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I agree that quality of work is more important than time spent on the job. I would be lived too if the flat wasnt fixed properly. But more time spent on a job doesn't indicate better quality, it only means more time. Uncertainty is times biggest consumer while working on bikes. Naturally some jobs will take longer. If it needs more time that's fine. Generally most flats I come across don't take longer, and that includes sourcing the cause and a full tire inspection where I fold the tire exposing all depris hiding that will cause the next flat. After...

The hard part about a paid per job is that the mechanics who suffer most from the wage are the best ones. An entry level mech is not worth much at a shop; they are an investment, and shouldn't expect more than they are getting. But the head mechs who are 2-3 times faster are only getting a few dollars more an hour. The best ones also spend much of their time troubleshooting for the beginner mechanics. A commission, unless it was based off the total workshop sales, would actually hurt the shop. Because knowledge is speed one knowledgable mech...

The only guys I know who really get to take advantage of the max 50% discount are the kids who still live at home with their parents. The rest can't afford to buy bikes or parts because they don't have any disposable income. I know I can't. It helps when replacing a tire or chain, those necessary items that wear out. The big issue is making a statement about the difficulty of a job you haven't had experience. Yes, working on a bike is relatively simple, but in a shop setting it is crucial that you know exactly what is...

70% off parts is a gross overstatement and a poor reason for low salaries. As someone who has been in charge of hiring a mechanic, I can say that there not many good ones. A backyard mechanic is nothing close to a pro. It take most mechanics a solid four years before they are anywhere close to being at the level needed to run a workshop. That's the problem... These mechanics are only making a couple bucks more than the beginers. They fix the mistakes, train, troubleshoot... Everything is on their shoulders. The mechanic is the shops backbone. Without one...