Car audio install...What should the rates be?
 

Im not going to post this in the Audio Section, because it doesn't relate to Mercedes.

I will be doing a full install on a early 90's Mitsu Eclipse. 6 speakers, a headunit, and subs. The owner says he wants dual subs, which means even more work for me.

This includes running a 4 guage wire through the firewall to the rear of the vehicle. Since the kid didn't order through Crutchfield, we dont get all the little adaptors that make life easy. :mad:

What should I charge? I will be working with a friend.

I was thinking along the lines of $50 per person would be a good deal. I wont go below $40 each. I honestly think we should be getting more money, but im only in High School.

It's a 9 hour job at the least. 9 hours X $6.00= $54

I also think 6 dollars an hour is a low rate. We have a skill. This isn't Burger King, but once again, im only in High School.

So, what does everyone think?

Let this be your first lesson in business. Don't be afraid to ask what you believe it's worth. Believe, not think. Do your research, ask around. So what if you're only in HS.

Set an hourly rate BEFOREHAND and keep an honest tally of your time. That's fair for both parties, and if you treat your customer right, you'll probably get more "business" through word of mouth!

I see your reasoning.

No one wants to drop 100 bucks on some HS kids. My "customer" who is also in HS could just as easily take it to Best Buy, or Circuit City, so I dont want to be an idiot about this and overcharge. At the same time, I dont want to be underpaid.

Find out what the competition at CC and BB charge and do the same.

Do the "big guys" do installs of carry-in equipment? I thought they only gave install "deals" on store-purchased components. That would make their rates hard to beat, as I'm sure they price accordingly. There was a thread in DD some time ago about a fellow who took his car to BB for an amp install... the tech used sheet metal screws to mount the amp and ruptured the guy's fuel tank. Ooops!

I have no idea. A guy at the local MB dealer has done hi-fi work on 2 of my last 3 cars. I provided the parts. Prior to that, I used the local high end hi-fi dealer on my Porsche.

In a more objective light, the stores provide all the tools, connectors and other parts. The folks there get a lot of practice, and they are obligated to provide insurance and a warranty.

In this case, it sounds as one person is offering a favor for the other. The other is taking a chance. But as long as the work is competent in both time and skill the wage ought to be competitive. If it’s a learning experience, it ought to be priced accordingly.