Tips for first time on flat rate?

[twostrokeking]

I'm 18 and went through tech college through highschool. I started right out of highschool at a Ford dealership as a lube tech and have slowly been doing more things like engine swaps and what not. I am paid hourly currently but once February 1st rolls around I am flat rate. I make $12 and hour now and I'm not sure what I'll make on flat rate but I am terrified. I don't want to sink. I have a hard time being super fast because I feel like I won't be accurate. what are some tips for a guy going into flat rate?any and all help is appreciated

 

[abk241]

I personally preferred flat rate over hourly when I was working in repair shops.
When you first start you will come out ahead on some jobs and behind on others.
As you continue to work you will gain proficiency at your job and eventually will almost always meet or beat the flat rate time.
For now it is really important that you not be bothered by the idea of falling behind the alloted time. Your top priority should be doing quality work with the goal of zero comebacks.
Any good boss is gonna appreciate that more than having cars coming back for mistakes or sloppy work.

Best of luck to you.

 

[rockwithjason]

speed isnt everything. you can only be as fast as you can be thorough. come backs will KILL you. take a minute at the beginning of each job and think about what you are going to do, materials and information you will need, and how you plan to attack the job

 

[GTA Matt]

Welcome to living your life 6 minutes at a time. The name of the game is efficiency.

 

[Tader82]

I personally preferred flat rate over hourly when I was working in repair shops.
When you first start you will come out ahead on some jobs and behind on others.
As you continue to work you will gain proficiency at your job and eventually will almost always meet or beat the flat rate time.
For now it is really important that you not be bothered by the idea of falling behind the allotted time. Your top priority should be doing quality work with the goal of zero comebacks.
Any good boss is gonna appreciate that more than having cars coming back for mistakes or sloppy work.

Best of luck to you.

What he said to a tee.

I have been working since I was 12 years old and only had one job that payed me bye the hour. It was the worse job for making money. Just take your time, the speed of doing the work will come with practice.

So God-speed my friend.

 

[ABADWILLYS]

A lot of pressure working flat rate in a new car dealer working under warranty time, Like Matt said you will be paying close attention to every 6 minutes, .1 of labor time, make sure your checking what your getting paid on every job, hope your place has plenty of work
dont let the pressure get to you, just do every job as quickly, efficiently as you can, buy the tools to make your job easier, dont hang around waiting on parts,or advisors, grab another car, i have 2 bays im always working on a least 2 cars and may have 5 cars or more in-progress at any time, **** i gotta get to work good luck to ya

 

[wornoutoldman]

Read this thread:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96914&highlight=flatrate

 

[Chevy-SS]

I personally preferred flat rate over hourly when I was working in repair shops.
When you first start you will come out ahead on some jobs and behind on others.
As you continue to work you will gain proficiency at your job and eventually will almost always meet or beat the flat rate time.
For now it is really important that you not be bothered by the idea of falling behind the alloted time. Your top priority should be doing quality work with the goal of zero comebacks.
Any good boss is gonna appreciate that more than having cars coming back for mistakes or sloppy work.

Best of luck to you.

What he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I enjoyed flat rate positions MUCH more than hourly.
Main thing IMHO is to do job right the FIRST time. If you do supreme quality work, then shop manager/owner will definitely notice, and you will likely end up getting more of the gravy jobs.

 

[danstewart1982]

NO COMEBACKS is the first priority. Flat rate ***** for a while, but once you learn the tricks to each job you do, the time starts to fly off the jobs. Don't stress over time time time, save that for later when you're a crusty old tech like me lol

 

[Bondo]

Tips for first time on flat rate?

Ayuh,.... **** up to the Service Writer,.....

That person can make, or break ya,....