That's great you're enjoying your new job.
What to expect: PepBoys Gen. Service Tech?
- Thread starter Dumc87
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Coming up on my 90 days, thought I'd share a few pros/cons to the GST position at PepBoys:
Pros:
- Great job for an entry level 18 year old. Learn a lot about basic repairs, procedures, what to look for (21 point inspection) and an ability to earn a decent wage as long as you continually work (builds work ethic)
- Can be a good source of information if the mechanics you work with are willing to help you. I have a much better idea of what quality tool I personally need to upgrade to as well as "finding the cheats" to complete repairs more efficiently.
Cons:
- Not a good pay rate for a family man. I had to work 138.5 man (paid bi-weekly) hours to log a decent paycheck. That means I worked 70 of the 80 operating hours a week, and had just enough time to sleep. Barely got to spend any time with family.
- PepBoys doesn't supply the GST's with appropriate accommodations. Luckily my soon-to-be father in law is the guy who got me the job, and doesn't mind me borrowing his tools. Good luck to someone else who doesn't have that rapport with an established mechanic and doesn't have a tool chest full of tools. "Simple" oil changes often require more specialty tools than just shop-provided wrenches and oil cap sockets.
- Clientele. This was mentioned here earlier. Lots of people show up expecting a cheap repair, and are appalled at the cost of repairs. The people who want free-air checks but have no patience waiting for a GST or a mechanic to become available are just awful to deal with. Sure, I don't mind checking air - prepare for a rant- but if it costs me money by missing out on an oil change, or I am already dealing with an impatient customer who wants their oil change and tire rotation consisting of custom wheels that I had to spend an extra ten minutes searching for their special lug nut key then trying not to damage the wheels by balancing them because they are a VW and have obnoxious lug studs instead of lug nuts.... I am not going to be so chipper to check your air LOL If you like to go to a shop to get your air checked for free, PLEASE be patient! Better yet, come by when it's slow. The people I've encountered that understood that simple concept have been FANTASTIC to deal with.
I am very happy with the shop experience, but suffice to say, the GST position isn't a good fit for a 30 year old with a family. I am taking it for what it is, but am considering alternatives. Possibly stay on part time until a possibility to move up to at least do brake and suspension work surfaces.
Pros:
- Great job for an entry level 18 year old. Learn a lot about basic repairs, procedures, what to look for (21 point inspection) and an ability to earn a decent wage as long as you continually work (builds work ethic)
- Can be a good source of information if the mechanics you work with are willing to help you. I have a much better idea of what quality tool I personally need to upgrade to as well as "finding the cheats" to complete repairs more efficiently.
Cons:
- Not a good pay rate for a family man. I had to work 138.5 man (paid bi-weekly) hours to log a decent paycheck. That means I worked 70 of the 80 operating hours a week, and had just enough time to sleep. Barely got to spend any time with family.
- PepBoys doesn't supply the GST's with appropriate accommodations. Luckily my soon-to-be father in law is the guy who got me the job, and doesn't mind me borrowing his tools. Good luck to someone else who doesn't have that rapport with an established mechanic and doesn't have a tool chest full of tools. "Simple" oil changes often require more specialty tools than just shop-provided wrenches and oil cap sockets.
- Clientele. This was mentioned here earlier. Lots of people show up expecting a cheap repair, and are appalled at the cost of repairs. The people who want free-air checks but have no patience waiting for a GST or a mechanic to become available are just awful to deal with. Sure, I don't mind checking air - prepare for a rant- but if it costs me money by missing out on an oil change, or I am already dealing with an impatient customer who wants their oil change and tire rotation consisting of custom wheels that I had to spend an extra ten minutes searching for their special lug nut key then trying not to damage the wheels by balancing them because they are a VW and have obnoxious lug studs instead of lug nuts.... I am not going to be so chipper to check your air LOL If you like to go to a shop to get your air checked for free, PLEASE be patient! Better yet, come by when it's slow. The people I've encountered that understood that simple concept have been FANTASTIC to deal with.
I am very happy with the shop experience, but suffice to say, the GST position isn't a good fit for a 30 year old with a family. I am taking it for what it is, but am considering alternatives. Possibly stay on part time until a possibility to move up to at least do brake and suspension work surfaces.
Quote:
Not a good pay rate for a family man. I had to work 138.5 man (paid bi-weekly) hours to log a decent paycheck. That means I worked 70 of the 80 operating hours a week, and had just enough time to sleep.
What does your gross pay (before taxes) average out to ?
$11.... $12....$14.... $16.... $18 ...etc... an hour ?
It's good that your buddy helps you out with tools, most shops expect technician to have their own tools.
Not a good pay rate for a family man. I had to work 138.5 man (paid bi-weekly) hours to log a decent paycheck. That means I worked 70 of the 80 operating hours a week, and had just enough time to sleep.
What does your gross pay (before taxes) average out to ?
$11.... $12....$14.... $16.... $18 ...etc... an hour ?
It's good that your buddy helps you out with tools, most shops expect technician to have their own tools.
Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
Quote:
Not a good pay rate for a family man. I had to work 138.5 man (paid bi-weekly) hours to log a decent paycheck. That means I worked 70 of the 80 operating hours a week, and had just enough time to sleep.
What does your gross pay (before taxes) average out to ?
$11.... $12....$14.... $16.... $18 ...etc... an hour ?
It's good that your buddy helps you out with tools, most shops expect technician to have their own tools.
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
Quote:
Not a good pay rate for a family man. I had to work 138.5 man (paid bi-weekly) hours to log a decent paycheck. That means I worked 70 of the 80 operating hours a week, and had just enough time to sleep.
What does your gross pay (before taxes) average out to ?
$11.... $12....$14.... $16.... $18 ...etc... an hour ?
It's good that your buddy helps you out with tools, most shops expect technician to have their own tools.
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
On your qualifications and pay rate, you wouldn't be allowed to touch a car in NZ.
Sounds like when I worked at Sears Auto. Dangle a carrot just far enough to make them work hard, but make the goal unachievable because you don't schedule enough hours to reach the goal. Also instead of paying double minimum wage since we had to supply our own tools, they said the CA law didn't apply since the company was based in IL. Glad I left.
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
Woah! I bet even Wal-Mart pays more than that. Yikes!
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
Woah! I bet even Wal-Mart pays more than that. Yikes!
Originally Posted By: 04SE
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
Woah! I bet even Wal-Mart pays more than that. Yikes!
Yeah. The fun I had learning things and being in a new environment is wearing off pretty quick. Ha.
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
Woah! I bet even Wal-Mart pays more than that. Yikes!
Yeah. The fun I had learning things and being in a new environment is wearing off pretty quick. Ha.
Originally Posted By: 04SE
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
Woah! I bet even Wal-Mart pays more than that. Yikes!
No question. I think we have someone that works at the Walmart TLE that can chime in. (if they're comfortable sharing)
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
Woah! I bet even Wal-Mart pays more than that. Yikes!
No question. I think we have someone that works at the Walmart TLE that can chime in. (if they're comfortable sharing)
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: 04SE
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
Woah! I bet even Wal-Mart pays more than that. Yikes!
No question. I think we have someone that works at the Walmart TLE that can chime in. (if they're comfortable sharing)
Plenty of folk on here make more than that. I was making at least twice that in my previous job...
Just sharing my personal experience(s) so far.
Originally Posted By: 04SE
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
All told, with commissions and overtime... $7.92 hr.
It's a clever pay scale to get maximum effort (the veil that is working harder and faster to earn more money) and legally pay less than minimum wage.
Woah! I bet even Wal-Mart pays more than that. Yikes!
No question. I think we have someone that works at the Walmart TLE that can chime in. (if they're comfortable sharing)
Plenty of folk on here make more than that. I was making at least twice that in my previous job...
Just sharing my personal experience(s) so far.
Last edited:
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- Dec 30, 2006
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I think most dealerships pay their quick lube techs 15 an hr. You should try to get on with one. Most have good heath insurance too.
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I think most dealerships pay their quick lube techs 15 an hr. You should try to get on with one. Most have good heath insurance too.
CarMax has an apprentice mechanic program that seems interesting. Haven't heard back. But yeah, a job like you mentioned may be more up my alley at the moment. Definitely going to use my free time looking for something else, which isn't easy when some of my days are 5am to 830pm lol
I think most dealerships pay their quick lube techs 15 an hr. You should try to get on with one. Most have good heath insurance too.
CarMax has an apprentice mechanic program that seems interesting. Haven't heard back. But yeah, a job like you mentioned may be more up my alley at the moment. Definitely going to use my free time looking for something else, which isn't easy when some of my days are 5am to 830pm lol
Dumc87,
Pep Boys was sued for not paying their shop mechanics overtime, do a Google search for more info.
Unfortunately you're a hard working guy getting abused for less than $8 an hour, look for a much better job.
OT: sounds like you need a career.... not a temporary low paying job.
Pep Boys was sued for not paying their shop mechanics overtime, do a Google search for more info.
Unfortunately you're a hard working guy getting abused for less than $8 an hour, look for a much better job.
OT: sounds like you need a career.... not a temporary low paying job.
I work at Pep Boyz for a few months. I got fired for no official reason, but it was probably because I refused to pencil-whip multi-point inspections. It was mutual. They pay was [censored]. There wasn't enough work. All I got was tires and oil changes.
Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
Dumc87,
Pep Boys was sued for not paying their shop mechanics overtime, do a Google search for more info.
Unfortunately you're a hard working guy getting abused for less than $8 an hour, look for a much better job.
OT: sounds like you need a career.... not a temporary low paying job.
Would love a career, unfortunately I've been a victim of the "requires 3+ years experience" for career type jobs I've seen posted that I just don't have experience in. I am keeping my eye out for any possibility of something career oriented.
Dumc87,
Pep Boys was sued for not paying their shop mechanics overtime, do a Google search for more info.
Unfortunately you're a hard working guy getting abused for less than $8 an hour, look for a much better job.
OT: sounds like you need a career.... not a temporary low paying job.
Would love a career, unfortunately I've been a victim of the "requires 3+ years experience" for career type jobs I've seen posted that I just don't have experience in. I am keeping my eye out for any possibility of something career oriented.
Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
I work at Pep Boyz for a few months. I got fired for no official reason, but it was probably because I refused to pencil-whip multi-point inspections. It was mutual. They pay was [censored]. There wasn't enough work. All I got was tires and oil changes.
The multi-point inspections help point out issues with a vehicle that one of the full-time mechanics can fix. It's kind of a scheme, but so far I've only notated legitimate concerns. However I do fail to fill out the forms in its entirety. If things look good, I move on.
I work at Pep Boyz for a few months. I got fired for no official reason, but it was probably because I refused to pencil-whip multi-point inspections. It was mutual. They pay was [censored]. There wasn't enough work. All I got was tires and oil changes.
The multi-point inspections help point out issues with a vehicle that one of the full-time mechanics can fix. It's kind of a scheme, but so far I've only notated legitimate concerns. However I do fail to fill out the forms in its entirety. If things look good, I move on.
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
I work at Pep Boyz for a few months. I got fired for no official reason, but it was probably because I refused to pencil-whip multi-point inspections. It was mutual. They pay was [censored]. There wasn't enough work. All I got was tires and oil changes.
The multi-point inspections help point out issues with a vehicle that one of the full-time mechanics can fix. It's kind of a scheme, but so far I've only notated legitimate concerns. However I do fail to fill out the forms in its entirety. If things look good, I move on.
I'd rather cross an item off than check it off as good. I tried doing that, but my supervisor and the district manager had to have a sit down with me about it. They wanted the inspection form completed, but they also wanted it done in five minutes. So basically they are idiots that live in the fantasy world of lying to customers to make them feel happy. I live in the real world where people die in car wrecks and lawyers love to sue large companies.
I refused to sign my name on any inspection form unless I actually did the inspeciton to my satisfaction. I am not going to be responsible if somebody's tierod end breaks or their brakes fail after they leave the store and they kill somebody. I don't pencil whip anything. In fact, when I did find obvious faults with a car, I made extensive notes about it, to the point where my manager thought it was insulting to the customers. Actually inspecting everything on their multi-point inspection will take the better part of an hour, and cannot be part of a $20, 15-minute oil change service. They could simply get rid of the extensive inspection checklist and replace it with a blank "notes" area for the mechanic to note any obvious defects or recommended services. But they are idiots.
Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
I work at Pep Boyz for a few months. I got fired for no official reason, but it was probably because I refused to pencil-whip multi-point inspections. It was mutual. They pay was [censored]. There wasn't enough work. All I got was tires and oil changes.
The multi-point inspections help point out issues with a vehicle that one of the full-time mechanics can fix. It's kind of a scheme, but so far I've only notated legitimate concerns. However I do fail to fill out the forms in its entirety. If things look good, I move on.
I'd rather cross an item off than check it off as good. I tried doing that, but my supervisor and the district manager had to have a sit down with me about it. They wanted the inspection form completed, but they also wanted it done in five minutes. So basically they are idiots that live in the fantasy world of lying to customers to make them feel happy. I live in the real world where people die in car wrecks and lawyers love to sue large companies.
I refused to sign my name on any inspection form unless I actually did the inspeciton to my satisfaction. I am not going to be responsible if somebody's tierod end breaks or their brakes fail after they leave the store and they kill somebody. I don't pencil whip anything. In fact, when I did find obvious faults with a car, I made extensive notes about it, to the point where my manager thought it was insulting to the customers. Actually inspecting everything on their multi-point inspection will take the better part of an hour, and cannot be part of a $20, 15-minute oil change service. They could simply get rid of the extensive inspection checklist and replace it with a blank "notes" area for the mechanic to note any obvious defects or recommended services. But they are idiots.
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
Would love a career, unfortunately I've been a victim of the "requires 3+ years experience" for career type jobs I've seen posted that I just don't have experience in. I am keeping my eye out for any possibility of something career oriented.
If it's for a tech type job, don't let that stop you. You already have experience working in a flat rate shop, and don't discount all the years you worked on your own vehicle plus friends and family - that's experience. You never know how few/bad applicants they received, they might give you a call and a chance.
Would love a career, unfortunately I've been a victim of the "requires 3+ years experience" for career type jobs I've seen posted that I just don't have experience in. I am keeping my eye out for any possibility of something career oriented.
If it's for a tech type job, don't let that stop you. You already have experience working in a flat rate shop, and don't discount all the years you worked on your own vehicle plus friends and family - that's experience. You never know how few/bad applicants they received, they might give you a call and a chance.
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
Dumc87,
Pep Boys was sued for not paying their shop mechanics overtime, do a Google search for more info.
Unfortunately you're a hard working guy getting abused for less than $8 an hour, look for a much better job.
OT: sounds like you need a career.... not a temporary low paying job.
Would love a career, unfortunately I've been a victim of the "requires 3+ years experience" for career type jobs I've seen posted that I just don't have experience in. I am keeping my eye out for any possibility of something career oriented.
Go into a technical field that has paid internships so you get paid to learn.
Is the military still an option ?
Does your future father inlaw know you won't last that long at PepBoys ?
You're definitely getting underpaid for all those crazy hours you are working.
Originally Posted By: Mr Nice
Dumc87,
Pep Boys was sued for not paying their shop mechanics overtime, do a Google search for more info.
Unfortunately you're a hard working guy getting abused for less than $8 an hour, look for a much better job.
OT: sounds like you need a career.... not a temporary low paying job.
Would love a career, unfortunately I've been a victim of the "requires 3+ years experience" for career type jobs I've seen posted that I just don't have experience in. I am keeping my eye out for any possibility of something career oriented.
Go into a technical field that has paid internships so you get paid to learn.
Is the military still an option ?
Does your future father inlaw know you won't last that long at PepBoys ?
You're definitely getting underpaid for all those crazy hours you are working.
Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
I work at Pep Boyz for a few months. I got fired for no official reason, but it was probably because I refused to pencil-whip multi-point inspections. It was mutual. They pay was [censored]. There wasn't enough work. All I got was tires and oil changes.
The multi-point inspections help point out issues with a vehicle that one of the full-time mechanics can fix. It's kind of a scheme, but so far I've only notated legitimate concerns. However I do fail to fill out the forms in its entirety. If things look good, I move on.
I'd rather cross an item off than check it off as good. I tried doing that, but my supervisor and the district manager had to have a sit down with me about it. They wanted the inspection form completed, but they also wanted it done in five minutes. So basically they are idiots that live in the fantasy world of lying to customers to make them feel happy. I live in the real world where people die in car wrecks and lawyers love to sue large companies.
I refused to sign my name on any inspection form unless I actually did the inspeciton to my satisfaction. I am not going to be responsible if somebody's tierod end breaks or their brakes fail after they leave the store and they kill somebody. I don't pencil whip anything. In fact, when I did find obvious faults with a car, I made extensive notes about it, to the point where my manager thought it was insulting to the customers. Actually inspecting everything on their multi-point inspection will take the better part of an hour, and cannot be part of a $20, 15-minute oil change service. They could simply get rid of the extensive inspection checklist and replace it with a blank "notes" area for the mechanic to note any obvious defects or recommended services. But they are idiots.
I am having a very hard time with this! I only check off things I looked at and are obviously good; no play in tie rods or ball joints, good boot, cotter pin still in tact, etc. And I constantly ask how am I suppose to be faster? I don't see how a reasonable inspection can be done in 5 minutes. I just take the "so and so is so slow" and move on. In a perfect world, one of the mechanics is suppose to do the inspection (to find something to get paid on) while the GST performs the tire installation and/or oil change.
On the other hand, some people refuse to acknowledge their vehicles safety hazard(s). We've made note of worn suspension items and bad tires, but they were revealed upon a $20 oil change job, so the customer feels that PepBoys is trying to "get one over" on them.
Originally Posted By: Dumc87
Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
I work at Pep Boyz for a few months. I got fired for no official reason, but it was probably because I refused to pencil-whip multi-point inspections. It was mutual. They pay was [censored]. There wasn't enough work. All I got was tires and oil changes.
The multi-point inspections help point out issues with a vehicle that one of the full-time mechanics can fix. It's kind of a scheme, but so far I've only notated legitimate concerns. However I do fail to fill out the forms in its entirety. If things look good, I move on.
I'd rather cross an item off than check it off as good. I tried doing that, but my supervisor and the district manager had to have a sit down with me about it. They wanted the inspection form completed, but they also wanted it done in five minutes. So basically they are idiots that live in the fantasy world of lying to customers to make them feel happy. I live in the real world where people die in car wrecks and lawyers love to sue large companies.
I refused to sign my name on any inspection form unless I actually did the inspeciton to my satisfaction. I am not going to be responsible if somebody's tierod end breaks or their brakes fail after they leave the store and they kill somebody. I don't pencil whip anything. In fact, when I did find obvious faults with a car, I made extensive notes about it, to the point where my manager thought it was insulting to the customers. Actually inspecting everything on their multi-point inspection will take the better part of an hour, and cannot be part of a $20, 15-minute oil change service. They could simply get rid of the extensive inspection checklist and replace it with a blank "notes" area for the mechanic to note any obvious defects or recommended services. But they are idiots.
I am having a very hard time with this! I only check off things I looked at and are obviously good; no play in tie rods or ball joints, good boot, cotter pin still in tact, etc. And I constantly ask how am I suppose to be faster? I don't see how a reasonable inspection can be done in 5 minutes. I just take the "so and so is so slow" and move on. In a perfect world, one of the mechanics is suppose to do the inspection (to find something to get paid on) while the GST performs the tire installation and/or oil change.
On the other hand, some people refuse to acknowledge their vehicles safety hazard(s). We've made note of worn suspension items and bad tires, but they were revealed upon a $20 oil change job, so the customer feels that PepBoys is trying to "get one over" on them.
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