LT1000

[Auto Doc's]

Hi Tiger,

Library.... what's that? Books and reading?

The Dewey Decimal System.... Does anyone learn this stuff anymore?

I think AI is a useful tool that people should learn to use but not use it as an excuse (a crutch) to never learn how to actually think and work for themselves.

As a mechanic/technician people/customers think we automatically have all the answers. The trick is that we know where to find the answers without letting them know our secret. This same "illusion" is used in every profession.

Back when I started out in the industry, it was considered taboo to ever let a customer see you actually reading a service manual, now I proudly have the manuals (or printed copies) open and on display when I work. Some customers look puzzled, but others are happy that I am actually doing the job "by the book".

These days whenever I take in a piece of equipment that I am not familiar with, I tell the customer up front that I do charge a diagnostic fee and they need to pay for that and the repair information (CD or book) up front before I begin. This lets them know I'm serious about doing the work correctly.

If they want to cheap out and expect me to provide free diagnostics, I will not deal with them. (They get cheap and my stupid level goes up. LOL) I've lost too much money and time giving free diagnostics in the past.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Hi Tiger,

Library.... what's that? Books and reading?

The Dewey Decimal System.... Does anyone learn this stuff anymore?

I think AI is a useful tool that people should learn to use but not use it as an excuse (a crutch) to never learn how to actually think and work for themselves.

As a mechanic/technician people/customers think we automatically have all the answers. The trick is that we know where to find the answers without letting them know our secret. This same "illusion" is used in every profession.

Back when I started out in the industry, it was considered taboo to ever let a customer see you actually reading a service manual, now I proudly have the manuals (or printed copies) open and on display when I work. Some customers look puzzled, but others are happy that I am actually doing the job "by the book".

These days whenever I take in a piece of equipment that I am not familiar with, I tell the customer up front that I do charge a diagnostic fee and they need to pay for that and the repair information (CD or book) up front before I begin. This lets them know I'm serious about doing the work correctly.

If they want to cheap out and expect me to provide free diagnostics, I will not deal with them. (They get cheap and my stupid level goes up. LOL) I've lost too much money and time giving free diagnostics in the past.

Watched a YouTube video the other day on an ATV. The shop charged $207 to list the issues, but literally not attempt to start it except for just a basic quick try. I charge a diagnostic fee of $45 that goes towards cost of repair unless say, it has low compression and is not cost affective to repair. Dealerships often charge way too much money for the services they offer.

 

[ILENGINE]

Watched a YouTube video the other day on an ATV. The shop charged $207 to list the issues, but literally not attempt to start it except for just a basic quick try. I charge a diagnostic fee of $45 that goes towards cost of repair unless say, it has low compression and is not cost affective to repair. Dealerships often charge way too much money for the services they offer.

When it comes to ATV and UTV's customers will repair their toys. Cost is normally not a concern. A customer that will not repair their Z turn that needs a $2,500 engine replacement won't even blink when writing the check for $2,500 for engine repairs on the UTV.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Hello M.,

At an ATV dealership (and most others), you are paying for the overhead and a storefront. The mechanics usually get paid little more than minimum wage and they are rarely trained other than watching a few corporate videos.

I came from the repair side of the industry, and it is rapidly collapsing due to "for profit" operations. New equipment sales are the priority, not service.