Service plan advice

[Pfw28]

Hi all, I have been approached by several of my clients to provide a service plan on their BMWs, mainly high mileage 3s. I don't want to put my foot in my bank account, nor kill the customer. What would be a fair arrangement, in your opinion? :fencelook:

 

[Peter@AEW]

Hi all, I have been approached by several of my clients to provide a service plan on their BMWs, mainly high mileage 3s. I don't want to put my foot in my bank account, nor kill the customer. What would be a fair arrangement, in your opinion? :fencelook:

I am of the opinion that you shall put your foot in your bank account.

If a MP of sorts where to be offered I would only do it on the basis of labour but not parts.

 

[dvst8]

There is a difference between a Service Plan and a Maintenance Plan and BMW's Motor Plan.

Service Plans dont cover wear and tear items suchbas brake pads and clutches etc. A maintenance plan would. Motor Plan would cover even more.

Read through varoius Service/maintenance/motorplan contracts and then decide which one you want to offer, if any.

Remember though, large comPanies can offer these plans because they sell them in volume, where they would "lose" money on one client, they make it up on others who dont use all the benifits offered.

 

[Pfw28]

Was thinking along the lines of a labour only something, covering services and minor repairs. In terms of labour, I'd guess about 10 hrs per month, throw in a 2 weekly wash and inspection, for people who are mechanically disadvantaged, know nothing except get in and go. These cars see some rough roads, so constant checks are needed. Cost about R1000 / month. :fencelook:

 

[Raybimmer]

Paul , if this in going as per the service schedule for the relevant model , in the e36 Owners manual I can scan this and email you - you could then see it takes say 4 hours per 10 000kms ( insp I ) for instance then 8 hours for the next 10 000 km ( insp II ) .

There was an ad in the Daily Dispatch here late last year/early this year by the local agents where prices for services of bm's out of MP were given . This would also be a good indicator .

 

[Pfw28]

Paul , if this in going as per the service schedule for the relevant model , in the e36 Owners manual I can scan this and email you - you could then see it takes say 4 hours per 10 000kms ( insp I ) for instance then 8 hours for the next 10 000 km ( insp II ) .

There was an ad in the Daily Dispatch here late last year/early this year by the local agents where prices for services of bm's out of MP were given . This would also be a good indicator .

If I were doing only services, per the book, agreed, but all these vehicles have issues; suspension, brakes, minor electrical faults, loose bits etc, which are covered, hence the time allowance. Labour to remove engines if needed also, though I don't open engines or gearboxes, no clean facilities or adequate know how as yet. Basically, all running repairs, which add up fast on gravel roads. Also, that's why this thread, I want to know if I'm overdoing it.:rollsmile:

 

[Raybimmer]

Paul I can not predict the lotto numbers , can you predict the hours a vehicle will need over a time taking into account the driver will ride it like he stole it and expect you to fix everything .

Is this idea from customers side or yours ?

Is it worth starting a service plan as per the book for servicing only for say a year and then see how it goes ? You could keep record at each service of items that may need replacing . I think you may be putting youself in a corner .

Why not get a mechanical guarantee policy agency to cover these guys , you do the normal servicing and sell the guarantee and handle claims and do the work if approved .:thumbs:

 

[Twinz]

Eish...this is an undertaking.

I would explore the various MPs/service plans and vehicle warranty options available such as Hollard and act as agent for (those) insurers/underwriters. But i would not undertake the insurer/underwriter or MP/SP service or product myself...the risk loom too large

 

[Pfw28]

While I appreciate the problems, and the risks (I set up a fleet care company for a rental firm, planning for a fleet of 10,000), my client base is so small that both are minimised. I'm looking at max 20 vehicles, all known to me personally, so assessments are not SO hard. My aim is for a planned maintenance schedule in the end, once the vehicle is all ok, then I can look at reduced charges. My customers are mechanically DUMB! They have 0 mechanical knowledge, just get in and go. They don't even notice if something is wrong, until it breaks.:ty:

 

[Raybimmer]

[/color]

While I appreciate the problems, and the risks (I set up a fleet care company for a rental firm, planning for a fleet of 10,000), my client base is so small that both are minimised. I'm looking at max 20 vehicles, all known to me personally, so assessments are not SO hard. My aim is for a planned maintenance schedule in the end, once the vehicle is all ok, then I can look at reduced charges. My customers are mechanically DUMB! They have 0 mechanical knowledge, just get in and go. They don't even notice if something is wrong, until it breaks.:ty:

This is the problem , especially with bm parts prices how can you predict a cost ? These cars are being ridden on bad roads by bad drivers , no mechanical sympathy .

 

[Pfw28]

[/color]

While I appreciate the problems, and the risks (I set up a fleet care company for a rental firm, planning for a fleet of 10,000), my client base is so small that both are minimised. I'm looking at max 20 vehicles, all known to me personally, so assessments are not SO hard. My aim is for a planned maintenance schedule in the end, once the vehicle is all ok, then I can look at reduced charges. My customers are mechanically DUMB! They have 0 mechanical knowledge, just get in and go. They don't even notice if something is wrong, until it breaks.:ty:

This is the problem , especially with bm parts prices how can you predict a cost ? These cars are being ridden on bad roads by bad drivers , no mechanical sympathy .

---

This is the problem , especially with bm parts prices how can you predict a cost ? These cars are being ridden on bad roads by bad drivers , no mechanical sympathy .

I can't predict, just estimate, and covering labour only. Also, these guys are all on a budget, so they can't buy their spares all at once, thus only so much work can be done with the spares bought. They limit themselves! If they can't afford the parts, the car stands until.. That's how it works now with them, but they must go 200km to get this much service. MY SECRET WEAPON! :rollsmile:

 

[Raybimmer]

Ok , what about a trial with 3 or 4 for say 6 months ?