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I recently had the adjustable handle bars put on my RTS 2014. I know they are a pain to do so I had the dealer do it. I know that the tec did the job in 2 1/2 hours. I was charged for 5 hours labor. I questioned this and was told that the "book" says 5 hours labor so that is what they charge. Is this common practice?
I did get $10 off the hourly rate and a discount on the bars. I wouldn't mind paying the hourly rate times the actual time it took.
Stan
I dont know about that particular shop but in the auto repair business that is normal at most shops
it's called beating the flat rate.... techs make a bit more as does the shop but a fair dealer will charge the time spent...always good to check flate rate and shop rate when possible...:thumbup:
Just another avenue to gouge the customer ie fictitious times to perform a job. I'll bet if it were a warranty job & the ''book'' said 2 hrs, they may struggle to finish the job in the allocated time.
Most shops use the flat rate manual as a guide. The fact they finished the job in half the time sets up a couple scenarios.
IMO, customer service would indicate an opportunity to make some kind of adjustment.
They have to make their shop overhead to keep profits stable.
The other side of the coin.....if they go over the flat rate, do they then charge more???
I can almost guarantee you that, you will be charged for the actual hours it took if MORE than the what the Book says. ...:banghead::banghead::banghead:...……….jmho ..... Mike :ohyea:
Though a not so uncommon practice. More ethical shops will come closer to the actual time required to do the work. But, they should give you an estimate based on the book rate before you agree to have the work done.
It's flat rate time.If the tech does several of these and get real good at it then he can beat the time plus he may have spent extra money buying special tools to do the job faster.Now if it's his or her first time and they go over the time they loose that's what flat rate is.I have been in the auto trade for a very long time some jobs pay good and some your lucky to break even.Im sure most on here would be very upset to go to work and put in an 8 hour day get payed 7 and in the flat rate system it happens.
Same thing 40 years ago when I had a small printing business. More often than not the actual time to perform the job was more than the trade accepted flat rate time. The customer was quoted and charged the flat rate. That's one of reasons I got of the printing business. As a buddy said once, "I've never met a rich printer!"
I work at a GMC / Chrysler dealership, and Ex Winger is right. Most of the time, especially with warranty work, the tech looses on book time. The one situation where they are able to make it up, is on repetitive jobs like recalls where they gain experience and learn short cuts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ex Winger
I worked flat rate in the auto trade for most of my career. I've lost on some jobs gained on others. That's the way it gos.
I'm having mine installed tomorrow 13 Nov my dealer is charging right around $300.00 for the install.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spyderjuice
According to the installation instruction should take around 2.5 hours. I was going to do it but things came up and I do not have but a friend did his and it took him by himself about 5 hours with breaks. here is a what the front page of instructions says (NOTE the 2.5 hours)
ROADSTER KIT - Tri Axis Adjustable Handlebar
Part number (SKU) : 219400344,219400414
Product: Roadster
Project no:
rsi2013-017
Instruction Sheet P/N: 487800811
Revision no:
Revision date:
Item covered: Tri Axis Adjustable Handlebar
The following symbols may be used in this document:
WarningWARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION: Indicates a hazard situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE Indicates an instruction which, if not followed, could severely damage vehicle components or other property.
WarningWARNING
- For safety reasons, this kit must be installed by an authorized BRP dealer.
- This kit is designed for specific applicable models only (authorized BRP dealers will confirm model(s)). It is not recommended for units other than the one (those) for which it was sold.
- Should removal of a locking device (e.g. lock tabs, self-locking fasteners, etc.) be required when undergoing disassembly/assembly, always replace with a new one.
- Torque wrench tightening specifications must strictly be adhered to.
NOTE: The illustrations in this document show typical construction of the different assemblies and may not reproduce the full detail or exact shape of the parts; however, they represent parts that have the same or similar function.
Installation time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Thanks for all the responses. I did get an estimate and the actual charge came in under it. I reluctantly agreed with estimate after complaining about the cost. They did reduce the cost of the bars more than originally said and $10 off the hourly rate. I guess that made up for some of the total charges. After all is said and done, I do like the bars, even though expensive.
It sounds like your shop goes by the FLAT RATE MANUAL, as a line mechanic at a dealer years ago I was paid by the flat rate,Quote:
Originally Posted by Spyderjuice
so that means if the book says a job take 3.25 hours to do and I could do it in 1 hour I got paid for 3.25 hours...
sounds like you had a good mechanic but a money hungry shop owner....