Charge out rates for cage mechanics?

**p.dath** · 27th April 2010, 19:02

We had a cage serviced at work this week and I nearly fell off my chair when I saw the labour rate - $108+GST per hour. This was from a major well known workshop in the area. All the parts seemed done at a reason rate.

Now I'm wondering if I'm out of touch with the world. What do cage mechanics typically charge out labour at?

**scissorhands** · 27th April 2010, 19:10

I know mechanics charge top labour rates above plumbers and sparkies but that makes me want to start my own workshop. Was it a dealership?

**Smifffy** · 27th April 2010, 19:15

Originally Posted by p.dath

We had a cage serviced at work this week and I nearly fell off my chair when I saw the labour rate - $108+GST per hour. This was from a major well known workshop in the area. All the parts seemed done at a reason rate.

Now I'm wondering if I'm out of touch with the world. What do cage mechanics typically charge out labour at?

Are you happy with the standard of work?

Do you think a $75/h mechanic could have provided the same service?

Do you think you could find a $75/h mechanic to take the work on?

Are you locked into the dealership thru lease/warranty agreements?

Hint: Don't tell DOL/ACC that you nearly fell out of your chair, you will be doing risk assessments for days.

**98tls** · 27th April 2010, 19:19

Originally Posted by p.dath

We had a cage serviced at work this week and I nearly fell off my chair when I saw the labour rate - $108+GST per hour. This was from a major well known workshop in the area. All the parts seemed done at a reason rate.

Now I'm wondering if I'm out of touch with the world. What do cage mechanics typically charge out labour at?

One has to wonder eh,20 years ago there was at least a degree of mechanical ability needed to service a car properly,these days the things are so good that a typical service could easily be done by a novice at home,actually they are probably done by a novice at the dealership but still your charged a qualified mechanics rate.

**Motu** · 27th April 2010, 19:24

Originally Posted by p.dath

Now I'm wondering if I'm out of touch with the world. What do cage mechanics typically charge out labour at?

What do you do for a living? What do your customers get charged per hour for your time? Just to get a bit of perspective.

**Ixion** · 27th April 2010, 19:36

Yeah, it's hard to see how businesses stay afloat charging such uneconomic rates. Ought to be at least $150.

**marty** · 27th April 2010, 19:38

I charge close to that.

**sidecar bob** · 27th April 2010, 19:42

If the only thing you have to complain about is the price, then id say the garage did a pretty good job.
As for cars being easy to service now, some cars i service, need to be plugged into a $9000 machine (and thats a cheap one) to reset the service interval indicator.
Also, its not just the hourly rate, but the length of time you were charged for that matters.

**sidecar bob** · 27th April 2010, 19:44

Originally Posted by scissorhands

I know mechanics charge top labour rates above plumbers and sparkies but that makes me want to start my own workshop. Was it a dealership?

Go on, do it, its so easy its almost a licence to print money.

**98tls** · 27th April 2010, 19:47

Originally Posted by sidecar bob

If the only thing you have to complain about is the price, then id say the garage did a pretty good job.
As for cars being easy to service now, some cars i service, need to be plugged into a $9000 machine (and thats a cheap one) to reset the service interval indicator.
Also, its not just the hourly rate, but the length of time you were charged for that matters.

A $9000 service interval indicator,not to mention a service interval indicator kind of says it all really.A simple sticker just doesnt cut the mustard these days.Not a crack at you at all SB.

**p.dath** · 27th April 2010, 20:17

Originally Posted by scissorhands

I know mechanics charge top labour rates above plumbers and sparkies but that makes me want to start my own workshop. Was it a dealership?

Yes, it was a dealership.

Originally Posted by Smifffy

Are you happy with the standard of work?

Do you think a $75/h mechanic could have provided the same service?

Do you think you could find a $75/h mechanic to take the work on?

Are you locked into the dealership thru lease/warranty agreements?

Hint: Don't tell DOL/ACC that you nearly fell out of your chair, you will be doing risk assessments for days.

Happy with the standard of work. We have used them for many years. It was a general service (oil and oil filter change), plus brake pads, plus replacement of one set of rotors (other set of rotors were machine by an external contractor). I don't think a high degree of skill or training would be required to do this. No lock in.

Was just curious. It seemed a high rate.

**p.dath** · 27th April 2010, 20:19

Originally Posted by Motu

What do you do for a living? What do your customers get charged per hour for your time? Just to get a bit of perspective.

I work in IT, and we are specislist network engineers. We charge $150+GST per hour for the work I do, and $100+GST per work for simpler jobs. This was a standard vehicle service - nothing particularly specislalised about it. I would hope an apprentice with 3 months of experience could do it.

**p.dath** · 27th April 2010, 20:20

Originally Posted by sidecar bob

If the only thing you have to complain about is the price, then id say the garage did a pretty good job.

They always do a good job, I was just surprised. Seems I am out of touch with labour rates for mechanics.

**AllanB** · 27th April 2010, 20:32

$65 to $100 plus depending where you go. Name brand dealers will usually charge the higher rate.

If it is just a regular oil/filter I'd seriously look at a smaller workshop. Oil out, filter off, new filter on, oil in. It will take the same time.