So, after I got my tool assortment back together, I got to thinking that besides doing work on my vehicle and my girlfriend's vehicle, I could make some side money as well. I am tired of being retired.
Anyway, I at first put an ad on CL but my girlfriend was not happy about that because she did not want strangers over here casing the place and my tools collection. I thought about that and agreed with her. Then I decided to just advertise at the American Legion post bulletin board. I stated that my labor rate will be $50 an hour for regular customers and $40 an hour for post members. I immediately got some work but also decided that I needed some more diagnostic equipment and after about two weeks, this afternoon, I upped the labor rate by $10 on each option. You would have thought that I shot them in the heart. I told them I will not do heavy work here like engine and transmission swaps and would be right up front with what I will or will not do and also will not be mobile. I also said I would get them parts at my cost to save them money. I make no $ on parts. I also tell them what parts manufacturer I will not install. I don't hide any of that info. I tell them right from the beginning. Shops in the area charge a minimum of at least $120 and I am an ASE certified tech. You just can't make some people happy. So far I have done the post lawn tractor maintenance of belts and new blades and fuel filter and oil change and air filter that would have cost them over $350 labor alone. I did it for the old labor rate for $160 labor and they supplied the parts. I also did some motorcycle work as well. Plus, the documented here 89 K2500 cooling system work and also some lights on a Ranger and will be doing an oil change on the Ranger and pull codes and fix that on the Ranger. I do most oil changes for the post members for $20-$25 labor.
Anyway, I at first put an ad on CL but my girlfriend was not happy about that because she did not want strangers over here casing the place and my tools collection. I thought about that and agreed with her. Then I decided to just advertise at the American Legion post bulletin board. I stated that my labor rate will be $50 an hour for regular customers and $40 an hour for post members. I immediately got some work but also decided that I needed some more diagnostic equipment and after about two weeks, this afternoon, I upped the labor rate by $10 on each option. You would have thought that I shot them in the heart. I told them I will not do heavy work here like engine and transmission swaps and would be right up front with what I will or will not do and also will not be mobile. I also said I would get them parts at my cost to save them money. I make no $ on parts. I also tell them what parts manufacturer I will not install. I don't hide any of that info. I tell them right from the beginning. Shops in the area charge a minimum of at least $120 and I am an ASE certified tech. You just can't make some people happy. So far I have done the post lawn tractor maintenance of belts and new blades and fuel filter and oil change and air filter that would have cost them over $350 labor alone. I did it for the old labor rate for $160 labor and they supplied the parts. I also did some motorcycle work as well. Plus, the documented here 89 K2500 cooling system work and also some lights on a Ranger and will be doing an oil change on the Ranger and pull codes and fix that on the Ranger. I do most oil changes for the post members for $20-$25 labor.
