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Old 07-26-2006, 04:10 PM   #12
8sum8
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Brea, CA
Posts: 24
Porsche dealers definately charge much more than most other auto dealerships. Even much more than BMWs and MBs. But again, I think, to a great extend, it is a question of economics. The number of porsches sold annually is a drop in the bucket compared to the other brands. But porsche dealerships are expected to maintain above average facilities both in terms of looks and services. Although, at times, the quality of service, are questionable. They are expected to have the expertise, the equipment, and the ability to service faster or at least as quickly as other dealerships. An that is what makes the math and econoimics difficult to reconcile. Because of the level of service expected, porsche dealerships have difficulty scaling back the number of employees. Although the following example is simplistic; but you will get what I am getting at.

Assuming an oil change tech can do 12 cars a day. But at a porshe dealership, you only have 4 cars a day coming in for oil change. At the same time, it can't operate with only one tech. What if the guy calls in sick? So, you have a 2nd tech. Now you have two techs doing 4 cars. A Honda dealership may, in fact be doing 24 cars a day. Even if it has 3 techs (i.e. one floater), it is still ahead and be able to charge less for its services. That is why Jiffy Lube can charge you $25 for an oil change. They do more than 12 cars a day per tech.

The above example is only about labor. There is also the issue of equipment. A porsche dealership will, like oil change, do much less alignments on a given day. But, the alignment equipment cost the same.

Its all economics. But that's the price for owing a porsche. Hey, don't get me wrong. I do wish, those charges were cheaper.

Last edited by 8sum8; 07-26-2006 at 04:13 PM.
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