What’s the best part about being a mechanic?
It’s not ordering parts, chasing down customers, marketing or accounting.
No, the best part of about being a mechanic is working on cars.
However, automotive mechanics that get into business for themselves often spend most of their time doing things other than car repair.
It takes a lot of work to run a business, and this most likely pulls you away from what you love most.
Luckily, though, there is a solution, and it’s called YourMechanic.
YourMechanic does all the work you don’t want to, leaving you free to set your own schedule and spend your valuable time working on cars and nothing else.
It’s yet another company using technology and the gig economy to make people’s lives better.
Does YourMechanic seem like something that might be for you?
Then read on to learn more about what YourMechanic is and how you can get started working as a freelance mechanic.
What is YourMechanic?
YourMechanic is a virtual auto repair shop that uses mobile mechanics to make house calls.
They rely on a network of independently contracted local mechanics to travel to people’s homes or offices to make repairs.
Because they do it this way, they claim that their auto repairs cost around 50 percent less than the services offered by most repair shops.
YourMechanic was founded in 2012 in Mountain View, Calif., where it is currently headquartered.
Since then it has expanded to hundreds of cities across the United States.
It is available in all major markets across the country, but you can also use YourMechanic in countless other smaller cities and towns.
Check here for the full list to see if YourMechanic is available in your area.
How Does YourMechanic Work?
For customers, YourMechanic is really easy to use.
All you need to do is go onto their website or mobile app or give them a call.
Get a Quote
When you contact YourMechanic, specify the make and model of your car, including the year, and also what problem you are looking to have serviced.
Based on the information you provide, YourMechanic will give you a quote for the total cost.
This will include a detailed breakdown of parts, as well as labor charges.
YourMechanic calculates labor based on how much time it estimates the job will take.
If it takes more or less time, you still pay the same rate.
The labor charge varies by city, but it is typically between $60-90 per hour.
If you are unsure of the problem, then you can schedule a diagnostic appointment, which will also cost between $60-90 depending on the city.
Make an Appointment
Once you have your quote, you will be able to schedule an appointment.
Then, the mechanic will come to the location you’ve chosen, and they will fix your car right on the spot.
Customers pay online and are not required nor expected to tip YourMechanic.
The mechanic will also perform a 50-point inspection of your car, the results of which you will be able to see in your online account.
To make it easier for you to keep up with your car, YourMechanic can set up an online maintenance schedule for you.
They base it on your vehicle information and the result of your 50 point inspection.
All repairs come with a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty.
Working for YourMechanic
Once you’ve been approved to work for YourMechanic, a process that will be outlined later, getting work is quite easy.
The first thing you need to do is download the YourMechanic app.
Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to set your availability.
You decide how often you want to work.
The options are part-time or full-time and whether you can work evenings or weekends.
However, you will also have the opportunity to reject or accept jobs that come your way, so saying you’re available doesn’t always mean you need to work.
Accepting a Job
When a customer requests a job you’re qualified for, you will get a notification.
It will include all the details of the job plus the pay you can expect for it.
If you feel comfortable with the job, then all you need to do is accept.
It will be put onto your schedule, and the app will provide your details to the customer, and it will also give you theirs.
Any parts for the job will be ordered at this point, and you can check the status of parts orders within the app.
Going to a Job
If the assigned job requires parts, then your first stop will be at YourMechanic’s “home store.”
They will provide the location details of this store when you sign up.
Pick up the parts and then head to the location specified in the app.
When you’ve arrived, give the customer a call.
Their phone number will be in the app as well.
Related: The 9 Best Apps for YourMechanic Workers.
Once you’ve started, make sure to “Check In” on the app, as this is how YourMechanic knows that you’ve followed through and gone to a job.
Then, all that’s left to do is the assigned work.
You are responsible for doing only the work that has been requested.
If customers want you to do something else, then you must instruct them to make another appointment through the app.
Otherwise, this could result in you working for free.
Getting Paid
Once you’ve completed the job, then you will perform YourMechanic’s 50-point inspection and enter the details into the app, and that’s about it.
Want to know what the 50 point inspection is like?
Payments are processed through the app, so you do not need to collect any money from the customer.
You will be paid weekly from YourMechanic according to how many jobs you completed.
You do not need to worry about paying for parts.
This is done by YourMechanic.
What Types of Jobs Will You Be Expected to Do?
Part of what makes YourMechanic unique is that the mechanics travel to the customer.
However, as a mechanic, this means you will need to do all of your work away from the auto shop.
So, you might be wondering what types of jobs you will perform “on location.”
Your Mechanic advertises that it can provide over 500 different types of service.
It’s impossible to list all of these here, but know that the majority of your jobs will be:
- Brake replacement and maintenance
- Tire rotations
- Timing belt replacements
- 30/60/90k service
- Alternator repairs and replacements
- Air conditioning and heating work
- Battery replacements
- Oil changes and other fluids work
Rather than listing all 500 jobs you might work on, let’s look at the few jobs you won’t be expected to do.
The main jobs that fall outside the scope of YourMechanic’s service are:
- Tire replacements
- Collision damage
- Lengthy engine repairs and overhauls
- Transmission jobs
How Much Can You Make Working for YourMechanic?
YourMechanic advertises that it only works with the best mechanics, and this means they pay industry standard wages.
How much you make will ultimately depend on how often you work, what types of jobs you do, and also the city in which you live.
Mechanic’s salaries in larger cities tend to be higher.
However, the average hourly wage for a YourMechanic is between $40-50 per hour.
Take into account that you’re paid for travel time and the job.
You don’t need to worry about any other aspect of the business.
This goes in line with one of YourMechanic’s core values: paying mechanics to spend more time doing what they love.
How to Become a Mechanic for YourMechanic
By now, the benefits YourMechanic provides to both car owners as well as mechanics should be clear.
So, you may be wondering how you can get in on the action.
Well, the first thing you need to do is check to see if YourMechanic operates in your city.
They are currently working in over 5,000 cities across the U.S., so your chances are pretty good, but take a look anyway.
To give you an idea, here’s a list of all the cities in which Your Mechanic is currently hiring:
The next step is to apply.
The first phase of the application process is simple.
All you need to do is fill out a short form with your personal information.
Here’s a look at the form you will need to complete:
Another page will come up where you will need to provide more information – not only about yourself but also your qualifications.
Next, you will enter your desired hours and how far you’re willing to drive.
Then you’ll outline your years of experience as a mechanic and what types of cars your comfortable working on.
Here’s what this part of the process looks like:
The next step is to go into more detail about your experience with each type of car.
YourMechanic has their own system for explaining your qualifications that asks you to identify your skill level both with repairs and also with diagnostics.
The last step is to tell YourMechanic Which tools you own.
This will help them understand how well-suited you are for the job requests they receive.
Once you’ve finished this step, you click “continue” to submit your application.
The folks at YourMechanic will review your application, and if they feel that you meet the qualifications, they will contact you.
In this phone interview, they may ask you about your experience and whether or not you have certifications like ASE.
The representative will then explain your next steps, which are to undergo a background check and also submit copies of your certifications.
Another purpose of the interview is to gauge your customer service skills, so keep this in mind when talking with the YourMechanic representative.
Check out this guy’s phone interview experience with YourMechanic.
Only the Best
In general, the application process for YourMechanic is fairly simple.
But getting hired is not.
YourMechanic is interested in hiring the best possible mechanics, and this means that only about 2-5 percent of those who apply get hired.
But don’t let this discourage you.
According to YourMechanic, most people get rejected because of a lack of experience dealing with customers rather than their skills as a mechanic.
So, make sure to be friendly and personable during your interview to improve your chances of getting hired.
Why Work For YourMechanic?
If you’re still on the fence about working for YourMechanic, consider the following:
- You get to set your own hours: nights, weekends, or full-time. If you work in an automotive repair shop already, then you can work for YourMechanic after hours and make extra cash.
- Work as much or as little as you want.
- Get paid a fair rate. Rates are flat, and YourMechanic doesn’t do any warranty work, making sure you get the best rate possible.
- Receive weekly payments. YourMechanic handles things with customers so that you don’t have to. Money is deposited in your account weekly. No hassle involved.
- You get PTO. YourMechanic understands you’re a real person, so they provide you with the option to take paid vacation.
- Free yourself from having to track down payments, find employees, order parts, find clients, etc. You work fixing cars and nothing else.
- Get more customer contact.
- Stick to smaller, easier to handle jobs, not large engine or transmission overhauls.
Some Things to Consider
Like any job, there are some things you will need to keep in mind when deciding if you want to become a mechanic for YourMechanic.
Generally speaking, these things aren’t major issues, but you should be aware of them before you start working:
- Flat rate payments include travel time, so keep this in mind when choosing to accept or reject a job. An hour commute both ways plus time spent stopping for parts cuts into your hourly rate and might make a job less profitable.
- Customer service is critical. After a job, customers will rate their experience. The higher your ratings, the more jobs you’ll get. Make sure you show up with a smile and that you do your best to leave customers with a positive impression.
- You will need to provide your own tools. The customer purchases the parts and YourMechanic orders them, but you do need to have the tools to do the job. It may make sense to buy those you don’t have, but keep track of these expenses to help make sure you’re bringing in the best hourly rate.
- You’re an independent contractor, which means you get lots of freedom and flexibility. However, it also means that you will need to take care of your taxes. All the money you receive from YourMechanic is not yours. Some of it belongs to Uncle Sam. So as you start working, consider speaking to an accountant or tax professional to make sure you’re putting enough money aside for your taxes.
- You’re insured while on the job, so should something happen, YourMechanic has your back.
- Customers are told not to tip, and asking for one could hurt your rating.
- You’re only paid for the jobs orchestrated by YourMechanic. If you show up to someone’s house and they ask you for extra work, tell them to schedule it through the app. Performing jobs offline, or for free, violates YourMechanic’s terms of service, and this could hurt you down the road.
For most people, these issues won’t be major.
But it’s smart to know what you’re getting into before you start so that there aren’t any surprises.
YourMechanic is well-positioned to change the auto repair industry completely.
Cheaper, faster repairs make customers happy, and more work and fewer headaches make mechanics happy.
If you’re a qualified auto mechanic looking for a way to make some money, reduce stress, or both, then consider becoming a YourMechanic worker today.
