Discussion
My 993 is coming up for a service. Quite a big one at 48,000 miles, and with the three-yearly brake fluid change as well. It's booked in at Northway, but unfortunately they can't do it until the 19th August. That wouldn't be a problem except that the MOT runs out on the 13th August. I had it tested by a local place yesterday, and it failed! One of the steering rack gaiters is apparently weeping. Not only does this mean that the car will be off the road for a week between the time that the current MOT runs out and when it can be fixed, but apparently the gaiter is just a dust cover and if it is weeping fluid, the steering rack is knackered. I think it's going to be an expensive month...
Give my tech a call, if you want. Email me for his details. He is based in Bicester and is ex Autofarm. Charges 30GBP per hour.
I had the same problem with Ray once. Absolute emergency and he couldn't fit me in for about two weeks. His call, fair enough, but I ended up using the garage that could fit me in from then on... his loss in the long run, I suppose (after having given Porsche garages many thousands since then... )
Cheers
Domster
I had the same problem with Ray once. Absolute emergency and he couldn't fit me in for about two weeks. His call, fair enough, but I ended up using the garage that could fit me in from then on... his loss in the long run, I suppose (after having given Porsche garages many thousands since then... )
Cheers
Domster
Hmmm, should you ever have to book 3 weeks in advance for a service?
Dunno what other people's expectations are, but I think a week should be enough notice.
If a garage constantly has a 3 week backlog, surely they need a couple more ramps and another technician, as they obviously have more demand than supply?
Still, my tech is fixing Ray's 'too much demand' situation by setting up on his own.
I'm sure I should have done a sodding HND in fixing Porsches, rather than a Law Degree
Dunno what other people's expectations are, but I think a week should be enough notice.
If a garage constantly has a 3 week backlog, surely they need a couple more ramps and another technician, as they obviously have more demand than supply?
Still, my tech is fixing Ray's 'too much demand' situation by setting up on his own.
I'm sure I should have done a sodding HND in fixing Porsches, rather than a Law Degree
domster said:
Hmmm, should you ever have to book 3 weeks in advance for a service?
Dunno what other people's expectations are, but I think a week should be enough notice.
I agree, which is why it came as a surprise. However, there are a couple of mitigating factors. Firstly, one of the mechanics is on holiday for a fortnight. Secondly, the approach of many garages under such circumstances would be to increase the prices until equilibrium was reached at a one week waiting list. I'm glad that hasn't happened!
It's a similar situation at JZ Machtech who I use. I have had to wait two and a bit weeks to get my car in for them to take a look at a clutch problem. Not desirable I suppose but I have good experiences there so far, so would rather wait a bit and get a service I can (hopefully!) trust. Obviously this is only an option when you're talking about a second car.
While this thread would seem to suggest Northway or JZ should be expanding without delay (and actually I think JZ are), investing in new staff, equipment, premises is not to be entered into lightly I guess. An eternal business dilemma!
Chris
While this thread would seem to suggest Northway or JZ should be expanding without delay (and actually I think JZ are), investing in new staff, equipment, premises is not to be entered into lightly I guess. An eternal business dilemma!
Chris
As one of the ones constantly on the other end of the stick I would like to point out the (obviously) not so obvious: Apart from the fact that Porsche experienced technicians do not grow on trees it is impossible for an independent to be large enough to cope with all customers and always offer a service within a week due to a small matter of overheads. Double the space = double the rent/rates, double the staff = double the direct costs, double the costs = double the losses when all goes quiet. The only solution then is to double the labour rate, at which point we become the same price as a main dealer.
Go on then, it's your choice......
Go on then, it's your choice......
All determined by staff really (there are 9 of us including the bodyshop). Here goes:
Service work earliest 2 weeks (18th Aug)
Tuning (Motec etc) 3-5 weeks depending on job
Project work approximately 4-8 weeks (depending on job)
Paintwork (minor) 2-3 weeks
Paintwork/bodywork (major) 12-15 weeks.
Service work earliest 2 weeks (18th Aug)
Tuning (Motec etc) 3-5 weeks depending on job
Project work approximately 4-8 weeks (depending on job)
Paintwork (minor) 2-3 weeks
Paintwork/bodywork (major) 12-15 weeks.
9M,
Double the space and double the staff may = double the costs but will also = double the amount of work that can be done at any one time and hence double the income at the same labour rate ( and thus double the profit). If you double the labour rate as well then you will double double the income !
Double the space and double the staff may = double the costs but will also = double the amount of work that can be done at any one time and hence double the income at the same labour rate ( and thus double the profit). If you double the labour rate as well then you will double double the income !
Its never as simple as it sounds, I would assume that at the mo Ray knows his staff well. Doubling the staff would mean employing a host of new faces, some may be good hard working people but employ one pratt by mistake and your work load could increase.
Also thiers the question of space, property/land in this area certainley isnt cheap or easy to come by. The only way is to expand slowly and carefully.
From my experience this time of year is also peek period, something to do with everyone wanting to either get their car sorted befor heading off on their holls or getting the car into the garage whilst their away.
Also thiers the question of space, property/land in this area certainley isnt cheap or easy to come by. The only way is to expand slowly and carefully.
From my experience this time of year is also peek period, something to do with everyone wanting to either get their car sorted befor heading off on their holls or getting the car into the garage whilst their away.
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