Flat rate system is used just about every shop-Example ---You get a repair job & time guide says 4hrs to do it...customer est is 4hrs plus parts---& that's what he/she is charged...you do job in 3 hrs & get paid for 4--however if it takes you 5 hrs-you still get paid for 4...to make good money, you need to be fast,organized & have the best proper tools..(you BUY tools-can tie up lots of $$ & used tools don't bring much on resale..Soye dealers will pay a bonus if you hit 45 hours or more-some gruantee 30-35 hours per week to cover training,snow days & slow shop schedule....of course this system favors the dealer,they r charging around a hundred bucks & pay the techs 20 to 25...hope this helps....I can tell you this-expect to get greasy & dirty lol

Auto repair jobs are getting more difficult to keep as the shops and dealerships continue to charge customers more per while the tech rate of pay stays the same. Flat rate means the repair technician accepts and carries pretty much all of the liability and the shops carry very little or none.