the same way. Thanks for your TIME making this video. Please don’t waste any time responding to my comment. It’s not worth it. 👍

[@gregorystetkis7009]

Making money is difficult nowadays but that is a miniscule problem compared to knowing that every day the money we work so hard for is "Purposefully" being devalued .!!!!

[@jamessouza7065]

Your right no different than stealing it outright. You know what I was thinking the other day IF this goverment prints all this money day in & day out? WHY THEN does said gvmt need all of our money to pay it's taxes? If they can make money out of thin air then how come they still need our money?

[@kerrylewis2581]

I always learn something when Kevin posts. Today's message was a life lesson for everyone who watches, especially me.

[@paulrevere4326]

It’s real people. The man speaks the truth, so don’t be a hater. The man’s business is the man’s business. He is paid for his knowledge, just like a doctor gets paid for his knowledge. Kevin is a motorcycle doctor.

[@jerrylong381]

My Dad always said, "Remember, when you work for someone, you are selling something you can't buy, that you don't know how much you have." "Sell it dearly, and Spend it wisely Miss you, Dad.

[@linru992]

I totally agree with you and I'm a DIYer not a shop owner! You are spot on!!! I wish you continued success!!

[@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

I think people take for granted the fact you take the time to make the videos, you have time to help each individual. Keep up the great work.

[@tobpitbull]

I’d say Time is not most important.., it’s choice. Choices we make determines the way we make use of time. I’m a diy because I’ve found most shops don’t want accountability and one puts down the other with his way verses his way… and very very very few are machinist. For all diy guys do yourself a gigantic favor, buy a Harley Davidson oem factory Manuel and there’s your advice… follow it closely and you’ll be fine. In regards to machine work, do your homework there carefully… most shop owners get real offensive when you check their work, especially when you can use tools ( mics, calipers, bore gauges, etc) and check their work. When you diy you’ve only got one person to blame … you! That forces you to makes better choices, being more careful with your time! Baxter seems very quality oriented with his videos and advice.

[@speedyReedyEnterprise]

💯

[@mikedanaher3413]

I completely understand. I have had my own shop in the past. Not motorcycles but, trucks and truck accessories. Same thing happened to me and I finally had to lay it on the line to people as well. Most people have no clue to what it takes to run a business and the costs involved if you turn 1 million a month in revenue or zero. I have no respect for all those people out there who sit on the sidelines and say a business make too much money. They don’t have the slightest clue. Great video Kevin. 👍

[@Jhood0729_jerrymesser]

Very well said brother. You've not lost anything or any customers from being this way!!!!

[@custommade4033]

I will always pay extra for good customer support. Hard to find these days. I have preached that message for years. Keep up the good work and thanks for the videos.

[@DNesbitt-p1t]

Great work Kevin, as always.

[@DEWarizona]

I have been around a full lifetime and the wisdom that has served me best is " there is nothing so expensive as cheap". Cheap will never satisfy the need to repair anything well. Learn this well and you will find your repairs will be proud testaments to your time and efforts. Pax Vobiscum!

[@fogit4668]

I was planning to do an engine build. Had even talked with you about doing it. Then a certain person got into a high office and everything went down the tubes. I know how hard it is to come by money now.

[@fredmercury1314]

*Your* time is always more valuable to *you* than it is to *everyone else.*

[@Tommy.McLean]

You hit the nail on the head. I have a shop in central florida and I use it to offset my military pension. There's no way I could live off of this. My other techs are retired military as well. It's a tough economy. As far as the calls, man, nobody can troubleshoot. That's the difference between a technician and a mechanic. I get ten calls a day of people wanting me to troubleshoot over the phone. Sorry. Not doing it anymore

[@bostonbruins40]

Very well explained Kevin. I have worked at many small businesses they all have this issue. Those business owners would 100% agree!

[@fredhunley6636]

And I understand you and those who work on our stuff, you are totally right.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

The nerve! I love working on my bikes. I would NEVER expect a shop i didn't do buisness with to spend their time teaching me. If i run into something i cant do, i will pay a pro.

[@hade8839]

I'm from Poland, I watch your videos, you are an authority for me. knowledge, honesty, sharing, it's all amazing. I wish you good luck. Greetings from Europe.

[@frankbrown9107]

We always appreciate your wisdom and knowledge much appreciated as a DIYer

[@billcarothers9182]

I am a diy'er and love doing my own work. When I need anything beyond my knowledge I have a one man shop I use religiously for parts and service and I am loyal to so I understand this video. And in return he helps me out if I have a issue.

[@Sam590ss]

Buy from Kevin folks. The couple extra dollars is money well spent. He's worth every penny! And Kevin, take that vacation before there's no Kevin left for us to enjoy and learn from.

[@superdave2112]

I have been in the business for over 30 years now. I have a shop in Mustang, Oklahoma. We also do a lot of machine work. I am bombarded every day with questions, stories, and so on. Time is money, and don't get me wrong - I love what I do. But MAN can you lose a day quickly! We have a different rate for customers with Internet parts, and another for customers that want to watch, help or hang out. It's significantly more. Great video!

[@NativeSD53]

Kevin, I don't know you personally... But I've watched enough of your great videos to have gotten a pretty good feel for where your heart and head are at. I'm sure it was not easy to make this video.... but at the same time, I'll bet it felt good to get it off your chest. Your perspective is dead on and greatly respected. I am one of those DIT guys... and I too, search of the best price for a particular component I'm researching for installation. I particularly like what you said about buying your parts from someone whose technical expertise you trust..... very true and very good advise. Rather that calling several shops... I will watch several videos from those few people who's level of expertise I truly Trust..... And you are definitely on my short list. Through your many videos, you have Already given all us DIYer all the information and expert advice we could ever hope for...... Thank you for all you do.... video after video after video...... You're a good man with a huge heart.

[@bruce1816]

Bravo Kevin!! You are exactly correct.

[@jeffnevius]

As a machine shop owner you are absolutely right.

[@AtomikGeist]

Well, Mr. Baxter. You are 100% correct. I am from Brazil, and we are very short on resources and parts to build Harley engines. I believe two years ago I found out about your channel and started to learn from you. I have never been a mechanic, but I have always built car engines and tuned them for fun, helping friends, etc. So I am aware of the engineering, build, and adjustments of engines. I always had this dream of building my Harley, and after watching many of your videos, I learned about Harley engines and their peculiarities. I made my own project. As every engine is the same but also different, I could make my project after getting the amazing information you share in your videos. Had my engine case bored, heads done, got all parts from the US, and built my 110 engine in my garage. Tools and stuff are really expensive in BR, but I got it all sorted out. So now, after almost a year, I could not be happier with my bike and have even built three other Harleys for friends, projects that were nuanced and meticulously calculated based on the knowledge I obtained from you. (After that, I also studied everything I could and read whole manuals.) Anyway, your content changed my life. I have sort of created a small, tuned Harley scene in my area in BR, and I am thinking of opening a shop. Your knowledge and time spent sharing it for free are more than enough. Any rational person would not even question paying for your technical knowledge!

[@drummer5140]

Well Said.

[@ldyates]

You are spot on, Kevin. My dad used to tell me that if “you buy cheap, you buy twice.” That goes for buying parts in this case, because the “time” you spend getting questions answered, parts returned etc. does cost money. It cost all of us money. If I would have found you prior to building my bike, I would have been on the road 8 months sooner and would have saved thousands of dollars. Keep up the good work. Love the channel.

[@luizdejesus6240]

I can't believe you have to explain this. The sense of entitlement some people have is beyond belief. You did a much better job explaining this than I would have...

[@agb1953]

I've known Kevin for most of his life, and him being too nice to most folks is an issue he suffers from.

[@1977jhall]

Good for you Kevin and well said! I export vehicles from Canada to the USA and that market has gotten ridiculous. People calling all the time and all they want from me is a price so they can go shop it around to other people and try to get more. Infuriating. I have recently found your videos. Your attention to detail and general level of kickassery are commendable. Keep doing what you do and answer the questions you can. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@brucebyrd1719]

I think this is your best video you ever put out, I really never looked at from an owners stand point like that but I totally understand and agree with you on this. Thanks for everything thing you do in this industry...

[@tomrinde4487]

Nice to witness true Honesty in this day and age.

[@RavHarley]

Most assholes.....truly don't know they are in fact assholes....but they're always "holier than thou" and won't hesitate to let you know it. Hang in there brother and thanks for speaking out for the rest of us independent shops.

[@jasoncarboni3682]

I think this was a fantastic video. I have been guilty of doing this as a DIY guy in the past and once I heard a shop owner tell me this in a separate and unrelated casual conversation, it put a new perspective on their point of view. And FYI, you're getting so many calls/emails because you're doing something right. So kudos to you sir!

[@coryhawkins967]

Great video, I appreciate your time you put into your KZbin videos.

[@dearslayer4524]

Ive been on every end of those spectrums you are talking about and you are 100% correct to sum it up you get what you pay for!

[@michaelcartwright306]

Entitled idgits is why I could NEVER work retail anything. God bless you Mr. Kevin!

[@masteranger4499]

Well said, thanks for saying it straight. From a DIY guy. I know your time is valuable, and I appreciate your channel immensely.

[@davids.4135]

That was a very fair and good rant, I have never commented on your videos before but had to on this one, I will be doing a cam chest redo on my Road King and will either take it to you or buy parts from you, definitely worth it.

[@swn7440]

You hit the nail on the head. The Best Buy isn’t necessarily the best buy. Keep up the great videos.

[@markj6506]

Been an Auto tech for 30 + years and wrench on all my own stuff. I definitely understand .

[@BFPGarageLLC]

Well said Sir! Thank You for saying what most of us shop owners are thinking. 😊

[@anthony7896]

We appreciate you tremendously Kevin

[@bobgoes4129]

What a great message, needed to be said. Have a great day, get some rest, enjoy your meal.

[@tonyswirtz6612]

You gotta pay to play ! Looking cool ain't cheap 😎 well said sir 👏

[@araneaetvelivolum1086]

You are absolutely correct and it is a shame that you have to spell out the obvious. My best advice is to find the shop you trust and then hold onto it for dear life and pray that the shop stays in business. Second best advice is learn how to use KZbin and hone your skills while learning from those who spend their valuable time helping us DIY'ers. 3rd best advice is to learn how to budget for unexpected motorcycle expenses. Be prepared to get your beloved ride taken care of when it needs an expert and pay for it. Our bikes got so complicated, it is no shame to go and pay for getting it fixed and that brings us back to point number 1. 😉

[@redwine1671]

I absolutely agree and respect your view on this matter……it’s a shame it takes someone to have to make a video to call out people who do this …… This should be basic logic and common sense , but I guess common sense isn’t so common……thank you for shedding light on this matter, and thank you for taking the time to make these videos that help us greatly….

[@SteveWerhun]

I have never heard someone explain that in a more clear and professional way. Shocking as it may be, that guy you you talked to on the phone will still never get it. Thanks you sir for all the great content. Steve

[@powerhaulic]

Closed my bike shop last year, costs are out of control Seen in business since 1996 People suck lately, rude and demanding You are spot on I also have been a volunteer fire fighter for 46 years

[@johnathanbarton9127]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!! As a service professional for over 30 years, people don't respect the TIME we have to put into doing the work and helping customers out. Not to mention the TIME put in to learn our trade and the money for tools and equipment to perform the work. The "free" info ( and sometimes labor) we provide all to often is not appreciated. Continue the grind my friend - no more thought should be placed on this subject.

[@marine2502]

Thanks Kevin, since leaving the military I have been self employed. All of us get what we pay for...

[@lanceditty7300]

I can feel your pain. I ran a shop here in iron mountain mi. For 6 years. And my good hearted boss would call me up front to answer questions for walk in and also phone customers. At first it was ok , then I was falling behind on shop projects. So being that I had to tell boss man to not call me up front unless they were ready to pay for the lost time in the shop. At $75. Per hr. Or have them bring it to us because I will not do diagnostic troubleshooting over the phone. I retired and still do work out of my home. But I still stick to the same principles. Love your videos. I like how you follow procedures. Thank you .

[@ralphhull6946]

I had my own shop in General Aviation for 36 years and I have to say that I had exactly the same experience there.

[@fishwithlungs]

Straight to the point, Kevin. You have proven record of great work, and your videos are as informative as can be, quite rare treat on youtube. If I ever have question I'd like you to answer, sure I will use your paid appointment service. Your honesty is commendable, and you are 100% right about the most valuable commodity.

[@DowntoFish207]

I have been through this so often at my off-road jeep shop. Buying parts "cheaper" elsewhere and then want my experience for free to make their partial kits work etc.

[@ChristosBassCovers]

I love it !!! "You need to be a customer before you can expect customer service"

[@heathjude50]

I’m a DIY guy and a business owner so I understand completely. I didn’t know I could order anything from you like that though. I’ll start ordering from you just for the knowledge and expertise that I’ll have access to. Hopefully it’ll be after this riding season though lol.

[@agb1953]

Another small failing on Kevin's part that he has not made this service well known to the entire world. Just one more thing he can't find the time to deal with properly.

[@jerrycoon3369]

You are 100% correct Kevin. Many times I have had people picking my brain for info, and then go have their "buddy" do the job. Crazy that people can be so disrespectful.

[@djones7725]

Well said. 100% in agreement.

[@shioctonautomotive647]

I own an automotive repair shop. You are spot on! This stuff happens all the time. When people have their own parts I will put them on if I have time at a higher labor rate with no warranty. Most of the time I tell them no. This is a fantastic video!

[@charlescurtis1817]

you are 100% correct in making this video.

[@DGreenfield-j2p]

I don’t think anyone could have said it better. You are 100 percent correct. Try this idea for a video. I would love to see a video or series on how to pick the correct parts to achieve the performance we are looking for. Lots guys are running cams because they (heard) it was a good cam.

[@tm-dx7vr]

This is true, I live in Ohio and my bike is 22 years old, so I take it to an independent in Rocky River, even thought I could get the parts cheaper online, I respect him and just let him order and install.

[@bigdaddygroff]

Kevin is a man of his word. Pay for the monthly YT subscription he will call you if you have questions. He personally called me when I paid for the subscription. Thanks again Kevin

[@Hrafn81]

Thank you for making all these videos and sharing knowledge and experience with us all. You are a major inspiration for me taking the DIY route, because I have time and interest. Money is not the factor for this choice of mine. This winter I changed my own cams for the first time (a twin cam) and a little more. Thank you.

[@brentutterback8726]

Shop owner here. Thanks Kevin, I deal with this constantly. There is another group you missed, the bargain hunters. The people trying to find the cheapest price. ( I get it, money is hard to come by) Then they drag there "great purchase" into the shop and ask for me to install. I have gotten where I refuse. Like you said I will help somebody who comes to me to purchase parts and are doing the work themselves. If they would come to us first we can save them money. They buy parts they don't need, they buy incorrrect parts because a website says it fits. (usually tires, they bring in a 404 dunlop and want it installed on a dresser.) The other thing about online purchases, is that if there is a warranty issue, the person who purchased it has to handle the warranty. It's a crazy business to be in for sure. Thanks for all you do, and for trying to educate customers. Brent

[@StevenMayer6]

I agree with all of this. I repair computers on the side of my regular day job. I frequently get calls from people asking to assist them in fixing their computer over the phone instead of bringing it in because they think it’s free service. Every time I get these calls, I am very vague and ask them to visit me in person.

[@travisgray3331]

Thank you much Kevin. Love the insight on this motorcycling world we live in

[@KenD868]

I totally agree with what you said. Being in the service industry it bugs me when people just want free advice.

[@RtFlora-w9p]

Bravo Bravo Bravo. Thanks for saying this out loud.

[@jeffreysmothers6231]

Glad you made this video you’re 100% right

[@Akfordmn]

Spot on Kevin! You have to be a customer first... Time is money, lost or gained. As a business owner you prefer to be on the gained side. Keep up the excellent work.

[@ronk8325]

Your expression at the beginning of the video says it all .

[@AngelaTincher-y5t]

Very well said, I owned and operated a M/C shop for nearly twenty years. Spent hours on the phone with customers that had their bike in other shops being worked on, and they bought their parts elsewhere. Your time is valuable. Thanks for all the time you spend on videos to help people do their own work. You are my most trusted technician on youtube, or anywhere else. Keep those videos coming, we do appreciate you sharing your expertise with us.

[@chandlerluce9392]

Our shop made the decision to stop installing tires that had been purchased outside of our shop. It was amazing how much time that freed up.

[@rarebreed9208]

I love it when they ask a question 5 different ways, trying to get the answer they want, and they also want you to do a complete and accurate diagnostic over the phone, telling them exactly what part to change to fix the problem.

[@thomasmadden6853]

Agree, Can't get bad customer service if you are not a customer. Like you said, buy from someone you trust to give you solid tech support. Every minute matters.

[@eddie8279]

Thank you for having "a set" and being a stand up guy and saying what needs to be said. Bravo👍

[@rockettman2025]

I run a small but busy motorcycle shop near Toronto. Same story up here, costs are brutal.i love working on bikes but dealing with some folks is borderline impossible. In the last few years ive had to fire several "customers" because they don't value my time. I no longer rush to answer the phone because many of those folks dont end up being customers. Our only 1 star Google reviews are from people that didn't like what ansers they got from us.

[@james6275]

Mr. Baxter I agree with you 100%. Stay focused!

[@dougdavis868]

You should have offered to give his money back🤣🤣🤣👍

[@cranky326]

Hey Kevin. Really like your channel. I understand that time and advice is costly but I have to say that as you said the cost of parts has gone up. My suggestion is that you offer a price match (verified) on the same parts. We as a large riding group are lucky to have a reputable shop in our location that offers that and generally after checking once, they take Pete’s word as gospel and don’t question him again. Keep up the quality work and videos.

[@Savannahjbo]

as a shop owner, I had a previous potenial customer notice I owned my own Tow Truck sitting next to some of my old classic , as I was doing a service on an old roadking, this fella called a few times back to back about an LS swap.... he could not under stand my quote of I bill by the hour for full builds , then he wanted me to come tow his truck.. I told him I can do that for $75.00 one evening after shop hours and he commented he thought it should be free for him "giving" me the work and all the other tow companies priced him $120-$150.... I let it slide .. by the end of his 3rd 20 min convo he then wanted me to scoop it up "now" for $40 bucks.. I simply replied .. Ill get right on that , Ill close my shop, essientially closing my business down and all potential revenue for that day, fill up my Rolllback w fuel $50.oo -60.oofor his trip and take the 3 hours fighting traffic in the middle of lunch rush, so I can take his $40.oo .. life is like a box of chocolates afterall eh lol .. smdh

[@kevinkinney5445]

You are one honest stand up man. Honorable and proven.

[@rossbain6958]

This might be my favorite video thus far lol

[@tcb8295]

Kevin, as always, thanks for taking the time to make this video. You are spot on with your comments.

[@paulgrenier6773]

Thank you Kevin. A first time commenter....I operate a small indy in my home town. My favorite...."Can I pick your brain"?

[@mitchelldarnell5334]

Kevin you are 100% correct in all you commented on. It's is hard times for everyone. I used to be somewhat of a do it yourself but I'm to damn old now😑 However, I love your videos!! If I live long enough I would still like you to work over my 2011 CVO ROAD GLUIDE. It only has about 5,000 miles.

[@Alaska_Engineer]

Good ain’t cheap, Cheap ain’t good!

[@kevingillilan4629]

I have a small shop in Ohio and this is a daily problem we go through. This is a great video that you put together and wish I had it playing over n over in my shop and while they are on hold on the phone. Customers unfortunately need to be educated and understand that we are here to help but when this goes on all day everyday we tend to get a bit cranky. Lol 😆. And us Kevin's need to stick together. Lol. Absolutely love all your tech videos and you are the man. Much respect to you Kevin..