03-07-2015, 04:39 AM
(03-06-2015, 07:06 PM)Mach1FatherFigure Wrote: Funny how the same things vary in price in different countries.
The local BMW stealer charges $197.50/hour labour. He used to get some of my vehicles.
Upholstery/retrims seem cheaper here. $700/seat is about top price.
Shops have to charge for rent/rates/power/wages, sick leave, pension funds, holiday pay/advertising/new and replacement special equipment. In general we only have to fork out for flowers and similar to long suffering partners plus shop manuals.
When I was a mechanic, through about 1983 to 1991, top wages for mechanics were at $18 per hour and shop rate was $38 to $40 per hour. Today, the top wages for mechanics are at about $35 per hour and the shop rate is $115 per hour. I realize there are higher operating costs these days, but it seems out of whack from the customers end. I know a few shop owners, and they live much better than most others, including myself.
Best Regards,
Mike