Frank E Smiles

The first thing you need to know is what you're paying for when you take your car in for repairs.  I can't explain where your money goes any better than the folks at AAA.  Please go to the link below and take five minutes to read it before continuing.  Just make sure to come back and read the rest of this page.

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https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/articles/auto-repair-labor-rates-explained  

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Here is how I keep my prices so low:

     I am a one man shop.  I am the owner, mechanic, bookkeeper, receptionist, and janitor.  This means I don't have to worry about insurance and other costs that go along with having employees.  As a retired vet, I don't even have to worry about my own health insurance.  What I earn here is mine to keep once the rent is paid. 

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     This brings me to the subject of rent.  Most shops are located on main roads and have huge flashy signs to bring in customers.  They have comfortable waiting rooms and coffee for you to drink.  There is certainly nothing wrong with that but it means that their rent and operating costs are going to be quite high.  I am located on a secondary street instead of a main street which reduces my rent.  My shop is no harder to get to than anyone else's, it's just a little bit harder to find the first time (just one block north of 23rd Street and Haskell Avenue).  There is also a convenience store one block away if you really need that coffee.

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     By keeping my overhead expenses low, I'm able to provide the same level of service as the bigger operations at a fraction of the cost.  Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that other shops are ripping anyone off.  Far from it.  Those larger shops are more expensive to run but they provide service to a large amount of customers every day.  Because I am such a small operation, I am limited to the amount of work I can do each day.  This means it may take a day or two to get your car in for service from time to time.  However, if you aren't in a rush, I can save you bunch of money.

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     My experience working on cars goes back to 1985.  I worked professionally in this industry before and, at times, during my 20 years in the Navy.  I am also an experienced welder and fabricator thanks to my time in the service.  I can make and fix many things.  More important than what I know, is knowing what I don't know.  I can't fix everything but I can assure that if I do not feel I can do the job, I will do my best to refer you to someone who can.  This way, I can guarantee all of my work.       

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     If you have any questions or would like to schedule your car for service, call, email, or just stop by my shop.  

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