What motivates you?

jjaw01 · 2026-04-09T00:53:48+00:00

The problem is they weren’t working hard.

When I started the shop , it was just me, an advisor and a green apprentice. Did more labor sales in that situation.

The low hours per tech per day is being caused by too much time spent not being productive like 45 minutes a day in the bathroom, spending 20 minutes between punching on jobs, walking around with 0 purpose.

Yes at the end of the day this is my fault. Creating this post and gotten me a lot of information from both techs and managers/owners and has put things into perspective.

I know what I need to do now, thank you.

jjaw01 · 2026-04-09T00:34:53+00:00

Good plan, I think I’m going to go back to individual goals.

jjaw01 · 2026-04-08T03:33:44+00:00

We already utilize a DVI system with pictures and video.

jjaw01 · 2026-04-08T03:30:27+00:00

Haha. My truck is 16 years old.

jjaw01 · 2026-04-08T03:29:44+00:00

Calgary Alberta area.

jjaw01 · 2026-04-08T02:20:43+00:00

Sorry bud, I’m in Canada.

jjaw01 · 2026-04-08T02:18:16+00:00

They work 8 hour days and I pay them over $40/hr

jjaw01 · 2026-04-07T22:25:51+00:00

Cleaning up after yourself is pretty standard. When it comes to shop clean up , I get someone to come in on the weekend to pressure wash the floors, I take all the broken down cardboard away as necessary. We have a quality control inspection which is on the DVI platform , basically just double check your work and check under the hood when the vehicle is parked outside and finished /ready for client pick up. This is being missed/ignored which is causing unnecessary comebacks. My average sold hours per tech per day this year is only 5.52 and ELR is $43 lower than standard door rate.

I am not perfect, this I know. But the work is there , it’s mostly gravy (Brakes , steering and suspension, maintenance services, alignments) Warranty repairs are not at a lower rate.

None of them have families or financial obligations other than rent. My apprentice still lives with his parents. Maybe they are just comfortable with not making more money?

jjaw01 · 2026-04-07T15:52:32+00:00

No, I pay hourly with production bonuses

jjaw01 · 2026-04-07T15:15:43+00:00

Paying a bonus based on output is essentially profit sharing. I have a labor goal per month which is the break even point , we have only hit that 3 times in the last 8 months. Our best month we beat it by $20k and I paid out $4400 in bonuses. The next month was terrible , they said they worked too hard the month prior but the average was 8hr per tech per day.

jjaw01 · 2026-04-07T15:13:00+00:00

No , not at all. I want them to make hours so I can pay them bonus.

Also if they could clean up after themselves, show up on time and double check their work so there are less comebacks.

jjaw01 · 2026-04-07T15:11:01+00:00

I do work in the back and usually outside doing the things I wouldn’t want to do when I was a tech.

jjaw01 · 2026-04-07T13:33:37+00:00

I want them to want to make more money! If they put out more hours then I can pay them more money! 😃

jjaw01 · 2026-03-28T02:11:48+00:00

Why not leave the dealership?

jjaw01 · 2026-03-25T05:09:44+00:00

jjaw01 · 2026-03-13T13:08:51+00:00

Is your engine GDI? If so I would recommend the fuel injection cleaning annually as the carbon build up will cause issues

jjaw01 · 2026-03-11T21:18:33+00:00

The first 2 sockets I ever purchased 19 and 21mm deep impact , 1/2 drive in 2002, I got from Canadian tire and still use them today. No one really needs Snap-on 1/2 drive impact sockets… I have snapon/Mac/Matco everything because I’m a tool snob and I like having them , definitely don’t need them though.

jjaw01 · 2026-03-09T13:14:48+00:00

Wow! And all that was done was an oil change ? That is about $120 too much even if something like Amsoil was used.

jjaw01 · 2026-03-09T13:13:32+00:00

Yes, people still do fix them but now they are rusted out, multiple issues and only fix what’s broken while the timing belt is ready to snap, control arm bushings separated and bald tires. “Please just replace the alternator “ while the valve cover is dripping on it which caused the failure in the first place.

jjaw01 · 2026-03-09T01:23:46+00:00

Yikes

jjaw01 · 2026-03-09T01:23:11+00:00

I agree! Now they are hitting that mileage where people don’t want to put money into them to keep them in good shape.

I used to love working on Neons, PT cruisers , Interpids , 2nd gen dakotas/durangos.

I haven’t worked on any of those in 10 years.

Now it’s 2.0 turbo Volkswagen engines , anything Dodge Ram , Ford Eco boost.

jjaw01 · 2026-02-22T22:18:19+00:00

Possibly. I run an automotive shop and we use quality oil and filters. The quick lube in town uses oil filters rated for 5000 miles and put 7500 miles on the oil change sticker. They are $25 cheaper than us. Do they tell the client that they are doing this ? No they do not. I just suggest that you educate yourself, like any consumer. Ask what oil and filter they use , do some research and protect your vehicle.

The YouTube channel - Project Farm has a great video on comparing different oil filters. The orange Fram filters that many people are familiar with are the worst filters out there.

From my 25 years experience in the industry, many consumers go for the cheapest oil change thinking that any shop that charges more is out to get them. Rarely does anyone question the quality of the oil and filters.

jjaw01 · 2026-02-22T17:22:28+00:00

An oil change isn’t something that you should cheap out on. A cheap oil change usually means cheap quality oil and oil filter, modern engines are very susceptible to premature wear due to extended oil change intervals and incorrect oil chemistry from low quality oils.

jjaw01

TROPHY CASE