side job rate

[flht1997]

I am wondering what other guys are charging for doing side jobs. Since I took my new job and a pretty hefty pay decrease, I finally threw in my hat and started taking side jobs. I was a auto tech for 7 years and a motorcycle tech for 3 years. I know what I am doing, especially when it come to old Jap or European motorcycles. I know a few people that have fairly large collections of motorcycle, say 50+ bikes each and they often told me they couldn't find anyone that they could trust or that could really fix anything, if not making it worse when they tried.
Anyway for most of the stuff I'm doing, I have been charging 45$ and hour. Most bikes, depending on condition, will get all fluids, forks rebuilt, carbs and ignition rebuilt and valve adjustment. This will take about 10-15 hours depending on model, for which I will charge around 450-600 dollars.
I had a 75' Goldwing brought in that the guy had receipts from April for 1200$ for a carb rebuild and points replacement, and the bike still did not run! Am I charging too little/working to cheap. Or are the other "professional" shop just gouging customers. I dont have an idea what shop rate is at independent shops these days

 

[frankzlt1]

i think it depends on the areas you live and state. keep in mind shop prices are always going to be hefty, the shop got bills to pay too, employees, insurance not medical but liability insurance, shop vehicles taxes. theres a lot involved into a business compared to side jobs. i do side jobs when i can and i do sometimes think im too cheap but when you think about it its all mostly that money you just made gos right into your pocket and uncle sam doesn't even know. also depending on how specialty your kind of work is will also depends on what you can charge.

 

[GYPSY400]

I'm in the process of building my garage, but when I do, I'll be charging $35-40 /hr.. $10/hr to run the shop, and the rest for me.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I was charging $20 an hour in the mid 70's when the Honda bike dealer was charging $35.

 

[kamesama980]

+1 the shop might be charging people $75/hr (or 50...or 100?) but the guy doing the work sees less than half of that. gotta pay mortgauge/lease, utilities, all the inventory, shop stuff (like lifts, parts washers, supplies, etc), insurance, building maintenance, and so on.

Charge what you think your time is worth (make sure you're not losing money), what your WORK is worth (If you're really that good, yes you can charge however much), and what the customers can afford (don't want to scare them off or keep them from coming back because "this old bike costs too much to keep running").

Remember to leave some backup cash in case a job does go south and you have to eat it. Shops have insurance in case stuff happens. you want to have something too since you're liable for your work.

Bikes are hard to put a price on, especially old ones. Like classic cars, two very similar ones might be worth thousands different to different people. People often get them hoping for them to be cheaper than cars and are easily put off when repairs cost as much as replacement. I love my old suzukis and have no idea if I'll ever get rid of them but they make absolutely no financial sense.

 

[justanengineer]

Keep in mind that unless you have a valid, tax paying business as well as the proper zoning and licenses, all it takes is one neighbor worried about "property value" or upset bc of strangers coming/going to land you in a world of ****. My father had a night business for 40 years and did everything by the book, mainly bc he had no other choice. For me, its too much of a PITA to consider currently.

 

[polexican23]

You should build your client base first, then worry about if you are charging enough.

 

[Zeke]

It's all relative. If you're working on a bike whose owner makes 20/hr, you might find that he resents your 45. He will pay the shop rates because he can't see where the money goes. Taking his wallet out and handing you money makes it a more direct transaction. This is especially true if he was using his CC at the shop.

Cut to the other side and consider the rich cat. Just because he has the money doesn't mean he's ready to part with it. So, when folks say it depends on the area and the customers, that's a lot of it. You must be consistent with your fees. Everyone pays the same. If you feel like giving someone a deal, shorten the hours, not the fee.

Also, consider your overhead. Businesses don't like moonlighters because of the lack of overhead. But you customer knows about this too or he wouldn't be in your doorway.

I'll say this "offtherecord" even though I'm posting on a major forum. I'd encourage customers to pay in cash, some up front. It lessens the impact and you buy parts on their dime. You tell them you need the cash because that's how you buy things. Another thing shop customers don't like is the mark up on parts. I don't mark up and give the receipt to the customer. If he wants to bring his parts, fine. No guarantee but then again, want kind of warranty is a moonlighter expected to give? **** happens. It will and it does. You need to discuss this.

You do what you need to do about your income, but cash don't bounce. And when you deal, as I say, direct, and you're taking cash out of the other man's wallet, you need to make sure the value is there. Value, that's all there is to it.

I was shy about the cash thing for many years. Now, I'm not. I make sure the value is understood and when I get the money I say, "Thanks for the work. I appreciate it."

What I'm doing there is deflecting the issue of money being handed over to something less intrinsic. I never count it and I don't pull out my wallet and put it in at that point. I either stick it in a folder or if I have to, slip it in my pocket. If the person makes a big deal out of counting it out, I just let them do what they gotta do. I get it all ways, in an envelope to fanned out. Read your customer and make them feel good.

Value.

 

[Sureshot]

It is about value and how busy you want to be. I have a neighbour who I don't charge but I hunt on his land and he gives me a pig or beef on occasion so it is a great deal in my eyes and he really appreciates the help.
Last cash job I did was $75/hr because I didn't really want it and thought he guy would do it himself. It was a twisted off yoke on the rear diff of 10 yr old Pete. ***** of a spot to work and it fought me at every turn to get it loose and out. I don't remember the final amount but the guy gave me extra and said it would have been double in town and taken longer for him to get back to work. Great value for him ad good cash for me.
If you stay busy at $45 that is likely good money if cash depending on your shop. If too busy boost the rate and find the balance point for you. Be very aware of the implications of cash etc and I will not use those dreaded letters no one wants to hear because I do believe we are being monitored.

 

[tstaude]

I live in south eastern WI, and I usually charge $40-50 per hour for automotive work. I have had people travel over an hour just because of how much they save.

I try to give an estimate and outline what is included before I perform any work. This way they can know what to expect when it comes time to pay up. Another thing I like to do is purchase parts online if time permits. The customer can then see what you saved them in addition to the discounted labor. (this helps with the resentment Zeke mentioned)

About half of my coworkers have me do work on their cars, and I have not had any complaints. Everyone knows what I charge, and it seems to be working well.

Ducksface, I think he is just trying to get a feel for what to charge. The OP wants and values our personal, professional input.

 

[wornoutoldman]

$45 an hour is about half of the areas "professional shop rate" and about or at least twice what those shops pay their "pros" I'd say you got a good number to work with there.

 

[JFBURLINGHAM207]

I recently have put my tool box to use on the side after my wife lost her job. Im probably undercharging, but Augusta is a poor area and many people are hard up. I charge 20/ hour for side work at my house, and 25/hour if i travel, garages around here get between 50-90/ hour. I don't take every job that comes my way, just the ones Im equipped at home for and that I can do after work.

 

[Capt Chrysler]

Is this all Front Pocket Cash money. Or are you giving Uncle Sam his cut?

Capt. Chrysler

 

[wornoutoldman]

Is this all Front Pocket Cash money. Or are you giving Uncle Sam his cut?

Capt. Chrysler

Uncle who?

 

[383 240z]

I do side work, but I'm picky who and what jobs I take. Timing belt on your Camry? Not getting in. Long arm on your JK? Come on in. Brakes on your Tundra? Piss off. Dual quads on your hot rod? Step right up. I take jobs that I enjoy doing. My rate is fixed at $50 per at book rate. Extra for rust. I buy all parts up front with my cash. They pay retail on the parts.

Now if I'm doing mill or lathe work that's $70 per hour. Engine, t-case, trans rebuilds are flat rate plus parts. Setting up diff gears are $200 an axle on the bench, $250 if they are still in the car. Keith

 

[FarmerPete]

As long as you're upfront with what you charge, I can't see it being a problem what you charge. People will either hire you or not. That's their decision. When I do side work, I'd rather over charge per hour and under report how many hours it took than do the opposite. I guess I figure taking 3 hours to do a 2 hour job doesn't exactly make me look like I'm knowledgeable. I'd rather charge higher rates and report the time as less than I worked.

 

[sophijo]

You can also charge a flat rate per job. Somehow that seem to be more palatable for folks.

 

[Rickster]

Wise old mechanic told me long ago; figure out a fair price for the work you did, a price that you would pay as fair, then double it.

 

[Zeke]

Wise old mechanic told me long ago; figure out a fair price for the work you did, a price that you would pay as fair, then double it.

And add a third.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

All I know is don't undercut yourself. You charge whats reasonable for your skill set and location, if you have the work, people will pay.

I like to charge 30 an hour for weekend or night work. If it's a short little brake job i'll usually say 50 bucks or something like that depending on the vehicle... You don't want to be working for chump change... a half hour pad slap for 15 bucks isn't enough to get me motivated...

you're using your tools, electricity, brake cleaner, scuff pads, sand paper, whatever it is you need for the job.. and most importantly, your free time and time that you could be doing something else.

I used to always keep oils on hand, not so much anymore... i have some for myself and for a top off, but not enough for an oil change or ****** service. they buy that, I always got burned alittle cutting into my profits.

 

[DoyleDee]

When I do side work it is mainly for family and friends and I charge as such. I do it to make some pocket cash, but not to drain them. Karma works well for me.
I feel I am fair on what I do- I price it per the job and who I'm doing it for.
If I were to do it as a side job status for everyone, I would say 45-55 works well around here-- they pay for parts. Some of my jobs do get very close to that- not that I ask, just that they will not let me accept less.... you never know, someday you may need help and favors.

 

[binder man]

60/hour flatrate + markup...But I get paid checks a lot too. Minimum of 1 hour...If I get into heavy diagnostics on computer controlled cars 75/hour to cover all my software and updates.

 

[ovilla]

I'm not a professional mechanic (just an IT guy) but I'll do a little side work every now and then for friends/neighbors in my garage, using my lift. I buy all parts and shop supplies on their dime and also get to keep any special tool that I needed to buy in order to work on their project. I just show them the receipt and they give me money. If they need to pay with a credit card, I'll either have them meet me at the store or I'll send them a list with exact product numbers of what to buy. Anyway, they normally just pay me in baseball/hockey tickets or food (like dinner for my family to include a dessert) or they'll give me something that I need like a decent garage stereo. I'd like to do more automotive work but I'm actually too busy helping my kids mow lawns (which are normally $25 per yard and $5 extra if we need to travel there).

 

[Toomanymopars]

Every job is unique, price accordingly.

 

[bobcatdan]

When I did a lot of side work, I charged $50 an hour. I bought a labor times manual and charged according to that. On parts I got a discount from the parts store and sold at standard store list. Do it if it is fun, when it stops being fun, stop it.

 

[flht1997]

Thanks for the input fellas. I guess I am in the ballpark for rate. I really don't know what other shops charge, I kinda dropped out of the vintage bike circle about 10 years ago, that is to say I stopped hanging out with those people cause I didn't like the way the hobby was heading, (too many cb360 cafe racers for my taste).
I have always really enjoyed motorcycles, even as I grew to hate fixing cars, bikes were ok. The main issue I have as I think most mechanics have is when you think about what I would pay for something I price the parts and that is what I have come to think the job costs. Now I do it for someone else, how much should I cost? I couldn't sleep at night knowing I charged a dude 1000$ to put carb kits and points in a Goldwing and it still didn't run worth ****.
I guess what the one guy said about doubling the price is kinda right on.
Communication has been pretty good, but doing estimates on some of this stuff is near impossible sometimes. "Bikes been parked for 25 years, do you think you can get it running?"
I generally charge an hour for a general look over and my opinion. Compression test, ignition, suspension, wheels, and just look for the stuff people have messed up. Then after that it is pretty much straight time.
I dont really need anymore work, with people I have now I will have enough work for at least a couple years.

 

[GoodEnough]

Specialty niche should charge $100/hr+

 

[Trey T]

If you can guarantee quality service and on schedule, you can charge whatever you like to compete with shop

 

[JRock10]

Don't know how much this helps, but as a car audio tech, I made 40% of the labor rate. So of I did an alarm remote start, shop charges $250. I made $100 on that. So I would charge for side work what I would make at the shop. Radios for $65, I charged $20-30, depending on the vehicle.

Tapatalk...my downtime occupier

 

[zmotorsports]

When I started doing side work back in high school and just out of school I looked at what mechanics in the area were making and charged just under that, mainly because I was just getting started and learning as well as gaining tools and equipment. I really just shot from the hip on this figure, I think it was $10.00/hr back in the late 80's.

After getting married and working full-time as a maintenance mechanic yet still wanting, and needing, to make more money than what my full-time job offered, I decided to be legal about it. I didn't want to be that jerk that undercut all of the other shops around and took business away from many people I knew and respected in our community. Plus I didn't want to piss my neighbors off. I merely wanted to provide a different option for people to have their autos, motorcycles, ATVs and small engines repaired and/or modified. I decided right then and their that my niche was going to be on the details and high quality workmanship rather than being based on price alone.

I applied for my business license and got consent from my neighbors so I was legal. I also did some research and reading about operating a small business. This was very helpful because it totally changed my mindset on the way I looked and not only what I should charge but more importantly on how other companies determine what they charge for products and/or services.

I realized that I was working for nothing by the time I figured in all of my expenses and time. It really woke me up. I ended up charging $45.00/hr in 1997 right after acquiring my business license. I continually up my rates as the cost of business continually goes up but I also am able to keep it fairly low due to my overhead being so much lower.

I am currently @ $60.00/hr in an area where the average dealerships are charging $105.00/hr and independents are in the $85.-95.00 range. Most shops in the area also mark up the parts 100% whereas I only mark them up between 20-30% depending on how I am able to purchase them. I try to keep them comparable to what they would pay walking in off of the street to a parts store. I have simply negotiated a slightly lower rate with the parts store similar to what other professional businesses in the area are charged.

This may be taken offensively but it is not intended to be. I feel you should pay the proper taxes on those monies that you make on the side just to keep yourself legal. Many feel they don't want to pay any more in taxes than they should and I 100% agree. I manage my money and don't want to pay any more than my share either, however, I do pay my share. If I make it, I pay the taxes on it. This is just my opinion so I apologize if others don't feel the same way.

I would take a close look at a couple of jobs that you do, detail every cent spent and account for your time very accurately. Then add these figures up and determine where you need to be in order to be profitable. Don't forget to figure in the time you are on the telephone ordering parts, cleaning parts, chasing parts down or anything else directly related to those jobs. Once you do this on a few jobs you will quickly see where you need to be rate wise and have an educated approach rather than just stabbing in the dark on labor rates.

Good luck.

Mike.