Pricing & Business
[auto repair] When do you turn away a job that needs dealer-level tools?
As a repair shop owner, I often find myself facing the dilemma of whether to take on jobs that require dealer-level tools. I recently had a customer come in with a late-model vehicle that needed a special reprogramming of the ECU. I don't have the OEM tools for that make, and while I could send the car to the dealer, my margins would take a hit. It makes me wonder, at what point do you decide to turn away a job because it requires dealer-level tools? Do you have a threshold for making that decision, or do you find vendors who can assist with the needed tools?
2 Answers
I've been in this situation before, and I usually weigh the cost of outsourcing the job versus the potential profit. If the job's repairs or programming would require me to invest heavily in dealer-level tools that I might only use occasionally, I tend to refer the customer to the dealer. However, I keep a list of local shops that have these tools and can perform the work. I let the customer know I can recommend someone who is equipped for the task, which keeps my reputation intact while also providing my customer with a solution.
I agree with the need to assess the situation. I often assess the job's profitability. If it requires significant time and resources to obtain the dealer tools, I prefer to turn it away or send it to a dealer. It's important for me to keep the workflow smooth in my shop. But if you want to venture into those jobs, consider partnering with mobile technicians who have the required tools. It can open up additional revenue streams without the overhead of purchasing expensive equipment.