It all depends on the customer you service. I hated flat rate as an automotive tech. It's like BBforks said, you have to kiss up to the service writer. But with lift trucks, were out there on our own and can still doctor the bill to whatever we want, DEPENDING on the customer. Yes, there are still some "lay me down" customers who sign the bill no matter what the cost. On fixed maintenance, you get only.7 hours for an SM, no travel time. Some smaller places are Flat Rate to ensure the tech tries his best to bill 40 hrs. At my employer, if you consistently bill less than 40 hours, ADIOS Amigo! Again, it depends on your customers. The guy who bills 65 hrs but works only 40 is a HERO in the company's eyes......A crook in my opinion but i don't count! Flat rate is an opportunity for crooks to prosper, and honest techs to suffer. Flat rate gives management less headaches as the they wont have to crack the whip to force tech's to produce.