[karmakaze]

I tried getting some work quotes not long ago and was surprised by how many local shops still don't have: (1) website that takes info and emails/calls back, (2) voicemail, or (3) having one or both of those and didn't call back all week. I suspected they had all the business they can handle. I did get a call back later in the week from one that said as much.

[mystifyingpoi]

Why would a car repair shop need a website for? All I care about is the phone number, with the hope that someone will pick it up. IDK about the world, but in Poland every single mechanic I know has no downtime at all. The better ones have queues measured in weeks or months for simple repairs. They don't care about extra business, the business will find them anyway.

[6510]

I've made that website! Just put the name and a big fat print phone number in the middle of the page.

There use to be a windows shop around here that had a game on the website where you have to throw stones at windows. Limited time per house, limited stones, more points for big windows, run away when you hear police sirens.

Hard to estimate how much extra work they got out of it but I imagine it > 0.

[karmakaze]

This particular case was for body work. Being able to upload photos makes for better estimates.

[ozim]

You can use web form to streamline the reservations or fill in drop outs.

It is not always about getting more customers.

[willwashburn]

Why don't the mechanics increase their price?

[conductr]

That generates more supply (mechanics) not less demand (volume of broken cars). Sometimes having excess demand is ideal to keep the market balanced in your favor.

[willwashburn]

Increasing price would just move up the demand curve (less people willing to spend the increased amount on fixing their broken car) and the mechanic would earn more.

ofc overtime it's likely more mechanics enter the market to compete, but that wouldn't be instant. and when it does happen the table stakes would be that everyone's phone call get's answered

idk I feel like i'm missing something basic here

[ozim]

They do.

I paid quite a lot for hauling and fixing alternator.

Same with basic house maintenance prices are through the roof.