As the sole owner and mechanic of a heavy equipment and truck repair business, I pride myself on offering both mobile services and operating out of a well-equipped shop. Despite facing challenges, my business has thrived over the past 4 years. I have some questions regarding my mobile service rates and how to handle odd jobs that require extensive research and sourcing of parts. Additionally, scheduling jobs efficiently has been a struggle, especially balancing big engine repairs with smaller jobs. While I have considered hiring help, finding affordable and quality assistance remains a challenge due to the high overhead costs associated with running a shop and providing mobile services. On the mobile side of my business, I often face criticism for the costs involved in traveling to job sites in a large truck. The expenses in fuel and physical strain can be significant, especially for longer distance calls. While I have access to a boom truck and tool trailer, the maintenance costs make me question their necessity. Despite occasional doubts, I am committed to my business but feel unsure about how to navigate its growth. I have ideas and goals for its future, but I lack the knowledge on how to achieve them. Any advice or insights on how to take my business to the next level would be greatly appreciated.
I am the sole owner and mechanic of a heavy equipment and truck repair business, providing both mobile services and working out of a shop. Despite facing challenges over the past four years, my business has flourished. I often wonder about the best rates to charge for mobile services, whether it should be hourly or based on the time from leaving the shop to returning. I believe in charging for full hours shop to shop along with $1-2.50 per mile. I frequently handle odd jobs that require research and sourcing uncommon parts, but I typically do not charge for this as I view it as a way to showcase my expertise to customers. Scheduling jobs can be challenging, particularly when large engine jobs disrupt the flow of smaller jobs. I have considered hiring additional help, but finding quality workers within my budget has been problematic. Dealerships charge high rates to cover their expenses, and I have structured my schedule to accommodate both regular clients and new business prospects. Tuesdays and Thursdays are pre-booked, leaving the rest of the week for urgent calls and Monday for office tasks. Balancing the demands of a shop and mobile services can be challenging, but I strive to provide top-notch service to all my clients.
When pricing your mobile services, it's important to consider a competitive rate. Some technicians charge per hour from the moment they leave their shop until they return, while others calculate the total time spent working and driving. To ensure fair pricing, always factor in your overhead costs by adding a service accessory fee. Additionally, don't forget to account for the time spent on research and locating parts for odd jobs, as this can take up a significant portion of your work week. Scheduling jobs can be a challenge, especially when dealing with a mix of small and big jobs. It's important to prioritize tasks based on cash flow and client needs. Consider hiring additional help to alleviate some of the workload, but be mindful of the quality of work that can be provided within your budget. Remember that having a clear goal in mind for your business can help guide your decision-making and growth. Despite the struggles and frustrations of running your own business, remember that having a clear goal and direction can help you navigate challenges and reach success in the long run. Keep persevering and exploring new opportunities to take your business to the next level.
Are you promoting your "mobile-on-site" services effectively or are you finding yourself stuck with it? Having a physical shop is crucial for a reason - if customers can't bring their equipment to you, make sure to charge for the call, including time and mileage. This is the first question I always ask my clients - can you bring it to my shop? If not, the cost will be significantly higher. By setting a price that discourages on-site visits, such as $2.00 per mile plus full labor rate, I am able to minimize interruptions to my shop time. It's important to value your time and expertise - someone should compensate for the entire process from packing to unpacking the truck. If clients question the cost, it's a sign that they were forewarned. Working for yourself and being financially stable is more rewarding than working for someone else and struggling to pay bills. We entered this industry to escape the frustrating aspects, not necessarily to become wealthy. Let's not forget why we started wrenching in the first place.
Consider this - if your former employer profited from your hard work, why not adopt the same strategy and benefit from someone else's efforts? Now that you're a business owner, have you truly considered how much your previous employer was making off of your labor? In addition to this, there has been some sound advice given thus far.
As the pump expert mentioned, it's important to charge customers accordingly to make it worthwhile for your business. Customers are willing to pay for services they can't or won't do themselves, especially if extensive research is required. In a previous role at an electronics service firm, we charged from the moment we left the shop until we returned, at our full hourly rate. This tactic allowed us to bill customers $360 per hour for a team of four technicians on-site. Despite the high cost, customers rarely complained as they recognized the value of our services. In my experience running a wholesale nursery where we grow and dig trees, we encountered frequent requests for tree transplanting services. Initially, we felt like we were undercharging and losing out on profits, so we increased our rates significantly and set a minimum fee. This change ensured that even if customers paid the minimum, we still made a profit. The key takeaway is that undervaluing your time will lead to dissatisfaction and a lack of fulfillment in your work.
Answer: Answer: Calculating mobile service rates involves considering factors like fuel costs, truck maintenance, travel time, and the value you provide to customers. It's essential to analyze your expenses and competitors' rates to set competitive yet profitable prices.
Answer: Answer: For unique jobs, you can charge a premium based on the additional time and effort required. Establish clear communication with customers about the process, potential delays, and any extra costs involved in researching and sourcing specialized parts.
Answer: Answer: Utilize scheduling software to manage appointments effectively, grouping similar jobs together to optimize efficiency. Consider outsourcing simpler tasks or hiring part-time help to alleviate workload pressure and maintain a balanced schedule.
Answer: Answer: Explore options like hiring part-time mechanics, apprentices, or subcontractors to reduce overhead costs. Networking with industry professionals, utilizing online job platforms, and offering competitive compensation packages can attract skilled help while managing expenses.
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