[TechAssist] Re: Mode switch for these combos fix and partnumberand cross
- From: Gary McCartney <gary@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: techassist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 11 Dec 2002 09:27:13 -0500
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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> >
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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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