For the record, I live in California. Dealer rate is $80/hour. Independent is $60/hour. Price is not the only reason, or even the primary reason I go to the Indy. But it's sure nice.

 

Local indy fixed my classic after the crash.. screwed me and the insurance company and did a shitty job.. Next time ill use the dealer.. This guy went as far as to tell the insurance company i needed a new radio then i watched him sell it on ebay .. Indy or dealer . ask a lot of questions about rates and insurance and warranty's on the work done. Its not always money saved going to an indy if he is a crook !

 

Sure do like my indy. He's $75/hr and the service is fantastic.

 

I work as a tech in a mercedes shop during the day and out of my garage on bikes after hours, wouldn't dream of working that cheap in my house, let alone in a stand alone building. that rate won't pay the light bill, let alone turn a profit. I charge 50.00/hr here, don't like my prices, no problem, let me get your bike down the drive way. I'm in this to make money, not to provide a community service. everybody complains about work that the dealers turn out (for 85.00/hr) and then complain because someone else charges the same price to do it right. do you all hear yourselves?

 

all these crooked shops need to be put out of business, spread the word about that shop, might even turn him in to insurance company, so he'll never get another crash repair from them. these guys give a good tech a very bad name

 

When it comes to someone wrenchin' on my bike (or my truck), their hourly rate isn't the most important to me - the quality of their work is.

I don't begrudge someone for what they charge. As long as I know what it is up front, and I agree to it, it's all good.
How many would readily agree to take a pay cut tomorrow?
Seems some folks want it both ways. They want to earn top wages, but only pay the cheapest rates.

Sometimes I use a dealership; they charge $85 per hour. I've used indys that charged from $55 to $75. I don't think I'd feel comfortable with someone that only charged $35. But, that's just me. Sometimes I do it myself.

 

Local Indy was a one man show, did everyone right, was fair on coast for parts and labor.
Six months ago he had to close his doors, now he is working for another Indy isn't OK,
but a shop I will not go to, prices higher for labor small or no discount on parts. It's not
about money but workmanship that I worry about, if it takes longer to do it right then do it
right.