Wow......check out these house-call prices

[Silverstreak]

Maybe these are in the "normal" range, but they seem sort of high. What do you think?

The service call price is $60......which sounds fair. But the labor/hr is $75.
then there's all the materials.
What if I needed new brakes and springs and an assortment of smaller things done. Do you think it could be done in 3 hours?
I'm just trying to figure out if it would be cheaper to buy a trailer or buy a new cart.

I wish I could give you all a better idea of what it might need, but I really don't know. It runs okay. New batteries, new tires. It starts and stops and goes forwards and backwards. It bounces alot, but that's to be expected for using it in fields and woods, right?

Like I said in my other post, I think it needs new springs and maybe brakes (although it still stops.........but doesn't stop if I'm braking on a small hill).

The metal support thing for the batteries is rusty, but nothing is falling out or even leaning.

Do these rates sound reasonable?? I just hope they don't spend alot of time just sitting around or playing with some of their new equipment that isn't even used on my job (like my builder did).

Maybe I should sit in a chair in front of him all the time???

I appreciate any input here.
Thanks!

[LostHusker]

Why not do the work yourself?

[scottyb]

My advice is don't sit in front of them in a chair. People work better when they feel comfortable which means trusted and appreciated.
Do keep an eye on them and ask a few simple questions. A great way to keep an eye on them is to drop by with a cool drink and then come back in 15 min with a refill.
$60 is within reason and $75 is the high end of the $55-85 rate I hear.

Explain when he gets there what your budget is? ask for an estimate. Brakes are usually $125 - $175 installed.

[camaroluvz28]

That doesnt sound to bad as gas prices have gone through the roof since I did road work...labor rate here at my shop is $68.00 hr so thats within range. As Scotty says techs Hate being watched every second and it makes them nervous and not focus on job at hand so give em a little room. Good idea with the drink again I always appreciated it.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by camaroluvz28

That doesnt sound to bad as gas prices have gone through the roof since I did road work...labor rate here at my shop is $68.00 hr so thats within range. As Scotty says techs Hate being watched every second and it makes them nervous and not focus on job at hand so give em a little room. Good idea with the drink again I always appreciated it.

I never realized I was the source of such high anxiety as a mobile tech

[Silverstreak]

Thanks everyone. I wasn't really being serious about sitting in a chair watching him. At those prices, I just want to be sure he isn't wasting time.
I would love to learn how to do thinsg, but I agree with what you said about them not liking it to be a spectator sport....
Plus, if I start asking too many questions, the price goes up!

I have no clue how long these things take. For example, if he were to change all 4 springs, how long do you think it would take? Or if he changed the shocks, how long?
I'm just trying to guesstimate how much this might potentially all cost.

I like preventative maintenance, and I don't mind keeping things in really good shape, so they don't poop out on me at the worst possible time.

I love this cart and it really serves as my legs. I need new knees, but I want to keep all my own parts. We have 35 acres of fields and woods and I can't imagine not having my cart to travel through it all. I use it to get to the chicken coop and garden too.
Its absolutely given me a new life.

So I'm willing to pay alot to keep it in good shape. I just don't want to waste money. I guess if they are a certified EZ-GO place and their techs are trained, I can only hope that they are competent and fair.
Thanks for your feedback! Its really helpful.

[Silverstreak]

LOL Scotty!
I can't blame people not wanting to be watched. When I worked in ICU, I hated having a student. I just wanted to do my job!

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by Silverstreak

LOL Scotty!
I can't blame people not wanting to be watched. When I worked in ICU, I hated having a student. I just wanted to do my job!

I've had many a cart in ICU, myself
Call the companies and ask how much for 4 new leaf springs and brakes installed ... Ask the price of an annual service & see which company gives the best price, ask what is involved in the service and what you should expect to pay... no surprises is good for both parties.

[Silverstreak]

Thanks Scotty,
There really isn't another company around. Actually, there's one, but it doesn't look that good. And they mostly do club cars. (if that matters). I figured that an EZ-GO dealer would probably have fairly qualified people. But I will ask how much those parts cost to replace and approx. how long they take.
I know with my Honda car place, they charge for each job, as opposed to time. That would probably be the fairest way to do things........unless the tech runs into alot of trouble and takes alot longer.....then the company gets shorted.
You know, if I had a nice shop with all the right tools and a great lift, I would love to try to do this myself. Oh.......and a back-up cart, since it would probably take me a few months to fix. haha
Actually, some of those You Tube videos are quite helpful.
Thanks Scotty!
P.S......check out my "what's making this sound" post. I had a question about tire pressure and noises.