Psychos in the Auto-Repair Business

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the industry was blitzed with random under cover operatives checking what is done, how quotes were laid out, if quoted actual work was done etc.

A bunch of hidden cameras, workshops chosen at random etc.

Any industry knows to behave when they have the the threat of large fines / closure etc if they get caught out.

I know the issue with this thread isn't exactly the same as people getting ripped off for work done but yes the industry is full of cowboys that go unchecked.

Its an unregulated industry that pays peanuts for hard work, particularly light vehicle, you've got a very expensive business model of a workshop and fees on all your diagnostic equipment and on the other hand no one wants to pay for anything.

The industry recently got the ****s up over the government looking to end the visa scams going on about importing foreign mechanics complaining about the 'skills shortage' - there's a skills shortage because you spend 4 years getting paid SFA during your apprenticeship then end up getting less per hour than someone who stacks the shelves at IGA qualified while putting up with terrible employment conditions.

This article is case in point - this is an excerpt from a prominent automotive aftermarket publication about holding onto their staff:



You're just looking at implementing that NOW? You should have been doing that from the start

Light vehicle automotive sucks as the employee and the customer.

I get paid more sitting behind a desk in an air conditioned office with a computer than I ever did fixing cars.

These issues are compounded by highly aggressive suppliers who are part of the aftermarket supply chain who leave nothing in it for the workshop, or they'll sell direct to your customer over the counter.

Then also manufacturers in Australia have no legal responsibility to supply diagnostic information to the independents repairers unlike in the USA where they have to.

[Sprintey]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

there's a skills shortage because you spend 4 years getting paid SFA during your apprenticeship then end up getting less per hour than someone who stacks the shelves at IGA qualified while putting up with terrible employment conditions.

That was sweet, sweet work back in the days before in-store cameras. Relatively well paid, plus you get to bowl rockmelons at your mates down the aisles, see if you can knock them over

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

That was sweet, sweet work back in the days before in-store cameras. Relatively well paid, plus you get to bowl rockmelons at your mates down the aisles, see if you can knock them over

Heh, the irony is a mate of mine has gone from being a qualified butcher working at an IGA to my old competition to where I cut my teeth in the automotive industry.

The pay is still **** 10 years later it seems

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Heh, the irony is a mate of mine has gone from being a qualified butcher working at an IGA to my old competition to where I cut my teeth in the automotive industry.

The pay is still **** 10 years later it seems

I think you guys got into the wrong trade.

[Citroënbender]

The trade I see least non-Caucasians in, is remedial plumbing (ie, repairs and modifications to existing). Definitely a few groups of New Australians have hangups about 1’s and 2’s. I think it’s possibly part of why there’s a growth in pipe lining services.

Returning to the core topic, yes, you’d be mad to consider automotive mechanical as a worthwhile lifetime trade. As an entry ticket to ARC accreditation, yes probably almost worth a few years of suffering.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

I think you guys got into the wrong trade.

Pretty much - wouldn't recommend it and wouldn't do it again, maybe heavy vehicles instead as it's more valued.