I had my work shirt on (I work at Honda) and I was at a Walmart parking lot and there was 3 guys around Accord and trying to jump a car off and was trying to figure out why the car wouldn’t start. The owner was a gorgeous looking girl and the car was parked right beside mine. I paused for a minute and we made eye contact , she noticed my shirt and asked me if I knew what the problem was? I replied, yes I believe I do, I reached in my trunk and pulled out a 3/8 extension and pecked on the starter and told her to start it and it immediately started. She was so happy and all the other guys were embarrassed due to the fact they were working on it for half an hour. She ask me if I could fix it for her but explained how she did not have much money being in college etc. We smashed before and after her car was repaired. The moral of the story is that when working on other people’s car, you going to get fucked one day.
@@DarthVader1977 are u Sitting on a computer and fixing the spelling of someone who probably wrote his piece on a phone lol just to then say cool story bro like a douchbag. Ur cool lmao.
I’m an electrician. I always overcharge if someone wants me to do a side job. I work enough as it is. If someone really wants me to do their electrical shit on the very little free time I have, they’re gonna pay a premium!
lol just tell them it isnt related! handle your customers, if it is your mistake then you fix it, if its unrelated you dont without payment, if you lose the customer you lose them. people bend over and take to much as a mechanic. be strong and firm! if people dont like it they wont use you and its that simple. I think people look for excuses as to why they cant or dont want to do stuff to much. (i relaise this comment was an example btw, i know this sort of situation! it definitly does happen!)
Jeff Martin Absolutely true. I’m in the construction field and the only reason I will do any side work is to have extra money for a vacation or something else. Honestly tho it’s been years since I even needed side work for extra money.
@@chrisj197438 wait.....so 25/hr now is the same when you have a wife 3 kids a mortgage 2 car payments amd a whole shit load of medical and all the regular day to day bills?
phanny pack Manage your money better. You don’t need a car payment drive a beater. Get a house that you can afford the payment and insurance on one weeks pay. Learn how to say no to your wife and kids if you can’t afford something. Live within your means. It’s very simple. Medical bills can be overwhelming but negotiate with doctors for those to. If I did it anyone can.
My best friend (since 8 years old, now 43) and I both wrench on our own cars. He’s a HD mechanic and I’m a machinist. Through life he refused to work on other people’s cars. And never asked from others. True believer in doing it yourself. Alway thought that was a bit chincy of him. However over the years, he’s proven me wrong and him right. I help and did side work for others. It’s NEVER payed off for me. Always more work than anticipated and never the gratitude. Now I just work on my own shit and tell others to find a good mechanic
I'm not a mechanic - just a Harbor Freight, TH-cam D.I.Y-ER - but I enjoy your uploads. Your content has improved as the days go by. You come off as an authentic personality who has experience in the subjects/topic you cover. Good stuff.
Customers do this all the time the key is to document things especially if you find it messed up as you're taking it apart. Use your cellphone for pictures, quiz the hell out of customers (don't forget they lie when they think it will save them money), make notes, scan for codes whenever possible, take a quick picture of all the lights on the dash or damage to the vehicle. A three minute walk around can help you cover your butt for customers like this. Remember these customers main diagnostic tool is their wallet and that causes all sorts of problems. Plan for there to be problems with their parts and their money but just realize that people will treat you how you let them so set rules and procedures and follow them just like a shop would.
Best part about over charging, is you can always give a discount later if the job was easier than expected, or if the kindness comes over you. Much easier to give a discount after the fact than to come back to the customer and tell them they need to fork over even more cash.
Chris Wurm I own a big automotive shop on Michigan and I can not agree more. I wish my techs looked at it this way. Hate to have them look at a car, sell the job then tell my by the way it also needs this and that, you never want to call back a second time. Look at everything the first time.
There are plenty people who always try to get freebies by whatever means necessary. They don't care how their action fucks over someone just to save a few bucks. The saying no good deed goes unpunished is very true.
I stopped doing side work long ago. Did a complete brake job on a classic mustang and two weeks later the battery went dead. The woman that owned the car complained to me and told her that she has a 6 year old battery. Next I am getting sued in small claims court. Of course the judge found in my favor. But having to spend the day in court cost me more time and trouble than I was paid for the brakes.
Photos and documentation is everything. And when I was working in a shop there were times we knew that the car was dangerous to drive and had a customer sign a release form stating that excetra was bad and should not be driven. Saved our butt a few times.
I just subbed. I love your honesty. I worked for forty years doing bodywork. I've seen allot. It's fun to listen to your vids, I can tell you don't work well with others and are not a team player.
You are right on all points Justin! It isn't for everyone but I do Side work as much as possible because the list of people that call me first when they have an automotive problem has grown. I hope to own and start my own shop in the next few years and the more I can get my name and reputation out there the better, but you are right it is a risk! I do my best to be thorough and professional with my sidework the same amount I am at my actual job if not more! It is risky and you have to be smart and careful but you can potentially make a lot of extra money. I wouldn't have been able to make the last year without it because of other things so I have been grateful for it! But it is important to be smart and careful because if something goes the wrong way it can get ugly quick!
Here in Scotland we call side work “homers” I personally don’t do them because if I have to do the work outside in the horrible Scottish weather conditions then I’m charging more than a garage. So it’s safe to say I don’t get many offers these days hahaha
Had a guy come in for rust repair at the shop I work at. It was on the bottoms of the doors, we had ground away the rust and patched it up with duraglas. Then per the customer coated the lower side with bed liner (we understand that it traps moisture but thats what they wanted regardless of what we told them). They then came back complaining of two small chips in their windsheild which was no where near any work area. After we basically laughed at them for claiming we had damaged their windshield they had left and have come back and never mentioned it. Makes you think.
Ever since you fixed my breaks, the transmisison started slipping..... Ever since you upgreade my hard drive, i got a virus...... Ever since you fixed my AC, my breaks are squealing
I did an intake manifold replacement for a woman I was dating. I was in over my head at the time because I was just a lube and tire tech, but I got the job done and it held up. I gained a lot of confidence in my mechanical abilities, went to tech school and now I'm a millwright making more money than I ever could as an auto mechanic. The woman with the broken-down car is my wife now. So sometimes it's good to take a chance. Just make sure you surround yourself with good people.
Awesome brotha side work is a no go for me even before I saw your video I definitely agree with what you said it definitely will bite you when you least expect it I'm off work and reaching for a cold one Cheers
A guy ask me " do you know a good diesel mechanic " just so happens I knew a guy I'd only heard good things. So I gave the name. I got back " but he charges regular rates "
So true man so true because at that point you have to be the service writer, mechanic, and the manager when you do it yourself. This situation unfortunately happens to us all when it comes to side work. Couldnt have explained it better. Keep em coming Sir Dow!!!!
As I got older it became harder for me to do my own major car repair & maintenance, but I have a brother-in-law who is a true motorhead rocket scientist - a real rock star over the past 35 years. As a bonus, he works for one of the top national auto parts companies, and can often get us parts at a great discount. From the friend/relative's viewpoint, the aspect that has always been toughest is knowing what to pay him because he chronically undercharges us. So much so, that then sometimes we find out later that we do the opposite - we overpay because we don't want to take advantage of him (and truly, he is likewise). I think the best thing on all sides is to be honest. Even if you get the windfall, if you lied to someone - well you have to carry that shame.
Amen man. Totally true. People want your help because they want a better deal. They usually want your help only when something has gone wrong, so you already know the car likely hasn’t been maintained well. When you start working on a neglected car, it often times becomes like a game of dominoes. Everything goes wrong. You’re here trying to do a job for someone that you don’t even want to do, and charging less than you SHOULD. But they still will slap you in the face. People just have no clue how hard working on cars can be. Things go wrong. Cars sit outside in all kinds of weather and experience all the elements for years. Things get brittle and break. Then you also have these people that will pin a completely unrelated problem to you. For example, the last one like this that I had...a girl I know told me she had a repair order for her tint. She asked me if I knew anyone that could sign off on it. My buddy is a state inspector so I told her we could remove it and he could sign off on it. Only charged her $50 total, me and my buddy removed the tint and I gave my buddy all the money. Next thing you know, a week and a half or two later she texts me saying that “now the passenger side front window won’t roll down”. All the windows were working perfectly fine when we were done, and I know this because we had to roll them all up and down a couple of times to get all the fingerprints off with glass cleaner. Now here she is trying to pin her window issue on me. I told her i can take a look at it but it is unrelated and the car will either need a switch, motor or regulator. She never got back to me. Moral of the story, pick and choose your side jobs wisely.
Tthe biggest reason I won't do side work is that I work all day on them and when I am home it's family time, I don't want the headache of my phone blowing up and "when is my car going to be done, or can you look at something real quick, it'll only take a minute" two hours later you're just getting done!! No thanks on side work!!
I did a side job for a lady at work who's A/C went out during the summer, and she had a newborn baby. I replaced her condenser fan and didn't even charge her. 6 months later,she called me and told me her heater wasn't working, and it was my fault. I tried explaining that the work I did was not related to her heater not working, but she wasn't having it. She trashed me to all my coworkers that I was some hack mechanic and I ripped her off. The best thing is I switched jobs a few months later. Will never do it again!
I was an assistant manager at my previous shop. Granted, it was just a quick lube type of place, but we had the exact same type of issues. Part of the reason I left that job, and actually took a bit of a pay cut doing it, was so I didn't have to deal with front end type of stuff anymore. It's also why I doubt I will ever open my own shop. I can not stress enough how nice it is to be able to point to someone else when a customer is angry and say "talk to that guy."
im 15 and in a autotec program as a sophmore, im preparing to be a mechanic, wish me luck and comment so youll be notified when i update my situation when im 20 or get my first job at a dealership
Instructed Auto Shop at High School. We`ve had so many people looking for free work ( including free parts!!) getting it at cost + 15% and still phoning up that the students did this or that. Thats after signing an agreement that the school was responsible for NOTHING!!! Had two peoples cars towed from shop because of troubles. Always leave a note for the next guy that the customer demands precise work ( code for a bitch of a customer).
And this is why I won't do side work. I will be broke and homeless before somebody tells me it's my fault their check engine light is on ever since I changed their headlight
thatallredheadude 1 I think this applies to every trade. When I was an apprentice pipe fitter I did a couple of side jobs. Both were a nightmare and not worth little money I made. Then my sister purchased an older home and wanted to remodel her kitchen and half bath. I was happy for her and told her I’d do her plumbing, she just had to pay for parts. I did the toilet, half bath sink, shut off valves, did the cut out and new sink in kitchen, garbage disposal, dishwasher and hot water tap. Had to shovel my way into a 14” dirt crawl space full of raccoon crap to reach the only shut off valve in the house just to start working. At the end of a 12 hour day I gave her the bill for parts. $154.00. She flipped out and accused me of trying to rip her off. That was 20 years ago and I’ve never done a side job or try to help someone out in that way again.
I changed the brakes on my friends car, she lives on assistance. I wanted to save her some money. I did them for free and got a case of beer. 6 months later, she called me and was freaking out. She says to me, what the hell did you do to my brakes. The ABS light came on? LOL. Me, how long has the light been on for? She said, it came on when i pulled into the parking lot just now. Me, have you shut off your car? She said no. I got her to shut off and start her car and the light went off. I was like WTF, i am never fixing anyone cars ever again.
I see the problem only getting worse with the new generation of "fix it now fix it quick" folks who don't understand how the basic's work. You're very correct Justin..which is why I cherry pick my repairs I do for others.
have been a tech for 25 years now and i can tell you from my experience that if it can go wrong,it will go wrong on doing side work!whether it be the repair itself,the customer,parts,tools,you name it!something simple to do at my work turns into a nightmare when doing at home!not all the time but would say its a 50/50 chance. i even have my own(new) shop/garage with my own (new)hoist in it and i will still not do side work on people i dont know personally.call it experience,call it old age,call it I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO WITH MY LIFE!my 2 cents
I do computer work and I worked for a company that does dell and Lenovo calls, I would get customers that wanted me to do stuff, but I couldn't do anything outside that work order. When I started was taking side work because I was in bad shape and people wanted memory upgrades, so easy money I would get memory sticks for half the time by cancelled work orders and the OEM didnt want the parts back so hell after a while I had a collection of memory, well there be times customer want memory, well I happen to have some and I would charge double of Best buy charge, and free installation to verify operation. there was one customer that calls me and demands her money back, I said no can do, all sales final. Customer then threatens me by saying if you dont give me my money back, (it been 6-7 months I sold him the memory) was going to call dell on me, I said go fuck yourself. I be dam if the customer called dell and dell called my company to see if I sold memory, I said NO when my boss asked me, like I was going to admit that. I am glad that it was 6 months a part, dell voided that customer warrenty and said you should require a recipt next time, I dont write them ah fuck no, like I need proof to go on me. After that I was very careful to the point I eventually stopped doing side jobs. People dont care when there money involved they go out of there way for a fucking nickel. I so glad I am retired and stopped doing that unpaid onsite repair shit.
Hey Justin, personally I don't really do much sidework, when I leave work for the most part, the last thing I want to do is work on more cars haha, and if I do nothing major, mostly just work on my parents car and sometimes for friends, definetly wouldn't want to do it on the regular after my full time job personally
Everybody has a sob story when it comes to getting their car fixed either they’re waiting on their money or can I pay you next week or can I make payments and if things don’t work out they always like to blame you 😂I deal with this every day 😎💯 I am a mechanic have my own little mobile thing here in Alanta.Thankfully it doesn’t happen often maybe once a year rest of my customers are really good people understanding . I explain to them basically and little kid terms so they understand it clearly thanks for the video
most companies forbid you doing "officially" side jobs as part of your contract, unless the job has nothing to do with your own trade, chances are also, screw up on a side job and someone will turn up at your job and scream at your boss, chances are you'll get fired, "BUT" people do it, peace
I remember one time I did a job for my cousins wife. Small easy job. Brake pad change. Mind you she told me that the last time she did it the mechanic told her that her caliper is seizing. However she didn't care to ask which one. She also had a tapped and redheaded bolt that was put in with thread locker red. I had to torch the bolt to get it free. I started the job late at night and it happened to be the very last wheel I did that had the seized caliper. It wouldnt open for the life of me. I even snapped a huge c clamp in half trying. I tried the caliper kits evry trick in the book. It was too late already the auto store was closed for the night. It turned into a huge thing with the woman yelling and screaming everywhere because the car couldnt be done and she couldnt drive home that night. And before you ask me why didnt I just put the old pads back in temporary and send her on her way. You would love to hear that she THREW THE OLD PADS AWAY. And the garbage man took the garbage by that point. But blamed me for it all. What a nightmare. No offense but these issues seem to happen more with woman than men. They get frustrated and angry swearing we fucked up. when in reality they simply just dknt understand what is happening
I learned alot things doing side work on peoples cars. Since I couldn't find a job in the automotive field. Things that did suck for me. Is when I didn't charge more then what the job was. With me loosing money and also doing somewhat a big job and not getting paid for it. One last thing. Was driving to the person house and not having the tools with me or having to put all the tools in the car to do the job.
I needed to get my car inspected for job commute and didn't have enough time to get it done myself, left it to a local shop and they found that 9 bulbs went out and charged $300 for 9 bulbs... Never ever took my car to any mechanics there after.
I have made the most money doing side work for cash and keeping my regular job . The side work allows you to buy or do the things you want while the regular work pays the bills. It also makes you a better employee for your boss as you now understand what it takes to make money and how important it is not to screw up and make costly mistakes.
I've been self employed for the better part of a decade and it is really risky. What I've learned is never do something you aren't *positive* you can do correctly and never take a risk. I worked for a guy who turned out to be infamous for making a living suing business owners. I watched him guide a Lowes truck driver right into his own planter box and I got the hell out of there. That was one of the few times I didn't trust my spider sense, I needed money and though the guy was giving off sleazy vibes I could tell he was rich (he drove a Ferrari). Also get clients to sign paperwork if you are licensed, and remember nice guys finish last.
Just had the worst side work of my life today. Single mom of 4 kids, family friend, begging me to fix her car, min 30 min drive there cuz she's out of the city. Change a battery and starter in 5 hours just cuz of the distance to her, part stores, tools. Charge her for the gas, parts and tine, I profit about 150 in the end. Girl calls her brother who's friends with my dad, get into a screaming match and ended up giving all the money I got from her back and eat the costs out of my pocket cuz 'they need the money cuz of their situation' now I'm out 5 hours on my day off, down about 370 in parts and half a tank of gas. The worst customers is suntimes family
good video. even if you do something for free which I have done it can come back to bite you. Sometimes people don't want to buy all of the parts that you know should be replaced because they are financially strapped and your doing the job all over again. Its a shame because if you have the nature to try and help people you really need to be careful.
Being a motor mechanic myself for the last 42 years I have come across this same thing over and over again. The only side work I do nowadays is for people that I have known and done their cars for the last 15 years or so. I always cover myself by telling them the smallest details and what can go wrong.
my biggest pet peeve are parts guys at your local orielly's that go out to the parking lot with there actron scanner, then sell someone 600 bucks worth of say o2 sensors because they have a lean bank 1 and bank 2 codes, then charges them on the side to do the repair and completely miss that vacuum leak, or the maf sensor that's skewed, seen that way to man times
Sides jobs for me is mostly working on my own stuff these days. I retired from working on cars as a mechanic. I’m doing something different I like more. But I do side jobs once in a while for those that work where I work and it’s not always on cars. It may be something with their house.
I put a starter on a guys car and 3 days later the engine started knocking the guy told everyone the starter I put on caused the problem not that his oil pump went out
Michigan,better not get caught.Michigan is strict on this if caught doing this with the person filing a complaint to the state of Michigan.Some people doing side work use the parts cannon to fix problems.Seen this with an Olds Bravada that ran bad and the customer took it to a friend of his that did this.Put in parts that were not bad,it was a couple plug wires crossed making it run bad
My sister was driving my parents' '99 Chevy Blazer. Something happened that caused the oil to completely drain out, overheat, and that thing still runs like a champ with over 220,000 miles! [Just a credit to Chevy]. That same Blazer's original motor blew up before the event with my sister, and the dealer's warranty paid for a refurbished motor to be installed. An out-of-state and unassociated Chevy dealer improperly installed the new motor on a throttle cable, almost killing my entire family on their way home while traveling on the interstate. Shit happens lol... I think as long as you exchange some sort of documentation, which includes a service order with customer's DL # and contact info, it could help in building a case for defamation if you have to prove pecuniary loss because you will be in a better position to show how the facts line up with the person(s) falsely defaming you. Also, having built a strong reputation for successful service history could be quite beneficial, as was the case with your community college instructor. But it would certainly be better to avoid such situations if possible, but it's impossible to tell a person's character if you don't know or hardly know the person. That's my 2c.
I retired as a marine diesel mechanic and I made a killing. I he’s one guy begged me to change an air compressor in his dump truck and I made 300 bucks in an hour and a half.
When they start in with that shit... . I'm on a fixed income..or don't have much money....thats when u walk away...They want the work done dirt cheap but expect the best work...I've had more than my share of that crap over the years doing carpenter work when they had a 3 slide out 5th wheel camper,a nice 3 quarter ton pick up and a big garage to keep both in...btw..I'm now retired and really am on a fixed income and loving it.
I remember a side job I did for my mother in law, built her a backyard deck, did not get paid for the job because in her mind I was dating her daughter, so after that she wanted a new kitchen floor, I told her this time it wasn't for free, gave her an outrageous price to make up for the deck, she paid it. I have had some people treat me great and had other people turn their back on me.
That woman is psychotic. But that’s the problem. There are psychos out there and it isn’t always obvious up front. Also selfish greedy people who take advantage any way they can. CYA.
I’m a huge DIY-er so I have a decent sense of what I’ve got, played with Nissan imports and BMWs mostly. I have a 2007 BMW 550i has a $3 gasket go out, a guy from a local shop came to my house to check it out after I had the car towed home (oil was pissing out like crazy). All it takes is one honest mechanic. First time I’ve ever been too, only one I’ll go to. $1,090 job and he fixed many other pieces as well. I feel like mechanics get a bad wrap - these jobs are difficult as hell, tedious, and require years upon years of knowledge. I’m thankful for my shop right about now.
Ps, the $3 gasket is on my n62 4.8L v8 and takes about 10 hours to get too. Hellofa job. Btw, I’m all for side work just like you say for starts NO work/school uniforms or mentioning where you learn/work, and if you’re doing it l, do it correct. You were in the wrong in my opinion when you didn’t check that ladies head gasket. Just me, no disrespect
I've learned always ask many questions to get the best understanding of what's going on how long it's been going on and what has already been done to the car then tell them at this point it looks like you need this but when I take it apart if I find something else we will discuss it then I've learned to always leave the door open for what can't be seen until you get involved with the project because I've told people ok your Tstat is stuck and that's all it is well that was wrong but because I worded it like I did I fixed the car it was only a radiator flush and replace 2 hoses and new coolant but now that person still comes to me 15 years later and has sent me several other customers because of honesty it's the little things we learn that turn into big things that make us who we are
Lesson here is that if you’re going to be a repair shop for strangers you need the tools and know how to properly diagnose problems from the top down. Yes in an over heat case, the head should have been tested before attempting the water pump. Then on the bottom end oil change and filter along with new spark plugs if it had been warped
I don’t do side work purely for the issues that may come up. A simple job in your driveway can turn into a nightmare when a bolt head snaps off and the persons calling asking when it’s gonna be ready.
I don't mind specialized side work if it expands my knowledge base/skills. If they want oil mufflers or brakes they can see me during regular shop hours.
I don’t do side work for the exact reasons you stated. Not personal experience but I’ve seen dudes fired because of side work and other dude’s told me about side jobs gone wrong. I don’t need that shit.
Always know who and what your dealing what customers always are looking for something for nothing even though there cars are worth 2 cents always remember the good ones they stay around and take care of you every time all the time if they complain from the beginning your not interested take care guys N
I’m all for side work because I don’t work automotive but want too. I work at the hospital but it’s great experience and sometimes a challenge for me getting to work on different vehicles Ive never made any money cause I only charge the parts. it’s a hobby I enjoy a lot and I want to be a mechanic it’s just a pay cut 4 me but I know I’ll end up changing careers. Or I’ll start charging for side work and still work at BAH
I have been a heavy truck and heavy equipment mechanic for over 25 years. If you want to go into business as a mobile mechanic, there is a market for trucks and heavy equipment. I think it is too risky, too messy and just an all around PITA to work on cars outside of a shop as many jobs require a lift. As for doing side work, I am sure it has been mentioned before that if you need to work outside of your normal 40 hour work week, you need to find another job. I personally would not recommend anyone to do side work as the people that look for mechanics to do work on the side are most often cheap bottom feeders that do not want to pay the going rates. Those type of people will make your life hell by accusing you of problems not related to work you have done. They will show up at your regular job, your house and blow up your cell phone worst than a jealous girlfriend!!! My advice to anyone whether you are a mechanic, plumber, electrician, or any other trade is to stay away from side work, you will be better off in the long run.
I shy away from side work anymore. Its just too much. Especially when there is issues and it consumes my nights and weekends after work. I only do work for friends and family anymore. And its strictly for play money.
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If it's a female with overheating issues, assume she has been driving it around like that for a week. That's what they do.
IT'S ACTJALLY A GOOD IDEA TO PREMPTIVELY TELL ALL CALL PEOPLE TO NOT DO THAT AT ALL.
THE WORST IS IN A SMALL FRONT END COLLISION THEY LET IT RUN LOL
I had my work shirt on (I work at Honda) and I was at a Walmart parking lot and there was 3 guys around Accord and trying to jump a car off and was trying to figure out why the car wouldn’t start. The owner was a gorgeous looking girl and the car was parked right beside mine. I paused for a minute and we made eye contact , she noticed my shirt and asked me if I knew what the problem was? I
replied, yes I believe I do, I reached in my trunk and pulled out a 3/8 extension and pecked on the starter and told her to start it and it immediately started. She was so happy and all the other guys were embarrassed due to the fact they were working on it for half an hour. She ask me if I could fix it for her but explained how she did not have much money being in college etc. We smashed before and after her car was repaired. The moral of the story is that when working on other people’s car, you going to get fucked one day.
there were* 3 guys around an* Accord
She asked* me
Cool story bro
@@DarthVader1977 are u Sitting on a computer and fixing the spelling of someone who probably wrote his piece on a phone lol just to then say cool story bro like a douchbag. Ur cool lmao.
kidzero1943 lmao crazy 3 different guys weren’t smart enough to peck the starter
I’m an electrician. I always overcharge if someone wants me to do a side job. I work enough as it is. If someone really wants me to do their electrical shit on the very little free time I have, they’re gonna pay a premium!
you changed my oil, now my tire went flat ...it's your fault
I've heard that one too. lol
you painted my car and now it smells like chemicals and paint. its yours fault.
lol just tell them it isnt related! handle your customers, if it is your mistake then you fix it, if its unrelated you dont without payment, if you lose the customer you lose them. people bend over and take to much as a mechanic. be strong and firm! if people dont like it they wont use you and its that simple. I think people look for excuses as to why they cant or dont want to do stuff to much. (i relaise this comment was an example btw, i know this sort of situation! it definitly does happen!)
@@DIETRYING001 too* much
How about flushing the radiator and the intake manifold gasket blows out.
Had a shop owner tell me early in my career " if you need to do side work to pay the bills, you need a new job" and he is still right to this day
Jeff Martin
Absolutely true. I’m in the construction field and the only reason I will do any side work is to have extra money for a vacation or something else. Honestly tho it’s been years since I even needed side work for extra money.
@@chrisj197438 wait.....so 25/hr now is the same when you have a wife 3 kids a mortgage 2 car payments amd a whole shit load of medical and all the regular day to day bills?
phanny pack
Manage your money better. You don’t need a car payment drive a beater. Get a house that you can afford the payment and insurance on one weeks pay. Learn how to say no to your wife and kids if you can’t afford something. Live within your means. It’s very simple. Medical bills can be overwhelming but negotiate with doctors for those to. If I did it anyone can.
You made me scratch my chin
when shops wont pay techs correctly... sides hustle is going to be inevitable
No good deeds goes unpunished
My best friend (since 8 years old, now 43) and I both wrench on our own cars. He’s a HD mechanic and I’m a machinist.
Through life he refused to work on other people’s cars. And never asked from others. True believer in doing it yourself.
Alway thought that was a bit chincy of him.
However over the years, he’s proven me wrong and him right. I help and did side work for others. It’s NEVER payed off for me. Always more work than anticipated and never the gratitude.
Now I just work on my own shit and tell others to find a good mechanic
I'm not a mechanic - just a Harbor Freight, TH-cam D.I.Y-ER - but I enjoy your uploads. Your content has improved as the days go by.
You come off as an authentic personality who has experience in the subjects/topic you cover.
Good stuff.
#same
Amazon diyer here
Anytime you try to save someone money it will end up costing you money. I never do side jobs.
ox man absolute fact.
Customers do this all the time the key is to document things especially if you find it messed up as you're taking it apart. Use your cellphone for pictures, quiz the hell out of customers (don't forget they lie when they think it will save them money), make notes, scan for codes whenever possible, take a quick picture of all the lights on the dash or damage to the vehicle. A three minute walk around can help you cover your butt for customers like this. Remember these customers main diagnostic tool is their wallet and that causes all sorts of problems. Plan for there to be problems with their parts and their money but just realize that people will treat you how you let them so set rules and procedures and follow them just like a shop would.
I work on cars alot for friends but never for women not even women I know they are liars and back stabbers and thats a whole different subject
yup its in their nature to manipulate and deceive
I used to think this mindset was sexist, but then I experienced this myself. You really can't trust these hoes
Women are fucking terrible
Best part about over charging, is you can always give a discount later if the job was easier than expected, or if the kindness comes over you. Much easier to give a discount after the fact than to come back to the customer and tell them they need to fork over even more cash.
Chris Wurm I own a big automotive shop on Michigan and I can not agree more. I wish my techs looked at it this way. Hate to have them look at a car, sell the job then tell my by the way it also needs this and that, you never want to call back a second time. Look at everything the first time.
There are plenty people who always try to get freebies by whatever means necessary. They don't care how their action fucks over someone just to save a few bucks. The saying no good deed goes unpunished is very true.
I stopped doing side work long ago. Did a complete brake job on a classic mustang and two weeks later the battery went dead. The woman that owned the car complained to me and told her that she has a 6 year old battery. Next I am getting sued in small claims court. Of course the judge found in my favor. But having to spend the day in court cost me more time and trouble than I was paid for the brakes.
67 Cuda K/SA
and I* told her
@@DarthVader1977 You're seriously going through youtube comments to correct grammar and typos? Lol
Steve Giardini wow
Should have ask her if her tv died to maybe that's your fault also lol
You’ll never get rid of those people ever. They out number the majority
Don't do side work unless you are insured. Get everything in writing.
Just found your channel today and impressed with the knowledge, learn something every day or perish!
Justin your videos are getting better and better keep uploading man, I like watching these.
Photos and documentation is everything. And when I was working in a shop there were times we knew that the car was dangerous to drive and had a customer sign a release form stating that excetra was bad and should not be driven. Saved our butt a few times.
Well said. Side work definitely can be a double edged sword. Have to choose your jobs and customers wisely.
I just subbed. I love your honesty. I worked for forty years doing bodywork. I've seen allot. It's fun to listen to your vids, I can tell you don't work well with others and are not a team player.
You are right on all points Justin! It isn't for everyone but I do Side work as much as possible because the list of people that call me first when they have an automotive problem has grown. I hope to own and start my own shop in the next few years and the more I can get my name and reputation out there the better, but you are right it is a risk! I do my best to be thorough and professional with my sidework the same amount I am at my actual job if not more! It is risky and you have to be smart and careful but you can potentially make a lot of extra money. I wouldn't have been able to make the last year without it because of other things so I have been grateful for it! But it is important to be smart and careful because if something goes the wrong way it can get ugly quick!
Thanks brother. I appreciate your support. Cheers! Maybe one day I'll take that risk,but that day isn't today. lol
@@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway Of course thanks for the good videos to watch!
Love the videos man I’m a heavy hauler but I love the insight you provide love learning the stuff you don’t hear about on tv
Thank you. 21 and i realized this a couple weeks ago, but perspective has enlightened me.
Here in Scotland we call side work “homers” I personally don’t do them because if I have to do the work outside in the horrible Scottish weather conditions then I’m charging more than a garage. So it’s safe to say I don’t get many offers these days hahaha
Thanks for this! I too know the Nightmares of the Side Job Business. Believe me, it's Sucks when you don't profit at the End! Take Care Brother!
If shes broke, shes a joke, walk away
women in their early 20s shouldnt be broke they make more money than men that age.
like you said if shes broke shes a joke lol
Thanks for another good video Justin
You are such a mechanic! Helping friends out for a case of beer or a pack of smokes. They want your help A LOT longer than those things last lol
yup lol
I generally don’t like sidework people tend to be cheap and don’t wanna deal with that. It’s rare and depends who it is.
I dont do side work. I have my own shop and add a percentage to do extra/side work.
Had a guy come in for rust repair at the shop I work at. It was on the bottoms of the doors, we had ground away the rust and patched it up with duraglas. Then per the customer coated the lower side with bed liner (we understand that it traps moisture but thats what they wanted regardless of what we told them). They then came back complaining of two small chips in their windsheild which was no where near any work area. After we basically laughed at them for claiming we had damaged their windshield they had left and have come back and never mentioned it. Makes you think.
I am just starting to do side work as well and I had my first similar situation as yours. Thanks for your point of view
Moral of the story, don't pick up your customers by the side of the road!
Especially if they give you the poor me I cant afford it! Lol
New subscriber love the channel keep up the good work 💯
As a mechanic I can relate to you , great advice, thanks bro
Ever since you fixed my breaks, the transmisison started slipping..... Ever since you upgreade my hard drive, i got a virus...... Ever since you fixed my AC, my breaks are squealing
lmao Yup. Been there a time or two. lol
Falls under the life lesson of “no good deed goes unpunished” .... I’m against side work lol ... you’re right, there is more cons than pros .
I did an intake manifold replacement for a woman I was dating. I was in over my head at the time because I was just a lube and tire tech, but I got the job done and it held up. I gained a lot of confidence in my mechanical abilities, went to tech school and now I'm a millwright making more money than I ever could as an auto mechanic. The woman with the broken-down car is my wife now. So sometimes it's good to take a chance. Just make sure you surround yourself with good people.
Awesome brotha side work is a no go for me even before I saw your video I definitely agree with what you said it definitely will bite you when you least expect it I'm off work and reaching for a cold one Cheers
A guy ask me " do you know a good diesel mechanic " just so happens I knew a guy I'd only heard good things. So I gave the name. I got back " but he charges regular rates "
Martin Schaffmeir people want me to do mobile work for penny’s on the dollar doesn’t bother me when people have money they will pay
So true man so true because at that point you have to be the service writer, mechanic, and the manager when you do it yourself. This situation unfortunately happens to us all when it comes to side work. Couldnt have explained it better. Keep em coming Sir Dow!!!!
Great video. Lots of good info.
As I got older it became harder for me to do my own major car repair & maintenance, but I have a brother-in-law who is a true motorhead rocket scientist - a real rock star over the past 35 years. As a bonus, he works for one of the top national auto parts companies, and can often get us parts at a great discount. From the friend/relative's viewpoint, the aspect that has always been toughest is knowing what to pay him because he chronically undercharges us. So much so, that then sometimes we find out later that we do the opposite - we overpay because we don't want to take advantage of him (and truly, he is likewise). I think the best thing on all sides is to be honest. Even if you get the windfall, if you lied to someone - well you have to carry that shame.
Amen man. Totally true. People want your help because they want a better deal. They usually want your help only when something has gone wrong, so you already know the car likely hasn’t been maintained well. When you start working on a neglected car, it often times becomes like a game of dominoes. Everything goes wrong. You’re here trying to do a job for someone that you don’t even want to do, and charging less than you SHOULD. But they still will slap you in the face. People just have no clue how hard working on cars can be. Things go wrong. Cars sit outside in all kinds of weather and experience all the elements for years. Things get brittle and break. Then you also have these people that will pin a completely unrelated problem to you. For example, the last one like this that I had...a girl I know told me she had a repair order for her tint. She asked me if I knew anyone that could sign off on it. My buddy is a state inspector so I told her we could remove it and he could sign off on it. Only charged her $50 total, me and my buddy removed the tint and I gave my buddy all the money. Next thing you know, a week and a half or two later she texts me saying that “now the passenger side front window won’t roll down”. All the windows were working perfectly fine when we were done, and I know this because we had to roll them all up and down a couple of times to get all the fingerprints off with glass cleaner. Now here she is trying to pin her window issue on me. I told her i can take a look at it but it is unrelated and the car will either need a switch, motor or regulator. She never got back to me. Moral of the story, pick and choose your side jobs wisely.
That's why I don't often stop and help people anymore unless I see a potential for a dangerous outcome
Tthe biggest reason I won't do side work is that I work all day on them and when I am home it's family time, I don't want the headache of my phone blowing up and "when is my car going to be done, or can you look at something real quick, it'll only take a minute" two hours later you're just getting done!! No thanks on side work!!
I did a side job for a lady at work who's A/C went out during the summer, and she had a newborn baby. I replaced her condenser fan and didn't even charge her. 6 months later,she called me and told me her heater wasn't working, and it was my fault. I tried explaining that the work I did was not related to her heater not working, but she wasn't having it. She trashed me to all my coworkers that I was some hack mechanic and I ripped her off. The best thing is I switched jobs a few months later. Will never do it again!
I was an assistant manager at my previous shop. Granted, it was just a quick lube type of place, but we had the exact same type of issues. Part of the reason I left that job, and actually took a bit of a pay cut doing it, was so I didn't have to deal with front end type of stuff anymore. It's also why I doubt I will ever open my own shop. I can not stress enough how nice it is to be able to point to someone else when a customer is angry and say "talk to that guy."
Always under promise and over deliver.
Only work I ever done outside of work was on my mom's car. Nobody else can afford me to do what they want.
Unfortunately women are notorious for this. That's why I don't do it anymore.
because they dont operate on logic lol just emotion
Same here I used to do side work now I think if I can't make it where I work I need a new job
im 15 and in a autotec program as a sophmore, im preparing to be a mechanic, wish me luck and comment so youll be notified when i update my situation when im 20 or get my first job at a dealership
Best of Luck Little Broskie!
Instructed Auto Shop at High School. We`ve had so many people looking for free work ( including free parts!!) getting it at cost + 15% and still phoning up that the students did this or that. Thats after signing an agreement that the school was responsible for NOTHING!!! Had two peoples cars towed from shop because of troubles. Always leave a note for the next guy that the customer demands precise work ( code for a bitch of a customer).
And this is why I won't do side work. I will be broke and homeless before somebody tells me it's my fault their check engine light is on ever since I changed their headlight
good tips Justin we all run into these situations and want to help
same with family too... 'favors' can cost you in the long run
thatallredheadude 1 I think this applies to every trade. When I was an apprentice pipe fitter I did a couple of side jobs. Both were a nightmare and not worth little money I made. Then my sister purchased an older home and wanted to remodel her kitchen and half bath. I was happy for her and told her I’d do her plumbing, she just had to pay for parts. I did the toilet, half bath sink, shut off valves, did the cut out and new sink in kitchen, garbage disposal, dishwasher and hot water tap. Had to shovel my way into a 14” dirt crawl space full of raccoon crap to reach the only shut off valve in the house just to start working. At the end of a 12 hour day I gave her the bill for parts. $154.00. She flipped out and accused me of trying to rip her off. That was 20 years ago and I’ve never done a side job or try to help someone out in that way again.
Learned this early on.. Never do side work
I changed the brakes on my friends car, she lives on assistance. I wanted to save her some money. I did them for free and got a case of beer. 6 months later, she called me and was freaking out. She says to me, what the hell did you do to my brakes. The ABS light came on? LOL. Me, how long has the light been on for? She said, it came on when i pulled into the parking lot just now. Me, have you shut off your car? She said no. I got her to shut off and start her car and the light went off. I was like WTF, i am never fixing anyone cars ever again.
lol Yup. People man. I'm telling you. You never know how crazy they can be until your in it to win it. lol
I see the problem only getting worse with the new generation of "fix it now fix it quick" folks who don't understand how the basic's work. You're very correct Justin..which is why I cherry pick my repairs I do for others.
I think we've all been there and done that
have been a tech for 25 years now and i can tell you from my experience that if it can go wrong,it will go wrong on doing side work!whether it be the repair itself,the customer,parts,tools,you name it!something simple to do at my work turns into a nightmare when doing at home!not all the time but would say its a 50/50 chance.
i even have my own(new) shop/garage with my own (new)hoist in it and i will still not do side work on people i dont know personally.call it experience,call it old age,call it I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO WITH MY LIFE!my 2 cents
I do computer work and I worked for a company that does dell and Lenovo calls, I would get customers that wanted me to do stuff, but I couldn't do anything outside that work order. When I started was taking side work because I was in bad shape and people wanted memory upgrades, so easy money I would get memory sticks for half the time by cancelled work orders and the OEM didnt want the parts back so hell after a while I had a collection of memory, well there be times customer want memory, well I happen to have some and I would charge double of Best buy charge, and free installation to verify operation. there was one customer that calls me and demands her money back, I said no can do, all sales final. Customer then threatens me by saying if you dont give me my money back, (it been 6-7 months I sold him the memory) was going to call dell on me, I said go fuck yourself. I be dam if the customer called dell and dell called my company to see if I sold memory, I said NO when my boss asked me, like I was going to admit that. I am glad that it was 6 months a part, dell voided that customer warrenty and said you should require a recipt next time, I dont write them ah fuck no, like I need proof to go on me. After that I was very careful to the point I eventually stopped doing side jobs. People dont care when there money involved they go out of there way for a fucking nickel. I so glad I am retired and stopped doing that unpaid onsite repair shit.
Hey Justin, personally I don't really do much sidework, when I leave work for the most part, the last thing I want to do is work on more cars haha, and if I do nothing major, mostly just work on my parents car and sometimes for friends, definetly wouldn't want to do it on the regular after my full time job personally
Everybody has a sob story when it comes to getting their car fixed either they’re waiting on their money or can I pay you next week or can I make payments and if things don’t work out they always like to blame you 😂I deal with this every day 😎💯 I am a mechanic have my own little mobile thing here in Alanta.Thankfully it doesn’t happen often maybe once a year rest of my customers are really good people understanding . I explain to them basically and little kid terms so they understand it clearly thanks for the video
most companies forbid you doing "officially" side jobs as part of your contract, unless the job has nothing to do with your own trade, chances are also, screw up on a side job and someone will turn up at your job and scream at your boss, chances are you'll get fired, "BUT" people do it, peace
This guy is preaching the truth and people will still wonder if it's worth it.
I remember one time I did a job for my cousins wife. Small easy job. Brake pad change. Mind you she told me that the last time she did it the mechanic told her that her caliper is seizing. However she didn't care to ask which one. She also had a tapped and redheaded bolt that was put in with thread locker red. I had to torch the bolt to get it free. I started the job late at night and it happened to be the very last wheel I did that had the seized caliper. It wouldnt open for the life of me. I even snapped a huge c clamp in half trying. I tried the caliper kits evry trick in the book. It was too late already the auto store was closed for the night. It turned into a huge thing with the woman yelling and screaming everywhere because the car couldnt be done and she couldnt drive home that night. And before you ask me why didnt I just put the old pads back in temporary and send her on her way. You would love to hear that she THREW THE OLD PADS AWAY. And the garbage man took the garbage by that point. But blamed me for it all. What a nightmare. No offense but these issues seem to happen more with woman than men. They get frustrated and angry swearing we fucked up. when in reality they simply just dknt understand what is happening
I learned alot things doing side work on peoples cars. Since I couldn't find a job in the automotive field. Things that did suck for me. Is when I didn't charge more then what the job was. With me loosing money and also doing somewhat a big job and not getting paid for it. One last thing. Was driving to the person house and not having the tools with me or having to put all the tools in the car to do the job.
Why couldnt u find a job?
aab434 maybe he lives in a area where there isnt alot of businesses in that feild
I needed to get my car inspected for job commute and didn't have enough time to get it done myself, left it to a local shop and they found that 9 bulbs went out and charged $300 for 9 bulbs... Never ever took my car to any mechanics there after.
Very true Justin, especially in California because we have the B.A.R which is every mechanics nightmare.
I have made the most money doing side work for cash and keeping my regular job . The side work allows you to buy or do the things you want while the regular work pays the bills. It also makes you a better employee for your boss as you now understand what it takes to make money and how important it is not to screw up and make costly mistakes.
I've been self employed for the better part of a decade and it is really risky. What I've learned is never do something you aren't *positive* you can do correctly and never take a risk. I worked for a guy who turned out to be infamous for making a living suing business owners. I watched him guide a Lowes truck driver right into his own planter box and I got the hell out of there. That was one of the few times I didn't trust my spider sense, I needed money and though the guy was giving off sleazy vibes I could tell he was rich (he drove a Ferrari). Also get clients to sign paperwork if you are licensed, and remember nice guys finish last.
Just had the worst side work of my life today. Single mom of 4 kids, family friend, begging me to fix her car, min 30 min drive there cuz she's out of the city. Change a battery and starter in 5 hours just cuz of the distance to her, part stores, tools. Charge her for the gas, parts and tine, I profit about 150 in the end. Girl calls her brother who's friends with my dad, get into a screaming match and ended up giving all the money I got from her back and eat the costs out of my pocket cuz 'they need the money cuz of their situation' now I'm out 5 hours on my day off, down about 370 in parts and half a tank of gas. The worst customers is suntimes family
good video. even if you do something for free which I have done it can come back to bite you. Sometimes people don't want to buy all of the parts that you know should be replaced because they are financially strapped and your doing the job all over again. Its a shame because if you have the nature to try and help people you really need to be careful.
Being a motor mechanic myself for the last 42 years I have come across this same thing over and over again. The only side work I do nowadays is for people that I have known and done their cars for the last 15 years or so. I always cover myself by telling them the smallest details and what can go wrong.
my biggest pet peeve are parts guys at your local orielly's that go out to the parking lot with there actron scanner, then sell someone 600 bucks worth of say o2 sensors because they have a lean bank 1 and bank 2 codes, then charges them on the side to do the repair and completely miss that vacuum leak, or the maf sensor that's skewed, seen that way to man times
Sides jobs for me is mostly working on my own stuff these days. I retired from working on cars as a mechanic. I’m doing something different I like more. But I do side jobs once in a while for those that work where I work and it’s not always on cars. It may be something with their house.
I put a starter on a guys car and 3 days later the engine started knocking the guy told everyone the starter I put on caused the problem not that his oil pump went out
Michigan,better not get caught.Michigan is strict on this if caught doing this with the person filing a complaint to the state of Michigan.Some people doing side work use the parts cannon to fix problems.Seen this with an Olds Bravada that ran bad and the customer took it to a friend of his that did this.Put in parts that were not bad,it was a couple plug wires crossed making it run bad
My sister was driving my parents' '99 Chevy Blazer. Something happened that caused the oil to completely drain out, overheat, and that thing still runs like a champ with over 220,000 miles! [Just a credit to Chevy].
That same Blazer's original motor blew up before the event with my sister, and the dealer's warranty paid for a refurbished motor to be installed. An out-of-state and unassociated Chevy dealer improperly installed the new motor on a throttle cable, almost killing my entire family on their way home while traveling on the interstate. Shit happens lol... I think as long as you exchange some sort of documentation, which includes a service order with customer's DL # and contact info, it could help in building a case for defamation if you have to prove pecuniary loss because you will be in a better position to show how the facts line up with the person(s) falsely defaming you. Also, having built a strong reputation for successful service history could be quite beneficial, as was the case with your community college instructor. But it would certainly be better to avoid such situations if possible, but it's impossible to tell a person's character if you don't know or hardly know the person. That's my 2c.
I retired as a marine diesel mechanic and I made a killing. I he’s one guy begged me to change an air compressor in his dump truck and I made 300 bucks in an hour and a half.
When they start in with that shit... . I'm on a fixed income..or don't have much money....thats when u walk away...They want the work done dirt cheap but expect the best work...I've had more than my share of that crap over the years doing carpenter work when they had a 3 slide out 5th wheel camper,a nice 3 quarter ton pick up and a big garage to keep both in...btw..I'm now retired and really am on a fixed income and loving it.
You're awesome😊💰
I remember a side job I did for my mother in law, built her a backyard deck, did not get paid for the job because in her mind I was dating her daughter, so after that she wanted a new kitchen floor, I told her this time it wasn't for free, gave her an outrageous price to make up for the deck, she paid it. I have had some people treat me great and had other people turn their back on me.
Preach brother...preach.
Trust no one, help no one!
That woman is psychotic. But that’s the problem. There are psychos out there and it isn’t always obvious up front. Also selfish greedy people who take advantage any way they can. CYA.
I’m a huge DIY-er so I have a decent sense of what I’ve got, played with Nissan imports and BMWs mostly. I have a 2007 BMW 550i has a $3 gasket go out, a guy from a local shop came to my house to check it out after I had the car towed home (oil was pissing out like crazy). All it takes is one honest mechanic. First time I’ve ever been too, only one I’ll go to. $1,090 job and he fixed many other pieces as well. I feel like mechanics get a bad wrap - these jobs are difficult as hell, tedious, and require years upon years of knowledge. I’m thankful for my shop right about now.
Ps, the $3 gasket is on my n62 4.8L v8 and takes about 10 hours to get too. Hellofa job. Btw, I’m all for side work just like you say for starts NO work/school uniforms or mentioning where you learn/work, and if you’re doing it l, do it correct. You were in the wrong in my opinion when you didn’t check that ladies head gasket. Just me, no disrespect
I've learned always ask many questions to get the best understanding of what's going on how long it's been going on and what has already been done to the car then tell them at this point it looks like you need this but when I take it apart if I find something else we will discuss it then I've learned to always leave the door open for what can't be seen until you get involved with the project because I've told people ok your Tstat is stuck and that's all it is well that was wrong but because I worded it like I did I fixed the car it was only a radiator flush and replace 2 hoses and new coolant but now that person still comes to me 15 years later and has sent me several other customers because of honesty it's the little things we learn that turn into big things that make us who we are
Lesson here is that if you’re going to be a repair shop for strangers you need the tools and know how to properly diagnose problems from the top down. Yes in an over heat case, the head should have been tested before attempting the water pump. Then on the bottom end oil change and filter along with new spark plugs if it had been warped
I don’t do side work purely for the issues that may come up.
A simple job in your driveway can turn into a nightmare when a bolt head snaps off and the persons calling asking when it’s gonna be ready.
So true unfortunately also in the marine repair industry.
I stopped doing side jobs a long time ago, you only attract the bottom feeders,and the liability is too great.
I don't mind specialized side work if it expands my knowledge base/skills.
If they want oil mufflers or brakes they can see me during regular shop hours.
I don’t do side work for the exact reasons you stated. Not personal experience but I’ve seen dudes fired because of side work and other dude’s told me about side jobs gone wrong. I don’t need that shit.
Always know who and what your dealing what customers always are looking for something for nothing even though there cars are worth 2 cents always remember the good ones they stay around and take care of you every time all the time if they complain from the beginning your not interested take care guys
N
I’m all for side work because I don’t work automotive but want too. I work at the hospital but it’s great experience and sometimes a challenge for me getting to work on different vehicles Ive never made any money cause I only charge the parts. it’s a hobby I enjoy a lot and I want to be a mechanic it’s just a pay cut 4 me but I know I’ll end up changing careers. Or I’ll start charging for side work and still work at BAH
I have been a heavy truck and heavy equipment mechanic for over 25 years. If you want to go into business as a mobile mechanic, there is a market for trucks and heavy equipment. I think it is too risky, too messy and just an all around PITA to work on cars outside of a shop as many jobs require a lift. As for doing side work, I am sure it has been mentioned before that if you need to work outside of your normal 40 hour work week, you need to find another job. I personally would not recommend anyone to do side work as the people that look for mechanics to do work on the side are most often cheap bottom feeders that do not want to pay the going rates. Those type of people will make your life hell by accusing you of problems not related to work you have done. They will show up at your regular job, your house and blow up your cell phone worst than a jealous girlfriend!!! My advice to anyone whether you are a mechanic, plumber, electrician, or any other trade is to stay away from side work, you will be better off in the long run.
I shy away from side work anymore. Its just too much. Especially when there is issues and it consumes my nights and weekends after work. I only do work for friends and family anymore. And its strictly for play money.