How much commission do I charge too bring in business?

[Maluco]

My cousin just recently opened an awesome shop on Midway, in Addison (Dallas) Texas and he wants to bring me in as a service advisor. Eventually I might however in the meantime I know I can send alot of business his way (I work in a building with 5,000 other vehicle owners).

I was wondering if anyone of you might be able to give me an idea of what I might charge as commission in a case like this.. I know this isn't really a common practice but I figured I would get an idea from you guys to take into negotiations with him.

Thanks

Note: anyone in Dallas that is interested in the shop, my cousin has 2 decades of years experience, working at places like Overseas and the Audi/Porsche dealership. He specializes in imports and has E30s down (has done all work on my 84 318i, 90 325is and 92 325i Cabrio). We are having the lifters installed soon and plan on a Grand Opening Party sometime in Dec or early Jan. I will keep you all posted. In the meantime, he is doing work by appointment.

(BTW: sorry if that last part was a commercial, not sure what the rules and feelings are here about that. Delete if needed)

[blunttech]

you want a commision for sending work his way?? hes your cousin. send him all the work you can and ask nothing. if and when you go to work for him talk about all the work youve sent him. until then, do a good deed for your cousin and help his business get off the ground

[Dave]

you want a commision for sending work his way?? hes your cousin. send him all the work you can and ask nothing. if and when you go to work for him talk about all the work youve sent him. until then, do a good deed for your cousin and help his business get off the ground

Seriously. Help him get up and running so he has enough business to justify bringing you in and putting you on the payroll. Things are going to be lean for him at first.

I am betting he does free work for you - you probably owe him as it is.

[808BMW]

Commision for your cousin? sounds harsh... If you don't send enough people and his business fails, do you owe him?

Personally I would just help him out and send as many people as you can his way, I've done that for my mechanic for years and never thought of asking for commision (and he's not even related)

[Justin B]

I couldnt have said it better than Blunt. Help the guy out man. Just like what Dave said, the first year or two especially are the hardest times for a business. It is already hard enough to keep their head above the water attempting to pull in a customer base, let alone having to PAY for that customer base to come to them. Refer all you can, and call it good.

[Maluco]

firstly, all of you guys are right and I commend you all for your good ethics. I failed to include that I have already sent him alot of business. However, I will not even get into it. You guys have put things back into perspective for me. There is no need for me to go this far I guess. Besides, if I am doing my job as a service advisor well i.e. selling services, parts, warranties etc. I am sure he will be compensating/paying me well.

He doesn't work on my cars at no cost but he shows me love and I have access to the company's Worlpac account which saves me lots. Not to mention the parts are of much better quality (OEM) than your average "retail" auto parts stores. After all the time I have spent around auto tech type work, I would never allow someone to do work without me paying them something.

[Bimmerista]

Where exactly is this place? Gimme a physical address. I live off of Midway Rd. & Park Blvd.

[Maluco]

Where exactly is this place? Gimme a physical address. I live off of Midway Rd. & Park Blvd.

15610 Midway, it's right before you get to Beltline on the north-bound side.

[Fidhle007]

I've been doing similar work for my mechanic too, for drumming up business he doesn't pay me anything but often gives me a discount on parts and labour (new Kuhmos, mounted and balanced for $240 FTW..) He does pay me to help him sell parts though, he parts out a lot of e28s and 2002s and I help him list stuff on ebay. I'd have to agree with the mob on this one, get a discount for drumming up business, get paid for work in the shop.

Good luck!

[808BMW]

firstly, all of you guys are right and I commend you all for your good ethics. I failed to include that I have already sent him alot of business. However, I will not even get into it. You guys have put things back into perspective for me. There is no need for me to go this far I guess. Besides, if I am doing my job as a service advisor well i.e. selling services, parts, warranties etc. I am sure he will be compensating/paying me well.

He doesn't work on my cars at no cost but he shows me love and I have access to the company's Worlpac account which saves me lots. Not to mention the parts are of much better quality (OEM) than your average "retail" auto parts stores. After all the time I have spent around auto tech type work, I would never allow someone to do work without me paying them something.

If your there day to day at a counter doing these things, by all means you should get paid.
If you are just rambling on to your friends about your cousins business and hoping for cash, you are overstepping your boundaries.

If you want to be there all the time and helping out, you should ask your cousin about a real position, if not, lay back and help as you can, but don't expect much.