$30 to change turn single bulb.
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I just paid $300 to replace the batteries in my truck. Of course it’s easy but sometimes it’s worth paying $40 to have someone ELSE dig out the ladder (at 6’-1” the 2500 sits too high to get to everything), and move the 46 different brackets, bolts, fuse blocks, etc that’s in the way in new vehicles (especially with 2 batteries). I worked on my own cars for 20 years. Now I have a 2 year old, one on the way, and work 50-60 hours a week. I’d rather pay someone than add yet another thing to my to-do list. Quality time has a cost as well.
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It's funny what constitutes DIY vs pay to have it done like it's a tiered system. Some will change their own bulbs and think paying someone is crazy, but pay to have their oil changed. I change my own oil, but paid to have my radiator replaced, and my FIL thinks I'm crazy.
My pop worked on cars his entire life, but toward the end I could see him paying to get a bulb replaced just so he wouldn't have to figure out what asinine procedures the designers had put in place to complicate a simple job.
My pop worked on cars his entire life, but toward the end I could see him paying to get a bulb replaced just so he wouldn't have to figure out what asinine procedures the designers had put in place to complicate a simple job.
Had a local place fail my inspection cause of third brake light out. He quoted $30 to replace the bulb. I asked why not just sell me the bulb for $5 (twice the price) and let me fix it right then and pass and move on. He got snotty and made some snide remarks about people wanting stuff free. I left, bought a bulb at local parts place down the street, then had it inspected elsewhere. Haven't been back since for anything. Neither has anyone else in my family. Met the owner a couple weeks ago. He was offering to do work on my vehicles or at least inspections. Should have seen the look on his face when I told him what happened and that I had been diligently avoiding his place for years. I live in a small town so stuff like that can make it break a business.
Bottom line, treat me, the customer, like crap and I'll go to great lengths to avoid the place and you can be darned sure I'll tell folks why.
Bottom line, treat me, the customer, like crap and I'll go to great lengths to avoid the place and you can be darned sure I'll tell folks why.
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I guess bojangles should sell you the chicken only and let you cook it yourself, then eat at their place?
You might have a point if Bojangles actually had chicken worth eating.
You've also missed my point and that is customer service. Get snide and snippy with a customer and they'll go somewhere else. It's said an unhappy customer tells 10 people about their experience and a happy one tells three. Snotty McWrench wanted $30 to take out two phillips head screws to remove the lens cover and replace a $1 bulb and told me that I wasn't allowed to change the bulb myself for an inspection, all in addition to charging for an inspection that I had to make an appt for. I run a business and know what overhead is and there are times that unscrupulous people gouge the public. In addition to charging inspection fees, expecting me to fork over $30 labor and be charged $5 for a $1 bulb, removing 2 screws to install it while holding my inspection hostage is not good business. What he should have done is sell the the bulb, let me put it in while he was running the emissions test. Instead he chose to cop an attitude and lost far more than the $30 he would have made in labor to replace the bulb.
Because of his snotty attitude, Snotty McWrench missed out on inspecting all of my cars (varying between 3-5 depending on time frame), my parent's cars, my brother's cars, and cars that I'd been issued for business purposes over the course of 15 years in addition to any other service I or others in my circle might have wanted, again, all over $30 for a bulb. Do I hold a grudge in business, d@mn skippy I do. Maybe I'm old school, but business should be about relationships with people you can trust to be honest and fair and be treated like a decent person instead of a greasy rag on the shop floor to be stepped on.
At one point, I was a wrench in a shop and I know the economics of running a garage. It doesn't take much to reinforce that idea of wrenches being cheats and swindlers by not treating customers as if you value their business. One employee being a jerk cost that guy any business from me for a long, long time.
So your entire Boj analogy is completely false in this case but if we follow it, it would go thusly. I order a state mandated chicken combo, but find that they are short on salt and breading mix. The $6 for my state mandated chicken combo only covers the cost of the combo but because they have to run to the grocery store to restock, they expect me to pay for 10lbs of salt and 50lbs of breading and the cost of the guy making the run, bringing my $6 combo to $55.17 all the while there is a truck unloading in the back with said stuff. Silly? yup, but so is trashing a customer who has choices and isn't afraid to use them. There's a reason I won't shop at Hyatt's in Charlotte nor the current iteration of what used to be Collias Lawing.
When my dad was doing inspections, if it didn't pass and you elected to do the work elsewhere, he was supposed to fail it and charge for the inspection; after all, you got your inspection. If you returned with it fixed within a few days, you'd get your sticker.
The State runs stings where an undercover DOT employee tries to get an inspection station to pass his noncompliant car. Once a DOT guy asked Dad for an inspection. Dad glanced out the door and said, "won't pass, tires are slick". DOT man wrote Dad up because he didn't bring the car in the shop, fail it, and charge the man.
Yes, I was charged for a failed inspection and was offered to replace said bulb for $30 labor plus parts and then reinspect by the same jerk.
Again you miss this salient point- my issue was with SNOTTY McWRENCH. I don't do business with those types of people unless there is absolutely no alternative and state mandates only exacerbate this attitude in workers in that system. I replaced the bulb on my own and took my business from that point on elsewhere and my family and friends have done so as well. One employee with a very bad attitude cost them lots more in lost business than a truck load of brake light bulbs.
Another example- waay back when BOA was NCNB, they made an error that was clearly their fault in my account. Branch mgr admitted as much, then he went on to say that there wasn't anything he could do to fix it and I should just get over it. That attitude and the $25 they STOLE from me has meant that since the days of NCNB, I avoid BOA whenever and wherever possible. And for those of you unfamiliar with BOA, that's more than 35 years ago. Yeah, I hold grudges against businesses who don't take measures to correct their attitudes towards their mistakes and how they treat customers. Further examples, I have't bought anything from Hyatt's in over 30 years nor from Carolina Sporting Arms. I escaped from CLT over 20yrs ago and here we have a LGS here in my AO with an indoor range. The couple times I've been there, just listening to the staff interact with other customers, with one exception, left me not wanting to go there ever again and I'm suprised that they manage to stay in business. The flip side of this, I patronize businesses who have great customer care and especially if they're small or local. I value a good relationship with those I do business with.
Again you miss this salient point- my issue was with SNOTTY McWRENCH. I don't do business with those types of people unless there is absolutely no alternative and state mandates only exacerbate this attitude in workers in that system. I replaced the bulb on my own and took my business from that point on elsewhere and my family and friends have done so as well. One employee with a very bad attitude cost them lots more in lost business than a truck load of brake light bulbs.
Another example- waay back when BOA was NCNB, they made an error that was clearly their fault in my account. Branch mgr admitted as much, then he went on to say that there wasn't anything he could do to fix it and I should just get over it. That attitude and the $25 they STOLE from me has meant that since the days of NCNB, I avoid BOA whenever and wherever possible. And for those of you unfamiliar with BOA, that's more than 35 years ago. Yeah, I hold grudges against businesses who don't take measures to correct their attitudes towards their mistakes and how they treat customers. Further examples, I have't bought anything from Hyatt's in over 30 years nor from Carolina Sporting Arms. I escaped from CLT over 20yrs ago and here we have a LGS here in my AO with an indoor range. The couple times I've been there, just listening to the staff interact with other customers, with one exception, left me not wanting to go there ever again and I'm suprised that they manage to stay in business. The flip side of this, I patronize businesses who have great customer care and especially if they're small or local. I value a good relationship with those I do business with.
Sometimes I'll overpay for something simple like that because I want to trade money for time. Especially when it's the wife's car, she wants something done "right now" and I don't have the time (or want to use my time for something fun) I let the pros do it and just eat the cost for convenience. It's nice to have that option.... just don't make it a habit or you'll find yourself out of money and time, then things get ugly.
One day you need to look into what it cost a shop to offer the inspection service. I bet you more times than not your inspection is actually subsidized by the shop in some form or fashion. You then wanting to bet them down even farther on the tiny profit margin and expect them to tickle your hinny over it?
The shop is better off without you as a customer in the long run.
I was talking to a buddy about working on our car one day. He flatly told me that if he makes more money then the guy doing the work he will leave his car there and go to work. Same with home repairs. He is part owner in the business so that also helps. I'm still in the "if I can do it I will phase."
Uhmm, actually I do know what's involved. I'm a small business owner and very aware of customer relations and expenses in small business operations. Once again you missed the point about customer service and employee attitude. Diss the customer enough and they'll get the hint and go away.
Hopefully you shoot straighter than your reading comprehension.
As a buddy of mine once said when we were discussing oil changes once day... how much is your time worth?
I think nothing about running down oil, filter, and air filter when I do my oil change. He figures in the time required for that, plus disposal, etc. Put that way, him making an appointment for a 20 minute oil change for $30 makes sense.
This light change might be more of the same.
I think nothing about running down oil, filter, and air filter when I do my oil change. He figures in the time required for that, plus disposal, etc. Put that way, him making an appointment for a 20 minute oil change for $30 makes sense.
This light change might be more of the same.
If my car fails inspection, I can bring it back after I fix the problem (bulb, sensor, etc) and they don't charge me twice.
I do all my repairs, except inspections and wheel alignments.
I do all my repairs, except inspections and wheel alignments.
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fishgutzy
Senior Member
When I have the time, I like to do my own rotors and pads. For les than having the dealer replace the pads and resurface the rotors I can do new pads and new rotors.
But I won't touch drums.
In my 93 YJ, I replaced a lit of stuff without any training. The water pump. Steering box, various brake hoses, even figured out it was the ignition coil that failed once time, easy fix.
Replaced leaf springs and shocks too.
Did most of the mods on my 2010 Rubicon myself too.
But there is a limit to what i'll do.
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Customer service is paramount, in my opinion.
I just had a wheel bearing replaced on my car at Firestone. Not a difficult job, but I didn't have the time just before a road trip to do it myself. And, because Firestone had always treated me right, that's where I went.
Turned out they had replaced that one nearly 2 years ago, and it was 10 months and 32,000 miles out of warranty. BUT the Firestone guy told me a wheel bearing had no business going bad in only 32,000 miles (correct), so they replaced it at no charge for parts or labor... only cost me $9.99, essentially for the paperwork.
About $180 worth of work for $10.
This is why I go to Firestone... they treat me right whenever I take my car to them for work.
For me, it's not all about cost... its a cost- benefit-analysis thing.
I just had a wheel bearing replaced on my car at Firestone. Not a difficult job, but I didn't have the time just before a road trip to do it myself. And, because Firestone had always treated me right, that's where I went.
Turned out they had replaced that one nearly 2 years ago, and it was 10 months and 32,000 miles out of warranty. BUT the Firestone guy told me a wheel bearing had no business going bad in only 32,000 miles (correct), so they replaced it at no charge for parts or labor... only cost me $9.99, essentially for the paperwork.
About $180 worth of work for $10.
This is why I go to Firestone... they treat me right whenever I take my car to them for work.
For me, it's not all about cost... its a cost- benefit-analysis thing.
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You would be the last customer I would want at my business whether it be mechanic, barber shop, or chicken restaurant. What a jerk. Hahaha. Pull in someone’s garage and ask for tools and a bulb to change? Jesus you have issues.
I don't think that's what he said at all.
Inspection, sell me the bulb, let me change it myself- adds up to much the same.
This thread is funny as hell. First these know it alls with YouTube should be smart enough to check all the lights operation before they pull into a garage for an inspection. Then there would never be a thread, right?
One would think. But I'm in agreement with some on this. Bulbs, wiper blades, and the like? Nah... I'll take my car home, fix it myself, them come back.
Except, of course, SC no longer has state inspections.
First off, I'm a contractor, I have a few tools on my truck so borrowing was never mentioned nor on the agenda.
Second, you're making an assumption that I hadn't checked for functionality. I did the day before. Did I mention I'm a contractor and it's my WORK vehicle and oh yeah, I'm pretty sure there were some tools on it at the time.
Third- if you don't understand the concept of customer service and how to interact with the public you have no business running a business. If you do try it, you probably won't be operating long.
Life's too short to put up with clerks and employees with an attitude. I, as the customer, have choices and I vote with my dollars and my feet.
Suuuure you checked the day before. It just went bad in less than 24 hours.
I’ve been a business owner for 28 years. I certainly respect and treat my clients with respect unless they become a customer who acts like a little bitch. Then I take exception.
A man’s knowledge is his craft. I guess any Mexican can swing a f)#”ing hammer, and they do. Matter of fact non educated Mexican’s are doing 50 percent or more of construction. So is your craft not worth paying for your knowledge? All I here on this forum is bitching about having to pay to have something done like it should be done for free. Pay a million dollars for a lot, building, insurance, employees, benefits, trucks, workman’s comp, attorney fees, accounting services, tools, parts, water, power, sewer, advertising, etc.. etc... etc... Then see how far $30 for a signal bulb change goes.
What product does an attorney have worth $275.00 per hour? Bet you don’t bitch about the a physician whose 10 minute visits come to $3000.00 per hour in revenue.
Why is it so hard to believe he checked the day before?
Hell, I practically relamped my car one weekend and a few days later had to replace bulbs I replaced that weekend.
Hell, I practically relamped my car one weekend and a few days later had to replace bulbs I replaced that weekend.
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Good customer service story.
Emailed delta faucet to buy a new handle as the kids broke it, I even told them as much. They're shipping a new one free.
Didn't charge me $100 for a screw.
Emailed delta faucet to buy a new handle as the kids broke it, I even told them as much. They're shipping a new one free.
Didn't charge me $100 for a screw.
On the subject of time and money...
How many of us started a "simple" 30 minute job that was anything but simple or 30 minutes?
I had to replace a toilet seat in the hall bathroom a while back, for example. No biggie, right?
Bought a new seat and Friday evening went to put it on. F*ck-all if the bolts weren't through-bolts on this particular toilet, which meant the hardware that came with the new seat was useless. AND the old bolts were corroded in place, which meant I had to drill the old bolts AND their inserts out.
Without cracking the toilet, of course.
Then of to Lowes Friday night for the correct hardware and inserts. Which they didn't have because they're NON-STANDARD. Home Depot the same.
So I had to hit up a plumbing supply store, which was, of course, closed Friday evening.
Guess what? It turned out the plumbing supply stores were closed on the weekend, too! I mean, who could POSSIBLY want to do their plumbing work on a weekend when it wouldn't interfere with their work week, right?
So Monday make a trip to the plumbing supply store after work before they close to get the threaded insert kit.
Get home, 10 minute job, right?
Yeah... if the second insert didn't break during installation and require drilling out again... without breaking the bowl, of course.
Back to the plumbing supply store TUESDAY after work for ANOTHER insert kit.
Got home, installed the insert, bolted the toilet seat on and was done.
QUESTION:
What was the value of the time and work required for this "simple 30 minute job"?
We've all had stories like this at some time out other.
Took me three hours to change the radiator and heater hoses on my car last summer because why would all the hose clamps be conveniently easy to reach?
Same for the tune-up I did on my car. It's just plugs and wires on the new cars, right? Yeah, lemme tell you those back plugs are NOT easy to get to and once you've pulled the first plug wire off its clip and rubber boot, you're dedicated to the job until it's done. Three hours, several bruised knuckles, and two arms that looked like they lost a fight shoving a butt plug up a cat's *ss later and the job was done.
How much was the time and effort worth for these jobs?
If nothing else, I look at jobs like these as having paid into the bank for those other times where I've just said "F*ck it, I'm going to pay the shop $30 to install that $3 light bulb and be done with it."
How many of us started a "simple" 30 minute job that was anything but simple or 30 minutes?
I had to replace a toilet seat in the hall bathroom a while back, for example. No biggie, right?
Bought a new seat and Friday evening went to put it on. F*ck-all if the bolts weren't through-bolts on this particular toilet, which meant the hardware that came with the new seat was useless. AND the old bolts were corroded in place, which meant I had to drill the old bolts AND their inserts out.
Without cracking the toilet, of course.
Then of to Lowes Friday night for the correct hardware and inserts. Which they didn't have because they're NON-STANDARD. Home Depot the same.
So I had to hit up a plumbing supply store, which was, of course, closed Friday evening.
Guess what? It turned out the plumbing supply stores were closed on the weekend, too! I mean, who could POSSIBLY want to do their plumbing work on a weekend when it wouldn't interfere with their work week, right?
So Monday make a trip to the plumbing supply store after work before they close to get the threaded insert kit.
Get home, 10 minute job, right?
Yeah... if the second insert didn't break during installation and require drilling out again... without breaking the bowl, of course.
Back to the plumbing supply store TUESDAY after work for ANOTHER insert kit.
Got home, installed the insert, bolted the toilet seat on and was done.
QUESTION:
What was the value of the time and work required for this "simple 30 minute job"?
We've all had stories like this at some time out other.
Took me three hours to change the radiator and heater hoses on my car last summer because why would all the hose clamps be conveniently easy to reach?
Same for the tune-up I did on my car. It's just plugs and wires on the new cars, right? Yeah, lemme tell you those back plugs are NOT easy to get to and once you've pulled the first plug wire off its clip and rubber boot, you're dedicated to the job until it's done. Three hours, several bruised knuckles, and two arms that looked like they lost a fight shoving a butt plug up a cat's *ss later and the job was done.
How much was the time and effort worth for these jobs?
If nothing else, I look at jobs like these as having paid into the bank for those other times where I've just said "F*ck it, I'm going to pay the shop $30 to install that $3 light bulb and be done with it."
You can't see the engine these days, they put huge black plastic panels over the engine, harder to see the belt(s), leaks and cracked wire loom.
Everyone thinks that when they have to pay to have something done, they are being charged to much.
Vs.
Any time they charge to do something, they are charging too little.
After 34 years dealing with the public and last 20 of that owning my own business, I have found that life is easier and more profitable if I get get ride of the pain in the butt customer fast rather than worry about kissing their ass for a few dollars.
Vs.
Any time they charge to do something, they are charging too little.
After 34 years dealing with the public and last 20 of that owning my own business, I have found that life is easier and more profitable if I get get ride of the pain in the butt customer fast rather than worry about kissing their ass for a few dollars.
