[mkaic]

Wound up being ~1200 bucks because they had to fully replace the lock, the ignition, and the battery. Also because they charged me 120/hour for labor, but what can I say—LA repairs for LA prices! I also didn't spend time getting competing quotes from different shops, so it's totally possible they charged me way more than market rate, but at the end of the day I have my car back and I am fortunate enough to still be able to pay my bills so it all worked out in the end.

[mikestew]

so it's totally possible they charged me way more than market rate

At $120? Any software dev in LA with any experience is probably at $75/hour, and they don't have to outfit an entire shop with compressors, lifts, and pricey alignment racks. At $120 in Southern California, you ought to be crowing about the deal you got.

It reminds me when I was a pro mechanic years ago, and the biggest whiners about the hourly rate were doctors and lawyers. Excuuuuse me, Mr. Bills-at-Twice-the-Rate-I-Do?

[mkaic]

At the end of the day, I didn't care too much about price because they did good work, were friendly, and got me my car back! You're right, highly skilled labor like mechanics work has the right to command higher rates.

[mechanical_bear]

No, the software dev has to outfit themselves with expensive computers, constantly changing software, and years of knowledge.

[mikestew]

Sounds a lot like a modern auto mechanic, only without the $20K lifts and a toolbox with $10K worth of tools it.

I mean, you’re not seriously trying to compare capex between an automotive shop and a software dev are you? :-)

[mechanical_bear]

I am trying to compare them. I know the software dev might not be as high, but it is directly comparable and can be expressed in USD for easy comparison.

My dev machine was about 5k, and I will build another one in another 3-4 years. My tablet was 1.5k. My phones for dev purposes are numerous and run 5-800 each. These get replaced every year or three. My primary laptop was 3k, I will buy another in another 3-4 years. My secondary laptop was 1k, it will probably last 4-5 years. My monitors were 1.5k each. I’m sure I’ll use those for 6-7 years. I have three. My test server was 5k. I will probably build a new one in 5-7 years. My sit/stand desk was 1k, my chair was almost 1k. Etc, etc… All of my tools are expendable on a much shorter time table than your mechanic tools.

Your 10k of snap on tools are good for life.

[bdavis__]

dallas / ft worth you pay about $125 an hour for shop labor.

lot's of places have a placard with a $200 rate, but they never charge that much. (replaced headlights, they broke a wire, spent all morning on the car, cost was $250 in labor).

at least my experience, dealing with independents. i am sure a dealer has no shame on the rate and the hours.