[asphaltgambler]

Problem is most people want, even demand a great Technician, but no one company is willing to sacrifice some profit to pay a minimum, base rate, or gaurantee. If I diagnose and repair the veh correctly the first time, on time I have completed my obligation. But if someone at the front counter p*sses the customer off, or the *****ty parts I install go south, or a miriad of other things go wrong where does that leave me??

If I have completed my task correctly but something else goes wrong, I suffer. This business is the only one where a highly skilled blue collar workers are fully commisioned. All other trades journeyman level electricians, plumbers, finish carpenters. HVAC guys are hourly w/performance bonus. They (in most cases) are supplied with a van, phone, tools, benefits and their companies still turn a profit

My gross income this year is down $35K from mid '07 level