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[HolyCount]

TBH I would EXPECT to compensate you for your services ( as a mechanic   ). Not at all against the spirit of the forum IMO

[tmx]

yeah i would prefer getting an OOF'r to do the jobs on the mig i cant do ie Timing belt

[Ken T]

Yes I think charging for a good job is definately OK. Its a shame you couldn'nt "borrow" one of the Tech 2's, that would make you indespensible. Just think a Vaux mechanic who actually knows what to do with a Tech 2 and how to interpret the readings!. Serriously, when my facelift developed its non starting fault, no mobile mechanics had a real tech 2, and the only answer was to get it towed (£40) to the Vaux agent, who pronounced the ECU dead and wanted £650 to replace. OK, I managed to get one from a scrappy for £45, but still had to pay £200 to get it fitted and a key coded. There must be hundreds of people in most towns running Vauxhalls, fed up of getting ripped off by dealers. Could develop into a substantial business me thinks.

Ken

[Admin]

Potentially you have a good business idea James but you need to be structured if you are going to do this profitably, and considering this will be your main source of income you need to do it right.

I can guide you through the basic business plan and maybe give other advice as and when required. I will say one thing for certain, £15 p/h is too low, you are underestimating your overheads or making your margin far too small.

With regards to affecting the spirit of the forum? Not a chance.
You are one of the most popular members of this place and that will not change.

With regards to advertising yourself? Just advertise your services in a similar manner to the way Jaime does on his signature. You are a very established contributor, this has just developed into a opportunity for you from that.

Oh and I know someone who would like an LPG conversion on a Lexus GS300 (not me) if you fancy a non Omega job. At least the engine points the right way

[stuart30]

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

Well James id personally say your doing members a great service by helping them and its only common sense that you would need to recoup some of the costs...i know when ive enquired regards work that needed too be done a while back i was truly amazed at how little you was offering too do the work for.

So in a nutshell id say instead of doubting yourself you should be getting a pat on the back for being so helpful (Hope that doesn't sound condescending)...especially for people like me with zero ability/knowledge its guys like you and the other extremely helpful and kind members that allow me too actually keep my car on the road.

[Plomien]

At the end of the day even if you didn't charge I would ensure you had some beer for your trouble or at least some cash to cover the go juice.

I do some PC repair work for friends and family neighbours etc and never ask for payment (unless I have to purchase parts for the repair) but they always ensure I go away with something for my trouble.

But the requests are not that often (well apart from my dad who kills PC's for a hobby i think).
If I started getting unidated with requests then I would look at charging even if it was a basic rate to cover travel costs/time.

[Albatross]

Well James, it seems you have a pretty unanimous response here and well deserved too.

I had James here at my house yesterday to d the cam-belt and the list of jobs we he achieved on a sweltering hot afternoon was fantastic.

I have now got complete faith in the engine under my bonnet. I wouldn't have had that had I taken it to the stealers + I got to take out my OCD on my breather system with 4 cans of carb cleaner whilst he was at it.

That level of faith is priceless and although James' reasonable rates come nowhere near what a dealer would have charged I am more comfortable with the fact he did it than an unknown.

All I can say is THANK YOU JAMES. IMO what you're doing is utterly reasonable and is precisely in the spirit of the forum; I think laidback puts it most eloquently.



PS: Write yourself a little checklist of tools you bring, just to make sure you take them all with you Remember to PM me with your address and I'll pop it in the post straight away mate.

[Big_Al]

You've got my vote James.   To have someone work on my car, who comes so highly recommended by so many forum members, is something special indeed.

And to have it done at a reduced rate - well -thats just a bonus for us .

Keep up the good work James  -  and CHARGE AWAY!

[Beconboy]

to be honest with you james i don,t know you personally

but from what been said on this forum about your work

i would pay you beer tokens or whatever because i,m a lazy bugger


keep it going m8

[HolyCount]

Got to have another say .......

Bottom line is, and I think I speak for all of us here, we would rather have the work done by someone we trust and we KNOW is familiar with the miggy and its oddities.

As has been said before so many times -- paying isn't the issue.

Go for it James  

[Martin_1962]

I've met James and have chatted a few times.

He is also willing to learn as well and expand his knowleage.

I would trust him and I have offered him a hand if he ever requires it.

His worry is something I am comfortable playing with.

[bertiecbx550]

james offered me help and assistance earlier this month when the miggy died and i was grateful for that as this guy has only ever met me once you do what your happy with mate....

[Tony H]

I can't see a problem with your idea James. I would much sooner have my car repaired by someone like you who has a passion and pride for what they do than put it into a garage where any old monkey can let there spanners loose on it. You also seem to know the Miggy engine very well which is a plus. Your proposed labour charges are more than reasonable. Also the fact that at meets you offer your help FOC shows you are in the spirit of the the forum. Go for it James and good luck  

[Vamps]

Well James, I have read this right through, and I think you have your answer... go for it, why should you not charge for work done. If I was nearer I would be talking cambelts. You have to earn a living after all.

[robbo299]

James, Wether you charge per job or per hour i think the consensus of opinion on here is that we all trust you to do/assist the work needed on our Omega's. Your knowledge and help is priceless and it's only right that suitably rewarded.