All Professional Installers please reply.

Hi everyone,

Heres the low down... I'm getting my new business of the ground and was wondering if all of you can help me with the prices to charge? 

Do you charge by a regular HOURLY Labor rate... no matter what the install?

Do you install a certian item (example a remote start and alarm combo) for 1 price... and another (example Amplifier and subwoofer system) for another price? 

Do you all charge the MSRP on the items you sell?

Do you have weavers the people signs before you do an install on there car?

All the information everyone can provide will help me a great deal..

THANKS EVERYONE!

Do you charge by a regular HOURLY Labor rate... no matter what the install?

• We charge a basic rate for basic installations like RS, alarms, head unit installations, etc ( you know all the basic stuff ). When it comes down to custom work we charge per hour, but we usually never charge the full hours worked. We give the customer a list of hours charged against them and work out a deal because they usually buy the equipment from us.

Do you install a certian item (example a remote start and alarm combo) for 1 price... and another (example Amplifier and subwoofer system) for another price? 

• Yes, this way you can charge accordingly when a vehicle you know will take longer because of bypasses or you know that the car is harder to take apart for running wires for amps & RCA's. Having a set rate of charge gives the customer a better idea of what is involved as far as costs are concerned, rather trying to give them a rough time frame that it will be finished in.

Do you all charge the MSRP on the items you sell?

• Never.... can't sell anything then. Up here it's cut throat because everyone here are Mennonites !!

Do you have weavers the people signs before you do an install on there car?

• No, waivers are for the installers or shop owner's that are not confident in their employees and their own company. To me this shows the customers a weak managed installation facility and a lack of trust in the ability of the installers. You can but in the end, if you screw something up..... it's still your fault no matter what a little piece of paper says..... although if the customer signs it, they waive any responsibility of damage against you.

Thanks Jeff for the info. 

if i may be so blunt... what are your actuall prices for the diffrent types of instalation?   without the purchase of the item from you.

Thanks again!

• Remote Starter Installation: ( includes type A & B door lock systems )  : $ 100.00
• If it's a Type c, d or F then I charge according on how many relays are needed + time
• All other accessories are $ 35.00 installation charge per hour + the price of the equipment : this includes: power trunk release, windows, sunroof
• transponder bypasses I charge $ 35.00 base price for any vehicle that needs it. If the vehicle is brought to me and I supply the bypass + remote starter I charge $ 125.00 for installation
• Head Unit installation : Basic ( this is if I know what to expect ) : $ 35.00
• speaker installation: ( car specific ) Basic $ 35.00 per pair and this would be co-axial not components
• amp installation: Basic ( install on back of seat & run wires to HU & battery ) $ 50.00
• alarm installation: $ 100.00 ( add more for accessories )

Thanks for you help Jeff!

This info give me a good base to start at.

Thanks again!

head unit 47.99

2speakers 31.99

2channel amp 49.99

4channel amp 59.99

dedicated changer/satellite radio 59.99

modulated 69.99

dash kits (except for some fords and a few other exceptions) 15.99

harnesses (except for the toyota and ford premium amp integrators) 15.99

antenna adapters 10.99

speaker harnesses 4.99

there is also a 4.00 materials charge for anything that comes into the bay

Thanks for the replys guys!

All this info helps me a great deal!

Slobert - You work at a Best Buy don't you.....