Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Entwood]

The fact that you feel in even neccessary to ask the question is a disappointment IMHO.

I find it odd that a few OOF members would appear to "require" you to work for nothing .. that is totally out-of-order ... they don't expect TB to do Tech2 work for nothing so why should you.

It is not compulsory for them to have the work done by you .... you are OFFERING a SERVICE ... and they can either take that service .. and pay for it... or decline .. their choice.

I would not have the temerity to suggest what rate you charge .. that is between you and your "client" of the day .. and MUST include things like travel costs, food, drink, parts - if you supply them - and a reasonable amount for your time and SKILL ...  

but I would happily pay £25/hour + travel costs to have a job done properly than £45/hour for a stealer to do it wrongly.

Do not let a few who want things done on the cheap detract from the rest of us who are

1. Realistic
2. Honest
3. Hoping you continue this service as I know who I'm contacting when I need help !!

 

[JamesV6CDX]

Thanks for the comments. I am only talking about chinese whispers here so I'm not taking it too seriously, I won't be stopping what I do unless there are any firm objections - and the purpose of this thread is just to make sure that's not the case

[Kevin Wood]

There certainly appears to be the demand for it. Plenty of members have to entrust their cars to the motor trade for reasons of time or lack of mechanical experience/ confidence. I think the option of paying a member to do jobs the "OOF way" is a good one to have available.

We can all afford to spend a limited amount of our spare time helping other nearby members of the forum out for free through cam belt parties and more local arrangements but, as the forum grows, that is not going to get everyone's car maintained.

When it comes to travelling further afield and cutting into time that you would ordinarily spend earning your crust or relaxing at home I don't think it's unreasonable to charge, as long as both parties are happy with the arrangement.

Liability is an issue for you to consider, though. Anyone can make mistakes, regardless of experience (IME, it's the jobs that you are overly familiar with where you tend to overlook things). Part of the reason a main dealer is so expensive is because he's effectively insured against liabilities which his work may incurr. It's not such an issue when the vehicle's owner is able to work with you, double check and understand that what you are doing is correct but when you get a customer who doesn't know or care less what happens under the bonnet it's less clear to them that you have been as thorough as possible.

In summary, I think all you can do is to charge well below the motor trade rates and make it clear where the differences are in the level of service you're offering.

Kevin

[Debs.]

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`m sure the 'spirit' of the forum also would dictate that fairness be reciprocated; whom really would expect (anybody) with the experience/skills and helpful attitude of James to assist forum members by reaching into his own pocket?

TBH, I (always) have a tight budget; that`s why I came to OOF to try and keep the Debs-mobile on the road, but as short of funds as I often are; I would never expect (or permit)  FOC 'mechanicing'......a fee for such practical help must surely be expected (nay, 'encouraged').
Cambelt meets, or helping out via personal friendships would of course be different........but even then, fairness would seem to dictate that beer-tokens etc. should also be offered (as I know they always-are by fair-minded OOF`ers!)

Good luck and best wishes with your enterprise James

[JamesV6CDX]

I will never charge at cambelt meets - that's not what they are about

[albitz]

i think the service you offer ,at VERY reasonable rates is something to be admired.its obvious to anyone that you are far from greedy,and i cannot understand why anyone could have a problem with what you do. keep up the good work fella

[markey mark]

you can get personal public liabilty insurance james not very expensive and covers you for 1 millon pounds !!!!

[JamesV6CDX]

you can get personal public liabilty insurance james not very expensive and covers you for 1 millon pounds !!!!

I'm not sure even Bob Dent's mig is worth that much

[markey mark]

you can get personal public liabilty insurance james not very expensive and covers you for 1 millon pounds !!!!

I'm not sure even Bob Dent's mig is worth that much

bob will have ya fella  

[Kevin Wood]

you can get personal public liabilty insurance james not very expensive and covers you for 1 millon pounds !!!!

I'm not sure even Bob Dent's mig is worth that much

It might be if you turn it into a projectile though.  

Kevin

[JamesV6CDX]

you can get personal public liabilty insurance james not very expensive and covers you for 1 millon pounds !!!!

I'm not sure even Bob Dent's mig is worth that much

It might be if you turn it into a projectile though.  

Kevin

Not sure changing a cambelt is likely to result in that

[Marie]

Well i have no objections JAmes i have always said you should charge a small fee.

(Going back to feb i tried to give beer tokens and you refused. just hope the next job i get you to assit me with you atleast let me get you some beers in!!!)

Hope it all works out for you and you dont end up running yourself to the ground!

[Jay w]

personally if i was doing this i would go for fixed pricing for the job and then a premium/surchange for distance travelled.

I see nothing wrong with what you are doing, we have other members of the forum who charge for services they offer.

My only warning would be to keep an record of what you have done, the Tax man is a very sneaky fish and i would hate to see you fall foul of something like that

[JamesV6CDX]

My only warning would be to keep an record of what you have done, the Tax man is a very sneaky fish and i would hate to see you fall foul of something like that

 

I am fully set up with HMRC and I do an annual online tax return, which involves paying the proportion of tax on EVERYTHING I earn, so there are absolutely no problems at all there

[Dazzler]

I do mobile mechanics and its all above board and declared, but its only a part time hobby also.

You should charge people, like you say the meets are the free ones where everyone chips in and thats it.

If someone wants you to go to theres to fix a car, then you charge, end of

You will need liability insurance(about £200) and trade insurance to drive there cars(about £450+)