Rich,
I don't know if i will be any help, but since I am in a similar business, I will try. Note first that I work mostly on farm equipment, so that may or may not make a difference.
First of all, that sounds like a great job offer, but as stated, money is not what it all is about. You have to do what you like to do, or learn to like what you do. I worked at a large dealer shop for a while and it was OK. I was making some nice income and it was definately going to be increasing. But I am kind of an independant guy, so I went on my own. It is great. Most of the time. Some days it would be nice to just be able to punch out and go home.
Second, a few thoughts on what you said in this thread.
I don't know you, so you can just ignore what does not apply to you.
"i hate doing thework to make somebody else rich when i can do the same work cheaper then them and make myself rich." You have to get over this one. Some owners are rich. Many, many company owners are not. They go broke. It's not as easy as it looks. Yes, you can do the work cheaper, but not a lot cheaper. If you do it a lot cheaper, you won't get rich (or make money). I am charging $45 an hour when most shops are 55-75 an hour. I have more work than I can handle, and have a loyal base of good, repeat customers. I have been in business for a little over a year. My rates are going up soon. To $50. I also charge mileage, shop rate for travel time to the job, shop supply fee, just like the other shops. All of these other extras are never questioned when the bill is paid, but they pay my expenses. Which is another thing. Make sure you get paid. Right away. When the job is done. Most people will pay when they pick up, but the same ones will wait 60- 90 days if you send the bill. Accounts receivable will kill a small business all by itself. My Dad lost one this way.
"i dont get along well with people that tell me when,where,and how to do something." You have to. My customers do all the time. Yes, I help them out when they think they know what they need/want.
"i am the most honest mechanic in the area.if the vehicle dont need it it dont get it" Parts sales make up a large part of repair business profits. Now you have to be honest, yes without a doubt, but still, cover yourself. Small parts along the way, get replaced. Larger questionable items, just ask, "this part doesn't look too good, it costs $X to replace, what do you want to do?" Ask for people's business. It helps you, but it show the customer that you care about their vehicle/ machine running top notch with no breakdowns.
"i charge5-10.00 more than a part costs me cuz i have to go get it myself unlike other shops that charge full list price for the parts when all they had to do was pick up the phone and have it delivered." Like I said, a large portion of profits in the repair business is in parts sales. You may not need to charge list price, but usually a markup of 30% is more than fair. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
Getting the equipment in your shop may be a good option, too, unless the company already has a good shop of their own for it.
So, you asked.
This is my serious opinion. I hope it helps.
-Roy
