[TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and partnumberand cross
- From: larry <schntv@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 09:11:11 -0500
I totally agree, except we charge 15 to 45 for testing fee,
refundable if repaired.
Larry
Gary McCartney wrote:
>
> Kevin, don't you find that you get all kinds of junk that people pick up
> at garage sales for $2.00 and expect it to be fixed for another $5.00 or
> so, when in fact the thing is worn out and probably another shop already
> told the garage sale owner that it was beyond repair?
>
> I charge a low $10.00 fee to look at something. That is enough to keep
> away all the riff-raff but not high enough to discourage potential real
> customers from bringing in the equipment for repair. When I started this
> approx. 4 years ago, it did take about a year for my regualr customers
> to be comfortable with the notion, but now I never get anyone squawking
> over the issue. If they don't have the $10.00 cash with them, they just
> go down the road to the ATM and get it. I feel if I charged much more
> than $10.00 in my location, I would lose a lot of business. I must bring
> in several hundred dollars in a year that I wouldn't else have if I gave
> totally free estimates. I believe the estimate charge also "hooks" the
> customer into going ahead with a repair because they already have put
> some money toward it by the time you tell them the price to fix it.
>
> Gary McCartney
>
> McCartney Electronics
> 7134 Fife Rd, RR 7
> Guelph Ontario Canada N1H 6J4
> Fax: (519)821-1530
> email: gary (at) number63.ca
>
> Kevin wrote:
> >
> > I guess the thinking is, 'The estimate is free, if you get the item
> > repaired. If the estimate is refused, then there is an estimate fee.'
> >
> > This makes no sense to me and can only lead to arguing with customers.
> > Shops that do charge an upfront estimate fee usually put the estimate
> > fee towards the repair costs anyhow. Sounds like false advertising that
> > can only lead to angry customers.
> >
> > I do offer free estimates as it does get me business that I would have
> > missed if I charged a fee. About once a year it bites me in the butt
> > when I repair a TV, as you have to sometimes to make sure it can be
> > fixed, and then the customer refuses the estimate. I try to educate the
> > customer before hand as to what the repair might cost. Just my 2 cents
> > (3.2 cents USD).
> >
> > Kevin Wilks
> > Kevin's TV & Video Repair
> > Penticton BC Canada
> > kevinstv@xxxxxxx
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: techassist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > [mailto:techassist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Joe Batchelor
> > Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 7:13 PM
> > To: techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Subject: [TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and
> > partnumber and cross
> >
> > You charge $20 for a free estimate?
> > I do not fault you because I do not give a free estimate either,
> > but I do not tell anyone that it is free.
> >
> > Your $40 hour goes into replacing shop supplies, schematics and
> > new equipment purchases, but what about rent, lights, water, gas,
> > insurance,
> > phone, taxes, accounting, advertising, warranty work, vacation pay?
> >
> > Many years ago I worked with an old man that said that he might starve
> > to death,
> > but he was not going to do it working his butt off.
> >
> > I understand the problem of low priced VCR's, but that does not change
> > the
> > cost of doing business. If it costs $100 an hour to keep the doors
> > open, then
> > collecting $40 is just putting off the final result.
> >
> > Joe Batchelor CET TX-80
> >
> > 12/10/02 10:31:53 AM, "David Lessard" <mrfixit@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > >We truly live in a throw away world. You can buy one of those crappy
> > stereo
> > >VCR's today for about $90 CDN. If it lasted 3 - 5 years would you
> > honestly
> > >spend $60 - $80 to repair it, probably not, and that is a problem for
> > repair
> > >shops today trying to make money. I provide free estimates for all my
> > >customers, I also explain that if for whatever reason the repair is not
> > >practical, i.e. too much money, the refused estimate is only $20.
> > Needless
> > >to say I try to repair everything I can, within reason of course. This
> > >usually means flat rating jobs because sometimes those nasty
> > intermittents
> > >hold up the diagnosis and/or repair, other times there are no resources
> > >(working blind - no schematic). I ask my customers how much do they
> > want to
> > >spend upfront, and if the repair cost exceeds that amount I call them
> > with
> > >the estimate. In this way I can repair things while open rather then
> > >tracking the customer down for repair approval, it works for me. My
> > rate is
> > >$40 hour and most of that goes into replacing shop supplies, schematics
> > and
> > >new equipment purchases. In the end I work for about $10 - $15 hour,
> > almost
> > >not worth it, but it's in my blood :-)
> > >
> > >David Lessard
> > >Alexandria Electronics
> > >mrfixit@xxxxxxxxxxx
> > >(613)525-4502
> > >
> > >-----Original Message-----
> > >From: techassist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > >[mailto:techassist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Leonard G.
> > >Caillouet
> > >Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 11:03 AM
> > >To: techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > >Subject: [TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and
> > >partnumber and cross
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >We are fortunate not to have to depend on VCRs and combos for a
> > significant
> > >part of our business. We charge a $30 fee up front for estimates,
> > which
> > >applies to the repair cost if the estimate is accepted. We charge a
> > minimum
> > >of $40 labor for cleaning and very minor repairs. For a mode switch
> > >cleaning or replacement we charge $60 or $80 depending on the amount of
> > >disassemble required. This makes a lot of repairs not economical and
> > we
> > >explain this to the customer up front. I can't justify charging less
> > when
> > >we could be doing TVs and RPTV and making money. I figure a minimum of
> > $60
> > >an hour to keep the doors open.
> > >
> > >Leonard G. Caillouet
> > >Service Manager
> > >Electronics World
> > >Gainesville, FL
> > >352-332-5608
> > >352-332-5668 (fax)
> > >
> > >----- Original Message -----
> > >From: "Electric Medic" <info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > >To: <techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > >Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 2:22 AM
> > >Subject: [TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and
> > partnumber
> > >and cross
> > >
> > >
> > >>
> > >> We always get at least $49 on vcr repairs. The customer has to leave
> > $35
> > >> when they drop it off. If they do not want to put that in it, then we
> > do
> > >not
> > >> even have to look at it. Once we get the $35, we always almost charge
> > more
> > >> for the final repair, usually $20 or $30 more, plus parts. It must
> > not
> > >seem
> > >> as hard if they break it down in two payments. VCR's are at least 30%
> > of
> > >our
> > >> business. For everyone that knows about or wants to buy a new cheap
> > one,
> > >> there is one that wants to have their original fixed. And I am
> > thankful
> > >for
> > >> that. We also have to fix many under warranty, some Manufacturers pay
> > us
> > >$85
> > >> labor to fix a VCR. I will let our customers know what the
> > manufacturers
> > >pay
> > >> to have one fixed, then it doesn't seem to bad for the customer to
> > pay it.
> > >>
> > >> Perry Bower
> > >> Electric Medic
> > >> "It's Cheaper to Keep Her"
> > >> http://www.electricmedic.com
> > >> Check out the Electronic Repair Screensaver We created. More Images
> > to
> > >come!
> > >> To download these Collections you must first install the Eyetide
> > Viewer:
> > >>
> > >http://www.eyetide.com/download/?s=O3OfmSLHXygGHCv1W6Gz3Bgjtq3DNNMNdcKs
> > YSVGC
> > >> "We're Number One Where it Really Counts, With our Customers"
> > >> 3850 Washington Road Suite 5b
> > >> Martinez, Georgia 30907
> > >> Phone: 706-8MEDIC4 (863-3424)
> > >> Phone: 706-863-3474
> > >> Fax: 706-863-2316
> > >> mailto:info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > >> "WE REPAIR WITH CARE"
> > >>
> > >> SERVICE CENTERS PLEASE READ!!
> > >> 1. Are you currently backed up or over-loaded?
> > >> 2. Are you short a tech or have one on vacation?
> > >> 3. Do you need help with a very difficult repair?
> > >> 4. Would you like to make money jobbing the work out?
> > >> 5. Would you like to ship out less profitable products so you can
> > repair
> > >> others?
> > >> If you answered Yes to any of the above questions, Checkout these
> > >websites:
> > >> http://www.electricmedic.com/salesa.htm
> > >> or
> > >> http://www.electricmedic.com/shipping.htm
> > >>
> > >> Factory Trained Authorized Service Center For: APEX, Fisher, GE,
> > KEC/KTV,
> > >> Konka, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips Magnavox, Pioneer, ProSCAN,
> > RCA,
> > >> Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, SONY, Technics, Toshiba, Zenith
> > >>
> > >> Provide Extended care for: AON, Circuit City, GE Contracts, Glass
> > Agency,
> > >> Philips Contracts, NEW, Rex
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> -----Original Message-----
> > >> From: techassist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > >> [mailto:techassist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Gary McCartney
> > >> Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2002 1:36 AM
> > >> To: techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > >> Subject: [TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and
> > >> partnumber and cross
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Jeff, thats great if you can get that much, but how do you manage to
> > get
> > >> it? Do you still offer the long warranties that you once did? What do
> > >> you do if a unit requires major parts such as heads? Do you eat the
> > cost
> > >> of the part, or do you offer to do the job for a higher amount?
> > Around
> > >> here I can barely get $49.00 CDN for a VCR repair, unless it is a
> > higher
> > >> end unit and the customer remembers paying $600.00 for it when it was
> > >> new, plus they also have to understand that the new ones are junk. I
> > >> remind people of the junk factor all the time but they still would
> > >> rather buy the Walleymart one year wonder. (wonder if it will work
> > for a
> > >> year, that is, hehehe)
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Gary McCartney
> > >>
> > >> McCartney Electronics
> > >> 7134 Fife Rd, RR 7
> > >> Guelph Ontario Canada N1H 6J4
> > >> Fax: (519)821-1530
> > >> email: gary (at) number63.ca
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> Jeff Dougherty wrote:
> > >> >
> > >> > I've started charging a flat $49.00 fee on VCR repairs. I can do
> > most
> > >> repairs in
> > >> > one hour or less.
> > >> > Jeff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > >> > FAX 717-564-4952
> > >> > Jeff Dougherty
> > >> > Intrepid Video & Electronics Be careful of your thoughts.
> > >> > 501 Luther Rd They may become your words
> > >> > Harrisburg, PA 17111 any moment.
> > >> > 717-909-8844
> > >> > VCR tips, electronics info & general interest.
> > >> > www.intrepid-video.com www.tech-repair.net
> > >> > www.thetoolcaddy.com www.9-11-2001tragedy.com
> > >> >
> > ***********************************************************************
> > >> >
> > >> > ----- Original Message -----
> > >> > From: "Leonard G. Caillouet" <lcaillo@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > >> > To: <techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > >> > Sent: Monday, December 09, 2002 11:13 AM
> > >> > Subject: [TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and
> > >partnumber
> > >> and
> > >> > cross
> > >> >
> > >> > How much labor do you all charge for these repairs?
> > >> >
> > >> > Leonard G. Caillouet
> > >> > Service Manager
> > >> > Electronics World
> > >> > Gainesville, FL
> > >> > 352-332-5608
> > >> > 352-332-5668 (fax)
> > >> >
> > >> > ----- Original Message -----
> > >> > From: "Jeff Dougherty" <support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > >> > To: <techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > >> > Sent: Sunday, December 08, 2002 8:59 PM
> > >> > Subject: [TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and
> > >partnumber
> > >> > and cross
> > >> >
> > >> > >
> > >> > > Jose,
> > >> > > The part number is in the thread.
> > >> > > > >> > >All 3 needed the same rotary switch. Part number
> > >483527617343
> > >> > >
> > >> > > Jeff@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > >> > > FAX 717-564-4952
> > >> > > Jeff Dougherty
> > >> > > Intrepid Video & Electronics Be careful of your thoughts.
> > >> > > 501 Luther Rd They may become your words
> > >> > > Harrisburg, PA 17111 any moment.
> > >> > > 717-909-8844
> > >> > > VCR tips, electronics info & general interest.
> > >> > > www.intrepid-video.com www.tech-repair.net
> > >> > > www.thetoolcaddy.com www.9-11-2001tragedy.com
> > >> > >
> > >***********************************************************************
> > >> > >
> > >> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > >> > > From: "JOSE R. PANIAGUA" <breadywater@xxxxxxx>
> > >> > > To: "techassist" <techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > >> > > Sent: Sunday, December 08, 2002 11:24 PM
> > >> > > Subject: [TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and
> > >> partnumber
> > >> > and
> > >> > > cross
> > >> > >
> > >> > >
> > >> > > hello: J Siverman
> > >> > > Can you please be so kind and at least give us the part # ,so if
> > >someone
> > >> > want to
> > >> > > order he can do it with it.
> > >> > > Thank you.
> > >> > > Jose R. Paniagua.
> > >> > > Breadywater@xxxxxxx
> > >> > >
> > >> > >
> > >> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > >> > > From: J Silverman
> > >> > > Sent: Sunday, December 08, 2002 1:20 PM
> > >> > > To: techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > >> > > Subject: [TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and
> > >> partnumber
> > >> > and
> > >> > > cross
> > >> > >
> > >> > >
> > >> > > Over here, the newer Funai mode switches cost about $1.50. We
> > usually
> > >> buy
> > >> > at
> > >> > > least 20 of a kind at a time directly from Funai Parts. At
> > current
> > >shop
> > >> > > rates, $1.50 is equivalent to about 75 seconds of time, so it
> > costs
> > >more
> > >> > to
> > >> > > repair than replace. However, a lot of them can be taken apart
> > without
> > >> > > desoldering which saves about 30 seconds. Still cheaper to
> > replace and
> > >> far
> > >> > > less chance of having to do it all over again free. Also the
> > newest
> > >> switch
> > >> > > is so small and flimsy, if you even touch the fingers they just
> > roll
> > >> over
> > >> > > and die.
> > >> > > I do save lots of the old switches for the day when they may
> > become
> > >NLA.
> > >> > > Jerry Silverman
> > >> > > Greentron Inc
> > >> > > From: "Vilhelm Boor" <villyboor@xxxxxxxxx>
> > >> > > > I think you will find that it is a problem with the
> > >surface
> > >> of
> > >> > > the plastic, We have a series here where over the years I have
> > gone
> > >from
> > >> > > advocating not to clean to cleaning them. This is my reason for
> > using
> > >> the
> > >> > > finest grade of steel wool to resurface metal and plastic. Then a
> > good
> > >> > wash
> > >> > > in hot water and detergent to get impurities from all surfaces.
> > Now
> > >wash
> > >> > > again with contact cleaner and lightly coat with a silicone
> > lubricant.
> > >> > > Retention the fingers and its as good as new
> > >> > > > >
> > >> > > > >yes--replace the mode switch. I have repaired a lot of mode
> > >switches
> > >> > > over
> > >> > > > >the years, and the only ones I have had too replace in the
> > past
> > >were
> > >> in
> > >> > > > >really bad shape. These can look perfect, and fail. I don't
> > know
> > >> > > > >why------yet
> > >> > > > >Jeff Farnsworth
> > >> > > , Lyles Tv wrote:
> > >> > > > >> > >I have 3 combos in here right now. With the help of
> > people
> > >> here,
> > >> > I
> > >> > > > >found
> > >> > > > >> > that rebuilding/cleaning the mode switches like I have
> > been
> > >doing
> > >> > for
> > >> > > > >> > years----don't work on these. I have trying to create a
> > little
> > >> > > database
> > >> > > > >of
> > >> > > > >> > combo cross references as no one has been able to supply
> > me
> > >with
> > >> > one.
> > >> > > > >The
> > >> > > > >> > three units I have here are
> > >> > > > >> > >Sylvania SSC092
> > >> > > > >> > >Phillips CCB092
> > >> > > > >> > >Symphonic WF-13C1
> > >> > > > >> > >All 3 needed the same rotary switch. Part number
> > >483527617343
> > >> > > > >> > >Don't bother trying ness right now. I just ordered their
> > last
> > >2
> > >> > in
> > >> > > > >stock,
> > >> > > > >> > just 2 minutes ago
> > >> > > > >> > >I do have some more in my cross, but it is not in a
> > >presentable
> > >> > > format
> > >> > > > >> > yet. When I can donate something usable, i will up load
> > it.
> > >> > > > >> > > Btw, the generally common symptom with these were
> > "stuck
> > >tape"
> > >> > > > >> > >
> > >> > > > >>
> > >> > >
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> --
>
> Gary McCartney
>
> McCartney Electronics
> 7134 Fife Rd, RR 7
> Guelph Ontario Canada N1H 6J4
> Fax: (519)821-1530
> email: gary (at) number63.ca
>
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--
Schneider TV & Electronic Inc.
5415 N. Wooster ave.
Dover, Ohio 44622 www.geocities.com/schntv2000/
330-343-0768 FCC. first class & Extra class K8WLY
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