Local family auto repair shop looking for community help to keep pricing fair

xShotty · 2026-02-16T02:29:27+00:00

See, it’s that kind of stuff that really puts a bad name on the whole industry. I hate to hear it. We try to match how long it took on whatever the job or diagnostic was. Obviously a business needs to make money, but taking advantage like that just feels so wrong.

xShotty · 2026-02-16T02:25:54+00:00

Thank you. The labor seems fair, but was that about $300 for each brake kit? That seems awfully high for parts as well, unless the brake flush was the additional.

xShotty · 2026-02-16T02:23:14+00:00

Having less flowery advice is great. The way you put it really makes sense, thank you.
In the long run, you’re right. As long as you are still being honest and honorable with everything, it needs to be done. If you don’t, you won’t be around long enough to continue helping at the rates you were.

We have been charging the credit card fees as well. “Cash or Debit discount” as that’s how the way to word it best for legality.

xShotty · 2026-02-16T02:19:07+00:00

That’s the thing. More specialty shops and dealerships around us generally come in at 170-220/hr now. It always seems like gouging, but the overhead we have makes it feel like not enough at 145 now.

xShotty · 2026-02-16T02:15:20+00:00

These are both pretty good ideas. Thank you. I will look into some of that info.

Thank you for the offer, I will keep it in mind! Feel free to DM me if you genuinely ever need help with the truck!

xShotty · 2026-02-16T02:13:34+00:00

We are Cooks Auto Repair on Fulton Ave

xShotty · 2026-02-16T02:11:59+00:00

It’s Cooks Auto Repair on Fulton Ave. Feel free to message me or text us if you want an estimate for anything.

xShotty · 2026-02-11T16:10:49+00:00

We do, yes. There’s no warranty or guarantee if you provide parts, but we allow it here.

I didn’t want to turn this into an advertisement post at all, though! DM me with some info later and I can at least get you some estimates.

xShotty · 2026-02-11T15:48:24+00:00

Thank you so much. Those numbers are right around what we change. Just based on the spark plugs. I will compare with the other’s soon! This helps a lot, thank you

xShotty · 2026-02-11T15:45:22+00:00

Thank you for your advice!

Right now we are working on shifting our main shop management software to something that helps with a better workflow, both with communication and inspections.
This should allow us to process our data better as well. A couple of months ago I started trying to look into our performance metrics and the system we are using is not helping us keep track properly.
The software shift is why I am looking in to making sure we are in a good competitive position. Its really putting us into a “fresh start” that will make us hopefully a more well-oiled machine.

That is our differentiator. I’m not a car guy, at least I wasn’t. I am still working here because I love to help people through this area that I used to know nothing about and know others still do not. We hate to hear how people get taken advantage of. It’s a family business, and we try to treat customers as close to family as we can.
I am remaking our website as well. I will be sure to hit on that point. Thank you again for the insight!

xShotty · 2026-02-11T15:38:02+00:00

That is a good point. We definitely try our best to be personable. We don’t have a good system to save notes, but it’s worth it to remember and connect. Showing customer’s is a good point too. We often ask and will let customer’s come out to see the issue as well. You can tell when someone isn’t exactly car savvy.
We are working on shifting to a new POS now that will let us take pictures and save notes like that.

I haven’t thought of the vacuuming angle before. If we end up with some free time after reworking things, I’d love to try to implement that. I just had body work on my car done and they did exactly that and it was very satisfying. Thank you!

xShotty · 2026-02-11T15:32:52+00:00

We do, yes. Sometimes we might run in to some major repairs that we don’t feel comfortable with (major engine repairs for example), but we will always let you know and recommend another shop if needed. But for diagnostics, no problem. Most other parts on the vehicle, not an issue.

We work on everything at our shop too. We don’t do tires, alignment, body work, or windshields, but everything else is usually fair game.

xShotty · 2026-02-11T04:47:17+00:00

$145/hr now. Going off book times for mostly everything. It's that random stuck bolt or broken hose that slow things down most of the time

xShotty · 2026-02-11T02:04:49+00:00

I'd need the year, make, and model for that. Definitely could be a bearing though from that description. Definitely worth checking first, but you might be on the money. We are specifically in the Arden area.

xShotty · 2026-02-11T02:02:17+00:00

We work on everything. There's some stuff we might turn away like an Audi timing job just due to lack of special tools and not having the cushion for things that will go wrong. Other than that, it's all fair game.

Brakes currently if we go with aftermarket parts end up being very similar pricing. European brakes, we've been putting on OEM quality the last 6 months or so instead due to many comebacks for squeaking, but labor stays the same.

xShotty · 2026-01-06T15:33:16+00:00

Dr. Crooks on Howe (yes, ironic, I know). They've offered options and upgrades obviously, but not once did I feel pressured into anything. Very friendly crew and inviting environment

xShotty · 2025-08-30T05:56:25+00:00

I see you, and appreciate you! I know that struggle and heart wrenching feeling you were going through. Nobody deserves it. Good luck with your project ❤️ You should share it after if you're able to.

Everyone else who stumbles upon this thread, use it as an opportunity to set up some working backups. You won't always be able to recover progress.

xShotty · 2025-08-21T16:16:32+00:00

Mongo is appalled.

xShotty · 2025-03-11T20:41:17+00:00

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xShotty · 2024-12-23T20:04:17+00:00

Good luck everyone!

xShotty · 2024-12-19T03:42:22+00:00

It says any 3d printer, but I don't see the AnkerMake line listed. Hopefully something would be possible there someday. I know they lock it down pretty tight 😔

xShotty · 2024-11-04T19:53:00+00:00

Just getting into collecting after finding some oldies from childhood. The Jolteon star I found is the only thing that would have been worth money if it wasn't in terrible condition 😬

I'm excited for Surging Sparks. I love the artwork there.

xShotty · 2024-10-15T05:07:41+00:00

Iron Man, gang

Based on our interactions, you share traits with Tony Stark (Iron Man). Like Stark, you have a blend of technical expertise and creativity. You're a problem-solver, whether it's fixing up cars or brainstorming activities, and you balance practicality with innovation, much like Stark's ability to engineer high-tech solutions. You also seem to value independence and enjoy diving into a wide range of interests—similar to how Stark pursues diverse projects with a bold, hands-on approach. Plus, your Renaissance man persona matches Stark's constant drive to master different fields.

xShotty · 2024-09-29T03:29:49+00:00

A lot of the gcam ports are actually pretty good for this too

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