The Neighbourhood Mechanic: Dave called to task
Dear Dave,
In your column “Cracking Codes” last week you said the man wasn't ripped off at $65, because “most shops charge an hour for this service.” That may be, but the fact remains that reading the code and looking up its meaning requires a $100 instrument and about about three minutes work (tops). If charging an hour's labour for three minutes work is not a rip-off, then what is? It works out to about $1300/hr labour. I'd further note that many chain shops in the U.S. (for example, Pep Boys and Autozone) provide this service for free. Yes, he was ripped off, and shame on you for endorsing this SCAM! Bill.
Thanks for your note Bill.
Just a few comments though. I don't know how you earn your living, but I'm sure you don't conduct business in the driveway. You have conveniently left out a few vital statistics in your argument against charging for diagnostics. Such as an investment in technology, real estate, insurance, environmentals, equipment, the list goes on and on. Plus, the tech's investment in education, tools and time. Unlike the USA, tech's here spend five years in an apprenticeship program; write numerous exams, before they earn their ticket. That's 9000 hrs of hands on training under supervision, at a percentage of a journeyman's wage. “Have a wrench will travel” may work down south, it doesn't work here. Secondly, getting a scan tool and reading a code is just great. Better if it's free. So now what? You got a code. Where to you go from here. It's like saying I brush my own teeth, now if I only had a drill, some cement I could…wait I have a drill! The code only leads you to a repair scenario. These tests take time and knowledge to complete. In short I completely disagree with everything you said. I paid $3 for a bottle of water at the ball game the other day. So let me see, the water in my pool must be worth? I'll have to get back to you on that.
In your column “Cracking Codes” last week you said the man wasn't ripped off at $65, because “most shops charge an hour for this service.” That may be, but the fact remains that reading the code and looking up its meaning requires a $100 instrument and about about three minutes work (tops). If charging an hour's labour for three minutes work is not a rip-off, then what is? It works out to about $1300/hr labour. I'd further note that many chain shops in the U.S. (for example, Pep Boys and Autozone) provide this service for free. Yes, he was ripped off, and shame on you for endorsing this SCAM! Bill.
Thanks for your note Bill.
Just a few comments though. I don't know how you earn your living, but I'm sure you don't conduct business in the driveway. You have conveniently left out a few vital statistics in your argument against charging for diagnostics. Such as an investment in technology, real estate, insurance, environmentals, equipment, the list goes on and on. Plus, the tech's investment in education, tools and time. Unlike the USA, tech's here spend five years in an apprenticeship program; write numerous exams, before they earn their ticket. That's 9000 hrs of hands on training under supervision, at a percentage of a journeyman's wage. “Have a wrench will travel” may work down south, it doesn't work here. Secondly, getting a scan tool and reading a code is just great. Better if it's free. So now what? You got a code. Where to you go from here. It's like saying I brush my own teeth, now if I only had a drill, some cement I could…wait I have a drill! The code only leads you to a repair scenario. These tests take time and knowledge to complete. In short I completely disagree with everything you said. I paid $3 for a bottle of water at the ball game the other day. So let me see, the water in my pool must be worth? I'll have to get back to you on that.
