Charging Fairly for Diagnostics and Repairs with Austin Goodlett

The Gearbox Podcast

Today, Jimmy Purdy sits down with Austin Goodlett, a two-year veteran shop owner who candidly shares the hurdles of entrepreneurship in the auto repair industry. Austin stresses the critical nature of understanding business numbers and the complex dynamic of valuing one's services while navigating the owner's multifaceted role that spans from technician to manager. Pivoting from the initial drive to increase car count, Austin now prioritizes solidifying a financial foundation for his shop's operations. Further in the episode, the guys reveal the nuanced struggle with charging fairly for diagnostic services, an area Austin is passionate about, leading to a transition to a retainer-style fee structure to better convey the worth of such labor-intensive work. Both Jimmy and Austin share the essentials of customer education, illustrating the latter's commitment to fostering trust and transparency through social media and video content and underscoring the significance of charging for thorough vehicle inspections.

00:00 Technician understands the need to charge for parts.
09:39 Transitioned from hobby to professional mechanic successfully.
14:12 Confidence and tenacity are essential for success.
17:58 Charging 4 hours for diagnostic, providing detailed reports.
25:04 Detailed employee handbook to prevent past issues.
27:55 Hoping they care, working efficiently for more.
32:43 Customer understanding, lift kit challenges, torch work.
41:40 Tech shortage, leadership lacking, industry challenges remain.
46:52 High-ranking individuals afford jiu jitsu gym; trust and intimacy develop quickly.
49:38 Selling and busy, rich get richer, world's ways.
53:15 Explaining services and the importance of education.
01:02:00 Free car inspections lead to pressured sales.
01:03:30 Assessing car condition and setting labor rates.
01:08:15 Always learning, new challenges in mechanics.
01:16:05 Aspiring to pay technicians well and succeed.
01:19:24 Debt led to industry realization and improvement.

Thanks to our sponsor, Shop Boss! See how they can simplify your auto shop HERE