Just what is in fact a flat rate auto repair payment method? Just about each auto repair shop, whether performance repair, ding repair, auto window repair shop or a shop for general repair, includes a book that lists all sorts of auto rapair. Let us say you will need a replacement performed, in this instance it is advisable to exchange the car’s water pump. The actual auto technician looks up this particular repair in his book, and it informs him that replacing a water pump in your car will take 3 hours. You are billed 3 hours work for the repair — a flat rate auto repair payment based on what the book tells. Pretty easy, right?
Billed vs. Real Work Time
Auto Repair Shop Sign: Payment Arrangements
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So what is the problem? It appears fairly cut and dry. The turmoil arrives when the work is actually being done. Let us say the technician knows exactly what he is doing and has the ability to change your water pump in only two and a half hours. Within the flat rate system you still pay for three hours work. That hurts. It simply does not seem to be right, does it? Prior to pass judgment, it is advisable to hear both sides of the story.
The Repair Shop’s Explanation
Should you make a complaint to the shop about paying for more labour hours than were really used, you will get an instant response. Besides the anticipated “that’s how it’s done,” and “we don’t set the standards, the book does” you will get a more considered reply. The billable hours that are listed in the flat rate book are determined by the time it would take the average auto technician to finish the job. In case you have an over average technician having many years of experience, it makes sense that he will have the capacity to perform the same job faster. He still charges for three hours due to the fact that it is his considerable training as well as experience that make him quicker, training and experience that cost him money along the route.
The Problem with this System
Not so great side to flat rate charging, and it originates the top. Many auto mechanics are going to paid based solely the number of billable hours — what the flat rate book tells — he builds up. In addition, management places lots of bill as much as possible. If they drop below a specific number of hours per day, the mechanics are in trouble. And it doesn’t really matter why the particular day went slower than average. Left in a situation where just one slowed job may put him behind, lose him cash, and get the supervisors breathing down his neck, many auto mechanics will probably rush the repair task and take shortcuts. That is surely when the flat rate billing system could fall short.