Sometimes you have to let cust. know how much a job will cost so they dont put $15000 in a t30d that can be replaced for 2500 if you just looked for one.If during your quote you didnt expect to do something else just call cutomer and tell him.Remember A quote is only whats on quote not a bunch of extra.

when i get asked" how long are you going to be ?" my reply is usually how long is a piece of string

This is a very tough question to Answear - but i will have a bash at it.

I percieve that some might consider me old & old Fashioned in my ways but i personaly have left the rat race behind.

I believe that it is impossible to correctly diagnose a truck unless you absolutely now what is wrong Tune up fer instance - you can guesstimate approximate time that it will take.

But lets say the brakes are gone on a Clark & you know that you will have to pull the wheels etc etc ok.

However in the building it is not convienient for you to work on site - but your customer & the COMPANY you work for want it done there because no one wants to pay shipping.

So you out of the goodness of your heart perform this job in a corner tucked away with no room to swing a cat arround.

You do a fantastic job you fix the truck in 3 days.

Then siad customer remembers that he had that job done last year & he then finds that work order - but this time Bill did it in the shop in 2 days
now he phones your boss to see why it took you so long.??????

Every job can only at best be guesed at unless you know exactly whats wrong & you have the parts & pricing on hand.

I have found when i know what the problem is i tell my customer approximatttely how long it will take for me to get it apart then when i can see exactly what the problem is then you can give a proper informed oppinion.

I allways take the customer to the machine & i explain as much to him about the situation as i can - then i give him the choices in his repair explaining what each decision will mean to him helping him to make right choices this teaches & builds trust without which I wouldn,t have very many customers -- My customers here on the Island are all my friends they call me when they need me & i help them as much as i can.

Dont let company politics rule you make your own decisions based on your own integrity build trust with your customers & you fine.

Every job is different no 2 same jobs are ever the same each job has its own merritsdeal with each accordingly.
Hope this helps

Have seen them per manufactor but not an all in one.May be able to purchase from dealers that you quote the most.Our quote man normally asks a tec to come up with labor hrs