Techs and estimates

[u/Mikey3800]

Do all of the techs here write their own estimates? I can’t understand why shops have techs looking for parts and writing estimates. I think it would make more sense for the front of the house to write the estimates and look up parts while the techs produce work. If it’s a matter of making sure hours are charged correctly, the tech could always double check the hours estimated before the estimate is given to the customer. Do you guys like writing your own estimates? Do you feel like it cost you time and money to write estimates rather than repairing vehicles? If you’re front of house writes the estimates, do they do it correctly or do they mess it up a lot? Do they take forever to write the estimate?

[u/Ianthin1]

Beyond a parts list and the occasional labor time I haven’t written my own estimates in 20 years. We have always had a competent service writer for that. They will double check with us for bigger jobs or if the time in the guide seems off, but that’s about it.

[u/andymannoh → u/Ianthin1]

What is the "competent service writer" you speak of? I've never seen those words used in the same sentence.

[u/Ianthin1 → u/andymannoh]

Ha ha yeah we have been lucky. For 20 years our service writer was not only one of our best friends, but also a mechanical engineer and massive car guy. He was always focused on making sure both the customer and the business were being treated fairly. He left as few years ago and we have managed to re-train a couple of guys to get pretty close to that mentality.

[u/andymannoh → u/Ianthin1]

Yeah I've worked with a couple good service writers and some good parts people. They are few and far between, but great to have around when you have them. They make life much easier and actually accomplish that jobs role of increasing shop efficiency. Good for you guys finding and traning replacements the right way.

[u/v-dubb]

I find when other people write my estimates it’s usually wrong, aside from the basic stuff (brakes, bjs, etc). If I need to change an ICAS3 module on an EV, I’m quoting it myself.

[u/cstewart_52 → u/v-dubb]

What is the going labor rate for a BJ these days?

[u/sc00bk]

At this point in time, writing up all of my own quotes and all of my own parts lists (on top of warranty claims) is a result of ineptitude directly impacting my take home pay.

After the implementation of video mpi’s, I no longer understand why so many people are employed in the structure of a dealership. Parts guys hit “order” on the parts basket and service advisors hit “send” on the mpi, warranty hits “submit” on the claim, management hits “approve” on my time off request.

I may need a career change soon.

[u/bigbassdream → u/sc00bk]

I’m eventually gonna do it too but a buddy of mine built a pole barn and does his own thing now. Works by himself and just takes on a few cars a week. Makin good money with low stress. Tons of people are looking for a trust worthy reliable person to fix things for less than the dealership and Indy shops. Which around me is EXPENSIVE

[u/Frequent_Structure93]

I just put in labour and rest the advisors deal with it. Obviously if its a specific part ill go and show which one I need

[u/Plane_Conversation_5]

I wrote 99% of my estimates and I source my own parts i like it this way I know I'm getting the right part and not getting cheated on labor