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[JamesV6CDX]

Hi Guys,

As some of you will be aware I have very recently started offering a limited mobile mechanics service for the common Omega servicing requirements, cam belt changes and such.

I used to travel all over the country doing jobs for free – but unfortunately due to becoming completely inundated back then and not being able to keep up with it, I just had to draw the line to avoid disappointment.

Having thought about it, I now apply a (very, very reasonable) charge for the time spent assisting members with cars.
(With the exception of arranged OOF cam belt parties, where I still provide the service for free). The work I provide is meticulous and done with great care and precision and I am confident that the rates I charge are less than 50% of what a garage would.

I have however heard a whisper, that it is felt by some that applying this small charge for fixing cars may not be in the spirit of the forum?

I am certainly not here to “compete” for business. I don’t actually see it as a business; it’s more of a hobby (passion) that also earns a few beer tokens. I still actively encourage people to have a go themselves, or take up some local help if it's available.

So – I’d like to discuss (sensibly please!). Am I being fair in charging a very reasonable amount for jobs dealers charge the earth for? Is this a service that would be valued, or are there any reasons I should or should not continue?

The last thing I want to do is upset and members and distance myself from the group, so I’d appreciate views and I'll act accordingly.

Cheers
James

[markey mark]

the minimum you should be charging james is £15 per hour if people are saying its not right let them take it to a garage and pay £45 upwards per hour !! at least you will take care and do the job right mate !! i dont know how some people expect you to do it for free   i think you are doing a great service for the oof offering a mobile service mate well done to you  

[JonArgraig]

If I was closer to you I would most deffo be calling upon your skills, but aless I'm miles away...

But there is no way on earth I would let you work upon my motor with out a fair chunk of beer tokens or Party paper.

It would just not be right

[Richie London]

well if i can get something done i cant tackle myself by a fellow member, i would certainly be willing to pay. i think its the norm to pay someone to do work for you. i personally would prefer to pay some of you guys to sort my car out rather than pay a garage that is full of assumptions and high bills.

im with you there james

[markey mark]

to add it would be like me breaking omegas and sending out parts for free fella !!! just doesnt sound right does it ! we all have to earn a living somehow mate  

[JamesV6CDX]

the minimum you should be charging james is £15 per hour if people are saying its not right let them take it to a garage and pay £45 upwards per hour !! at least you will take care and do the job right mate !! i dont know how some people expect you to do it for free   i think you are doing a great service for the oof offering a mobile service mate well done to you  

Thanks Mark,

I don't charge an hourly rate, I generally agree a mutually acceptable cost (regardless of how long it takes) per job, on a case by case basis, dependant on what needs doing.

Thanks for the input, I don't really want to discuss what I should or shouldn't charge, just whether or not I should offer the service

[Elite Pete]

The one thing that would concern me if I was in your position James, is what would happen if something went wrong?

[Richie London]

If I was closer to you I would most deffo be calling upon your skills, but aless I'm miles away...

But there is no way on earth I would let you work upon my motor with out a fair chunk of beer tokens or Party paper.

It would just not be right

unfortunatly jon some people take advantage of the fact you are helping them and wouldnt dream of giving you a drink for your help as ive found out in the past.  

[JamesV6CDX]

The one thing that would concern me if I was in your position James, is what would happen if something went wrong?

Firstly, I don't work on brakes or suspension - period. All I do is basic engine stuff, cambelts and camcovers etc.

When these are done, the owner of the car is always shown that the timing is correct and that the torques on all the bolts are correct, and they witness this before it goes together.

[markey mark]

go for it mate if people dont like the price dont do the job !! i am lucky i can do all my own work being a proper mechanic !! but i do a lot of work for work collegues and base my prices on £15 per hour and they are very happy (i work on steel works now as a mechanical fitter better money)  

[Growler]

I would never expect anyone to do stuff free of charge, thats insulting, go for it mate  

[jereboam]

Sounds completely reasonable to me - wish I lived a bit nearer!  Keep up the good work

[Elite Pete]

The one thing that would concern me if I was in your position James, is what would happen if something went wrong?

Firstly, I don't work on brakes or suspension - period. All I do is basic engine stuff, cambelts and camcovers etc.

When these are done, the owner of the car is always shown that the timing is correct and that the torques on all the bolts are correct, and they witness this before it goes together.



 

Thats all very well, but lets say you have fitted a belt cambelt kit supplied by the person who's car you are working on and for what ever reason the belt jumps or a tensioner fails and there is head damage. Theres nothing stopping that person suing you as a business. Im not saying dont do the work, just be careful

[JonArgraig]

I used to be a mechanic, as the family had a LTI & Vauxhall dealerships, I just never enjoyed doing it.

Did the NVQ's up to lvl4

But I would still rather pay some one I trust to work on my motor, and James is one of the few guys I would let loose on my mega,

I would say go for it mate  

[JamesV6CDX]

The one thing that would concern me if I was in your position James, is what would happen if something went wrong?

Firstly, I don't work on brakes or suspension - period. All I do is basic engine stuff, cambelts and camcovers etc.

When these are done, the owner of the car is always shown that the timing is correct and that the torques on all the bolts are correct, and they witness this before it goes together.



 

Thats all very well, but lets say you have fitted a belt cambelt kit supplied by the person who's car you are working on and for what ever reason the belt jumps or a tensioner fails and there is head damage. Theres nothing stopping that person suing you as a business. Im not saying dont do the work, just be careful

It is certainly in the back of my mind mate.

I have considered, if I do enough of it, that I should get some liability insurance to cover that?