**Seeking Your Thoughts on Home-Based Vehicle Repair Shops**

[Realbadlarry]

Rent is Too Damn High!

 

[Rockwood]

Depends on the home game. Dude came recommended and has a full shop with a lift and tools to do whatever? Sure.

Middle of a shitty neighborhood and he’s working in the driveway with a cluttered garage full of random shit with stains everywhere? Fuck that.

 

[AlpineFunco]

I and a couple of other legit shops have had discussions about this. One of them half-heartedly tried this approach with the county. It didn't gain any traction. I contemplated this route and was worried about the repercussions. At the same time, when the other shop turned in some of the home shops, I was blamed for it. The Facebook beating I took was chitty. But since there was already some fallout due to the false accusations, I am considering just doing it myself. Not in an anonymous manner as had been done by the other shop. Maybe it would gain some traction with the county that way?

So I get that my recommendation is going to be hard, those retards aren't going to give up the easy revenue they get from all the bullshit fees and regulations. But it also seems that you agree with my approach in theory. It seems odd then that in lieu of fighting the retards you are going the exact opposite way and trying to force other people to support the retards. Case in point, your comment about sales tax. If the independent guy is paying sales tax on something then there is no reason to charge the customer again. The tax has been paid. And yes, even if he upcharges the item. Trying to get more tax money for our idiot politicians to waste on stupid shit is NEVER the answer.

 

[TheSPAINishLover]

Morning Fellow Dune Ratz,

My crew and I were talking the other day about the recent increase in home based "mechanics".

I wanted to open up a discussion about a topic that seems to be gaining traction lately: home-based vehicle repair shops. With many mechanics operating out of their garages and often without the necessary permits or insurance, I’m curious to hear your thoughts and experiences regarding this trend.

Do any of you currently use home-based mechanics for your vehicle repairs?

No. Would never use a home mechanic for a vehicle repair that me and/or my family rides in. If the home mechanic were to make a mistake that resulted in an accident and death or severe injury to the other driver(s) or my family, I would have no recourse...and likely would be at fault.

If so, what influenced your decision? Was it the price point, convenience, or perhaps a recommendation from a friend?

Risk mitigation influenced my decision.

Additionally, I’d love to get your perspectives on some important issues: How do you feel about the lack of insurance and liability coverage that these home shops often have? Does it concern you that they may not be contributing taxes, potentially putting legitimate businesses at a disadvantage?

100%. No different than the long line of unlicensed, illegal, no tax-paying street vendors that line the streets of all over CA...oftentimes directly in front of licensed, legal, tax-paying businesses.

Finally, when choosing a repair shop, do you prioritize the legitimacy and reliability of the business, or is the cost the only factor that matters to you?

Reputation based on personal referrals, legitimate online reviews, and reliability. Cost is a factor among the licensed, legitimate businesses.

I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and hopefully sparking a constructive conversation about the impact of these home-based operations on our industry.

Some Examples:


**Zoning Violations and Unfair Competition**

Many home mechanics run their businesses in residential areas without the necessary permits or adherence to zoning regulations. This not only poses safety and liability concerns but also creates an uneven playing field. Legitimate businesses invest in their facilities, comply with local laws, and pay necessary taxes. In contrast, these home-based operations often skirt these responsibilities, allowing them to offer lower prices that undercut established shops.

**Tax Evasion and Insurance Gaps**

One of the most concerning aspects is the lack of tax contributions from these home mechanics. By not registering their businesses, they avoid paying sales tax and business taxes, which places a heavier burden on those of us who do comply with regulations. Moreover, many lack proper insurance, which puts customers at risk. If something goes wrong, the liability falls solely on the consumer, unlike in regulated shops where proper protections are in place.

**Market Disruption**

The presence of these unregulated mechanics is disrupting the market. Customers attracted by lower prices may not realize they are sacrificing quality and safety. This can lead to a cycle of poor repairs and dissatisfaction, further driving customers away from legitimate businesses that prioritize quality and service. Over time, this could lead to a devaluation of the repair industry as a whole, where quality workmanship is overshadowed by unsustainable pricing models.

**Conclusion**

While I respect the entrepreneurial spirit, we need to address the implications of allowing home-based mechanics to operate without oversight. It is essential for our industry to advocate for fair competition, uphold safety standards, and ensure that all businesses contribute to the community through taxes and compliance. I invite everyone to share their thoughts and experiences on this issue so we can work together to find solutions that benefit the entire off-road vehicle repair industry.

Thank you for your time!

 

[Rockwood]

So I get that my recommendation is going to be hard, those retards aren't going to give up the easy revenue they get from all the bullshit fees and regulations. But it also seems that you agree with my approach in theory. It seems odd then that in lieu of fighting the retards you are going the exact opposite way and trying to force other people to support the retards. Case in point, your comment about sales tax. If the independent guy is paying sales tax on something then there is no reason to charge the customer again. The tax has been paid. And yes, even if he upcharges the item. Trying to get more tax money for our idiot politicians to waste on stupid shit is NEVER the answer.

Gotta support the mahcine

 

[Marlboroman]

So I get that my recommendation is going to be hard, those retards aren't going to give up the easy revenue they get from all the bullshit fees and regulations. But it also seems that you agree with my approach in theory. It seems odd then that in lieu of fighting the retards you are going the exact opposite way and trying to force other people to support the retards. Case in point, your comment about sales tax. If the independent guy is paying sales tax on something then there is no reason to charge the customer again. The tax has been paid. And yes, even if he upcharges the item. Trying to get more tax money for our idiot politicians to waste on stupid shit is NEVER the answer.

Here's my thought about it. I hate sending money to my local representatives for any reason. But since money is going to be sent to the man no matter what, I want to make sure my local community gets it share. "Origin Sourcing" for sales tax removes the tax from my local community. This differs by state, but in some cases means other states/areas are benefitting from the customer's purchase. Whereas buying from a local/legit business, the taxes are put back into our community or at least their portion of the tax paid. I've never been an "under the table" type guy. Not only for the legal consequences, but I also struggle with such things morally. Until the laws change (which will never happen), I will follow them. I work with customers for things such as "labor" that carry no sales tax in AZ if they are paying cash. But I follow sales tax laws 100%.

 

[rivermobster]

I'm retired. After close to 50 years in the automotive business? Worked for manufacturers ranging from Toyota to Bentley.

I had a neighbor tell me one time...

You fix cars for a living? No fucking way. Your garage is perfectly clean! No real mechanic has a clean garage. I think you're full of shit!

Truth is...

I've never brought my work home with me. Grease? Oil? Solvents? I don't want any of that shit where I live!!!

I always worked where I had access to the best of everything at my fingertips. And that sure as hell ain't my home garage!

A dealership, or first class independent shop, has everything that I need, to support the job I do.

As shop foreman at Longo...

We got the straight A students from the Citrus College automotive department. B students we placed at "other" Toyota dealerships. C students? Well, no clue where they ended up.

Why would I (as a mechanic) want to take the risk of Accidently fucking up somebodys car???

I've been involved in 2 separate accidents in my career. One time, the dealership just gave the guy a new car (Lexus), and the other time, they fixed the car so it was better than new (Toyota). Neither accident was my fault.

If you are the best of the best at your job...

Would you choose to work outa your garage?

Be better to pick a place that had good health insurance, great benefits and paid vacations. Yes?

Food for thought.

 

[TheSPAINishLover]

I'm retired. After close to 50 years in the automotive business? Worked for manufacturers ranging from Toyota to Bentley.

I had a neighbor tell me one time...

You fix cars for a living? No fucking way. Your garage is perfectly clean! No real mechanic has a clean garage. I think you're full of shit!

Truth is...

I've never brought my work home with me. Grease? Oil? Solvents? I don't want any of that shit where I live!!!

I always worked where I had access to the best of everything at my fingertips. And that sure as hell ain't my home garage!

A dealership, or first class independent shop, has everything that I need, to support the job I do.

As shop foreman at Longo...

We got the straight A students from the Citrus College automotive department. B students we placed at "other" Toyota dealerships. C students? Well, no clue where they ended up.

Why would I (as a mechanic) want to take the risk of Accidently fucking up somebodys car???

I've been involved in 2 separate accidents in my career. One time, the dealership just gave the guy a new car (Lexus), and the other time, they fixed the car so it was better than new (Toyota). Neither accident was my fault.

If you are the best of the best at your job...

Would you choose to work outa your garage?

Be better to pick a place that had good health insurance, great benefits and paid vacations. Yes?

Food for thought.

Joe understands.

What no one will say is that 90% of these home/backyard guys are Mexican. Yeah, I said it.

 

[L.R.S.]

I am a home based shop. I incorporated in California in 2002 and have been paying my taxes, franchise fee, etc ever since. I have a Garage Keepers insurance policy that covers anything I work on. Most shops are $140-$165 per hour. Because of my low overhead I'm able to keep my rate at $110/hour. I generally have a 4-5 car waiting list for prep jobs. That being said, I know what I can and cannot do. I stay in my lane. My 30+ years in off-road racing and 4 as a Crew Chief for a championship wining race team speak for themselves. I only stopped racing because my business was growing fast and I could not dedicate my time to racing any longer. I work on one car at a time, and if you hire me to prep your car that's exactly what you get. Me doing the prep, not some $25/hr dude that needs a babysitter.

Most of my prep jobs are repeat business and referrals from other clients.

Not pointing fingers but I've prepped numerous sandrails from well known builders that had major issues. Nothing surprises me. And I've seen some shit.

A few years ago Joe Fab posted something on IG warning people who were using 'home based shops'. Well Jo, I've been to your shop, and it's literally in a garage behind your house. Pot meet kettle.

 

[AlpineFunco]

Here's my thought about it. I hate sending money to my local representatives for any reason. But since money is going to be sent to the man no matter what, I want to make sure my local community gets it share. "Origin Sourcing" for sales tax removes the tax from my local community. This differs by state, but in some cases means other states/areas are benefitting from the customer's purchase. Whereas buying from a local/legit business, the taxes are put back into our community or at least their portion of the tax paid. I've never been an "under the table" type guy. Not only for the legal consequences, but I also struggle with such things morally. Until the laws change (which will never happen), I will follow them. I work with customers for things such as "labor" that carry no sales tax in AZ if they are paying cash. But I follow sales tax laws 100%.

That's a fair point that I didn't consider. And in an ideal world where every tax dollar was spent wisely for the benefit of all of us I'd agree 100%. But I don't think we live in that ideal world and am still against anything that forces people to pay more taxes.

To answer the main question though, no I don't actively look for independent guys to work on my cars out of their home garage. In the event that something is done wrong I'd rather be doing business with a shop that will have the ability to make it right if the mistake was their fault. It's easier for a shop to eat a $3000 mistake than it is for a guy working out of his garage.

 

[SPODE]

I happen to know a teensy bit about this topic.
Let me start by saying yes, auto repair is off the hook expensive, and there is a reason. Cars don't break hardly as often as they used to so everything is now service. Tires, Brakes, Alignments, belts, 02 sensors, fluid changes, etc. So the pricing for the specific things now have to pay the bill that major repairs used to. And the over head has gone through the roof as well.

With that said unless you are related or a very very good friend of a mechanic DO NOT USE non licensed, non-insured back yard mechanics. If a guy does not take the time to acquire proper licensing and insurance he will one day screw you. Cause he does not care enough to protect himself. I have seen this over and over again. How the person decides to operate his shop says a lot about them as a person.

Find a reputable, highly rated, honest shop. And when you do make friends with them. If they treat you right drop em some donuts every once and a while. They take care of your wife or daughters car drop a 12'ver of 805's off. Market yourself as a great customer. Should we have to do this? Of course not. But you are making a small investment into a relation ship that could benefit you greatly later. Again won't work for every shop, you just gotta find the right one.
Good luck!

 

[Kraut_n_Rice]

A few years ago Joe Fab posted something on IG warning people who were using 'home based shops'. Well Jo, I've been to your shop, and it's literally in a garage behind your house. Pot meet kettle.

Joe only moved to his house a few years ago. He used to have a large, multi-building commercial shop.

 

[rivermobster]

ProTip:

Dealerships get X amount of "goodwill" money from the factory, to spend at their discretion.

I had a guy loose a transmission, just a bit out of warranty. He had done all of his services with us, and never declined and upsell. He also bought the car from us.

When his trans took a shit, he asked me (shop foreman), is there anything you can do to help??

I sent him home, pulled his file, saw what kind of customer he was, and I goodwilled him the entire job (parts and labor) and had the detail department detal his car.

Dude was almost in tears.

Dealerships don't Always suck!

P.S. IF you bought your car somewhere else, and only show up for warranty repairs. You probably shouldn't expect a whole lot.

Good customers get good service.

 

[John@Outfront]

I started out of my moms garage when i was 16 years old. when i got busy enough i had to rent a space in a shop, then 2, then 1/2 the shop. Then came employees, then a whole building, then bought a building. its natural progression for a self starter. i could never take my business back to a garage because i have too much work. there are guys that compete against me through the years from their home, some customers take the risk, other see the value in an established brick and mortar. and all those shops are long gone too. I smile when i give an honest quote and i see their gears turning "maybe i can get it done cheaper elsewhere" then go do it. it may work out, it may not. They need to learn. At my age i realize there is plenty enough business out there for everybody. all i can do is my best keep prices as fair as possible and then success. I really see no need to be concerned someone is "stealing my profits or business" you cant stop it so don't let yesterday hold today and tomorrow hostage

 

[Esco]

if somebody from here or a good friend had good recommendations for a home shop I would use them they might be trying to work their way up, kinda like the mom and pop shops

 

[Poule43]

Tough One:

My buddy owns a large garage and repair shop - Labor is almost $200 per hour - The people doing the work are not getting that - there are soo much overhead in the state of CA....Hes gotta charge it - That being said -

I will use someone I trust out of their house. I could care less if he reports it or doesn't....Thats on them.....

Cream Rises and Chit Sinks........doesn't take much to figure out who is a scam artist........Karma eventualy wins and the unsavoury types get outed.

I avoid the dealer and the Firestones of the world whenever possible....sometimes you have to do what you gotta do to keep the car or toy running.

I love when someone runs a legit quality side gig that saves me $$$ and gets them paid for going above and beyond - problem is the regular shop now a days charges $200 per hour if the book says it to swap a filter and they get it - doesnt make sense to get riped off either

The good shops that are fair are ALWAYS busy !

 

[Grease Monkey]

I used a home garage shop in the past for my sandrail and it cost me money. GD member to boot. No integrity and no culpability. Guess I expected the same professionalism as I provide in my line of work but no. Instead I got a bull shit answer to what went wrong and a bull shit offer to make it right.

You get what you pay for and if you need a leg to stand on when shit goes bad, forget it from a home garage or mobile person. You won't be made whole. Won't happen and just chock that up to you got effed. You wanna fight it. Go for it. I would rather eat it and if asked about that garage, provide my experience.

Your mileage may vary. Just my real experience.

 

[Chingon619]

Sheeet I found a kid on OfferUp to go to my mom's house in Vegas to do an Alternator and Radiator on her Lexus ES330. I asked him how much, and he said $200. I offered him $300 but to make sure it was done correctly and bring a gallon of coolant. I provided the parts. Mom's shop quoted me $900. No thanks. IDGAF who does it, as long as its done correctly and priced accordingly. My risk but also my savings. I'm looking at saving where I can, when I can. Have the same kid work on an F350 diesel? Hell nahh, but I also save a lot more not owning an F350 Diesel.

 

[KLC]

Instead of publicly pissing and moaning about home mechanics taking work from you and complaining that they don't pay their fair share of taxes and violate zoning laws (kind of a dumb thing to be worried about IMO), why don't you redirect your efforts and focus on keeping the customers that you already have. You need to promote your business by building value in what you are selling. Only you will know what that is. If you have a very short list, it's no wonder you are concerned of someone else taking your work. Go the distance to make sure you are offering everything that your customers desire, make it a part of your business plan to ensure you are not undersold, the value of what you are selling is what will bring customers to you, or force your customers to go elsewhere for their needs. If you ARE the best of the best and have demonstrated value in what you sell, all of your concerns over home mechanics will go away. When there is little value in what you sell, your customers will go elsewhere, even to a home mechanic. If home mechanics are such a big threat to your business, perhaps you should re-evaluate your business model to determine if your community is robust enough to justify staying in business. It is a free market and your competitors may or may not choose to play by the rules, but that is out of your control.

A sxs is easy enough to work on I had thought about repairing them in my garage after work a few days a week, and having a buddy of mine make cages and stuff. We could make a killing. I could also do peoples brake jobs and fix their check engine lights because that's what I do during the day anyways. After a few months I'd have a few dozen regulars. There really isn't too much you can do about it.

Of course I'm not going to do that but you get the idea. Just sayin.

 

[Marlboroman]

Instead of publicly pissing and moaning about home mechanics taking work from you and complaining that they don't pay their fair share of taxes and violate zoning laws (kind of a dumb thing to be worried about IMO), why don't you redirect your efforts and focus on keeping the customers that you already have. You need to promote your business by building value in what you are selling. Only you will know what that is. If you have a very short list, it's no wonder you are concerned of someone else taking your work. Go the distance to make sure you are offering everything that your customers desire, make it a part of your business plan to ensure you are not undersold, the value of what you are selling is what will bring customers to you, or force your customers to go elsewhere for their needs. If you ARE the best of the best and have demonstrated value in what you sell, all of your concerns over home mechanics will go away. When there is little value in what you sell, your customers will go elsewhere, even to a home mechanic. If home mechanics are such a big threat to your business, perhaps you should re-evaluate your business model to determine if your community is robust enough to justify staying in business. It is a free market and your competitors may or may not choose to play by the rules, but that is out of your control.

A sxs is easy enough to work on I had thought about repairing them in my garage after work a few days a week, and having a buddy of mine make cages and stuff. We could make a killing. I could also do peoples brake jobs and fix their check engine lights because that's what I do during the day anyways. After a few months I'd have a few dozen regulars. There really isn't too much you can do about it.

Of course I'm not going to do that but you get the idea. Just sayin.

I get what you're saying and value your honesty. I'm not here to bitch and moan, I come here to get the thoughts of the OG's. I've been with gd.com for a long time and look for solid advice from the vets that share my same passion. I worry at times that I may be losing focus and need a kick in the azz to put me back on track. Thanks.