Explain to me how you could lower the shop costs out there then...

Have you looked at the price of basic shop equipment lately?

Do you realize the cost of ASE certifications?

The special tools involved in working on cars with OBD II?

Lets look at the problems most shops are having, Overhead

Most shops have the basics, electricity, roof over their heads, and shop equipment.

A general repair shop, not a speed shop requires an average of $3500 just in non-direct costs. Now add in the payroll, and schooling to keep your mechanics (we will say 3) and your cost with health insurance, and specialty tools puts this close to $5500/month just to open the doors.

Add in shop vehicles (parts runner, possible trailer) and fuel for the truck and the insurance for that and your looking at a minimum of $6000

Advertising, promotional sales, and taxes all add up.

This is not johnny's backyard, who cannot do a lot of the diagnostics he needs without the Solace, Mentor, Modis, Tech II, SuperStar, or DRB III they may need to diagnose. None of these sell for less than $3000, and some of the bigger ones like the Modis will run you well over $6000 with cables and updates.

So please tell me where the small shop is supposed to cut costs?