I gave a client a flat rate for a full engine rebuild and they tried to add a whole new transmission swap to the job.

Last month, a guy came in with a 2005 Silverado needing a full rebuild on the 5.3L. We agreed on a flat price of $4,800 for the whole job, parts and labor. Halfway through, after I'd already torn the engine down, he calls and says, 'Since you're in there, can you just drop in a new transmission too? I'll pay for the part.' He thought it would be a simple add-on, not understanding that it's a totally different, huge job that needs its own time and quote. I had to stop everything and explain the scope of work all over again, which put me a full day behind. It taught me to be super clear about what 'included' means before I even turn a wrench. How do you guys handle it when a client tries to change the deal after you've started?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_riley3d ago

Man, that line on the work order is a lifesaver, but it only works if they read it before signing. I make a point to say it out loud too, like "this price covers exactly what we wrote here." People hear "engine work" and their mind starts adding stuff for free. It's wild how often they don't get that a transmission is a separate, massive project.

keith1643d ago

My buddy Jake at a shop in Dayton had a customer last month who approved a $600 radiator job. When he found a cracked engine mount during the work, the guy blew up, saying the quote should have covered "everything under the hood." Jake had to pull out the signed paper that listed only the three specific parts. It got pretty tense for a minute there.

parker_webb3d ago

I put a line on my work order that says any added work needs a new signed quote. Saved me last week when someone wanted new brakes added to an oil change.