[quote name='GuardsRedCoupe' date='Dec 12 2005, 01:34 PM']
I'd like to get other's takes on what are reasonable shop charges. In the course of the last 5 years, I've had my cars into shops only three times... otherwise I do the work myself. Therefore, I don't really know what is fair and reasonable.
I recently took my 968 in to a shop for some work. The hourly rate was $100/hr. I figured that was probably about right for competent front engine Porsche work. However, I was a little surprised to see a $75 shop consumables charge. That would buy a whole lotta shop towels!
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100 an hour is about the going rate in the midwest for Porsche work in a dealer. There are some very competent independent shops that can do outstanding work and charge a lot less if you look for them. When using an independent, be sure to take a look in the shop. Look at the cars they are working on, find the crappiest car in the shop and pay attention to how they are treating the car while in their care (using fender covers, not leaving fingerprints on the paint, etc. Ask for experience level of the technician and if they are certified by at least ASE and or Porsche and if their certifications are up to date. But ASK the questions and look around, if they are worthy, they will take the time to cater to you. I'm a firm believer in a conscientious independent as they stand more to loose if you leave their facility unsatisfied than a dealer might with a protected customer base.
Being a shop owner myself, $75.00 is high for an "average" repair. Some shops charge a flat fee for consumables while others charge a percentage of the repair bill. Consumables commonly include as you say, shop towels, but they also include (at lease in my case), sealant used, were on a complete engine one might spent $20 alone on, the occasional hose clamp, misc. bolts that may break, lubricants, cleaners and the like. If they are charging you for some of these things I listed as well as the consumable fee, they might be taking a little advantage of you being a Porsche owner or it might even be customary for all shops in your area. You can call a few random shops in your area, take your own mini survey and come up with a pretty good idea of what is going on.
I probably don't charge enough at a flat $10.00 per repair order over $100 where engine or transmission work is involved.
