DealersEdge Professional Forums

I realize this will vary from state to state but what is the general consensus or formula for billing cleaners, hazardous waste removal or shop supplies in general to a customer ticket?
Also, do we all agree that nuts, bolts, fasteners, wire ties, etc. should be inventoried and sold per piece?
Your thoughts please.

We used to charge Hazardous waste, shop supplies as a % of labor on each RO. After a DMV review we paid a fine and changed shop suppl. build in to labor rate, Hazardouse waste on approved parts only and as of nuts and bolts the are listet as per item on RO, caned cleaners etc. are biled out as a unit; if there should be some left over in a can it will be kept with the customers old parts for his usage or disposal as the customer chooses (granted there are some Items they should be keept out of the reach of customers). Our State regulations are quite clear on this matter and we try to keep our work live as simple as possible.

In washington we charge 7% of the labor, up to $21.00 on haz waste and misc supplies. Seldom get any flak from customers and it's the first thing to go if we have to edit an RO.

Inventory all this stuff ? Only if you have no alternative. Look at it this way: if you had to make a written notation *every time* you used a staple, paper clip, or white-out, how long do you think you keep it up ?
Probably about 2 days, I'd say.

I've tried the inventory-and-charge-out-each-nut-and-bolt method before. Just too much aggravation. My hat's off to anyone who can make it work.

Cheers,
Doug

We charge 7% of labor, up to $14.88 (I try not to round off the number).

I would never try to inventory and then keep track of that stuff, all of my people are worth way more than that to me turning wrenchs or selling.

I would, however, suggest you consider posting an information style memo, letter or what have you, stating what these charges are for and some of the items included. The lengthier, the better. I have found including such terms as "Environmental Waste" and such are a real diffuser to potential complaints. We will remove any and all charges at the first whimper, no questions asked.

If anybody is interested, I have an example of the letter we posted in each advisors office, the customer lounge and at the cashiers office. It really works well.

Obviously none of you are from California.We cannot collect for any shop supplies, but can collect for haz. waste. at cost orgnly. Knowing what we pay for haz waste, howcan some of you charge $20+ for haz. waste?? When you continue to do this, theGovernment will take it away from you. Be careful or you will loose it.

Mike