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Joined: Aug 2005
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Having helped write MECP, I have to weigh in on this one.
MECP doesn't help someone know how cars come apart or go together. It doesn't help an installer to get a feel for how auto designers think. It doesn't give them a "feel" for how hard you can pull on a plastic trim panel before it breaks versus knowing when it pops out.
I am a HUGE fan of installers having theoretical knowledge (obviously, I'm a fan of theoretical info). But you can have all the theory behind you that there is and you can be a totally incompetent installer in cars. You don't need to know how AC works, or Ohm's Law, or digital-to-analog conversion, to put in a head unit. But you better be able to figure out how to take a dash apart that is often a total bear to take out, and you better do it without scratching it, and you better do it without knowing how, or having any higher authority who can help you.
Now, if you want something done that is not run of the mill - OEM HU integration to an amp, or installing an Aux switcher on your SAT radio audio line, or something like that, then your installer will need some theoretical background to know how it all works. But that's not the most important thing he's gotta know.
That's why in many shops they want to have a couple of good installers who do everyday work and one that knows how electrons really work.
As far as Best Buy, I've been having this same discussion on another forum about Circuit. Here's my take on it: If you find a good installer or install shop in a big chain store, it's not BECAUSE of that company's practices, it's in spite of that company's practices. They pay low, they don't have high standards, they advertise for customers that are on tight budgets (regardless of what Brad Anderson says) and if you as an installer at BB have high standards for your own work, good on you - but your company does NOT ensure that all customers get that level of service.
If you take pride in what you do as an installer, my best personal advice to you is, get a job at a store that can do real high end work that will allow you to grow professionally. BB doesn't carry the best products from any of their lines. Their salesmen don't know how to sell high end systems. And how long do you want to do unit and twos?
I know - I used to work at a chain store. In 1987: )
Oh, and Brad Anderson smokes crack. "We don't want those 20% of ourcustomers who only buy things on sale. They're not profitable for us."
What? That's what Best Buy IS! It doesn't say "Best Value". It doesn't say "Best Service". It says "Best Buy"!
That's like crack dealers wanting to not sell their stuff to crackheads any more!
MECP doesn't help someone know how cars come apart or go together. It doesn't help an installer to get a feel for how auto designers think. It doesn't give them a "feel" for how hard you can pull on a plastic trim panel before it breaks versus knowing when it pops out.
I am a HUGE fan of installers having theoretical knowledge (obviously, I'm a fan of theoretical info). But you can have all the theory behind you that there is and you can be a totally incompetent installer in cars. You don't need to know how AC works, or Ohm's Law, or digital-to-analog conversion, to put in a head unit. But you better be able to figure out how to take a dash apart that is often a total bear to take out, and you better do it without scratching it, and you better do it without knowing how, or having any higher authority who can help you.
Now, if you want something done that is not run of the mill - OEM HU integration to an amp, or installing an Aux switcher on your SAT radio audio line, or something like that, then your installer will need some theoretical background to know how it all works. But that's not the most important thing he's gotta know.
That's why in many shops they want to have a couple of good installers who do everyday work and one that knows how electrons really work.
As far as Best Buy, I've been having this same discussion on another forum about Circuit. Here's my take on it: If you find a good installer or install shop in a big chain store, it's not BECAUSE of that company's practices, it's in spite of that company's practices. They pay low, they don't have high standards, they advertise for customers that are on tight budgets (regardless of what Brad Anderson says) and if you as an installer at BB have high standards for your own work, good on you - but your company does NOT ensure that all customers get that level of service.
If you take pride in what you do as an installer, my best personal advice to you is, get a job at a store that can do real high end work that will allow you to grow professionally. BB doesn't carry the best products from any of their lines. Their salesmen don't know how to sell high end systems. And how long do you want to do unit and twos?
I know - I used to work at a chain store. In 1987: )
Oh, and Brad Anderson smokes crack. "We don't want those 20% of ourcustomers who only buy things on sale. They're not profitable for us."
What? That's what Best Buy IS! It doesn't say "Best Value". It doesn't say "Best Service". It says "Best Buy"!
That's like crack dealers wanting to not sell their stuff to crackheads any more!
Last edited by el_duderino; Oct 21, 2005 at 02:55 PM.
Well but and somewhat enforce my opinion of certified installers. Not knowing how to properly as well as safely dissable a vehicle is a key part slowing business down. Dont get me wrong, I am more than willing to oversee/train a beginer (given I have time), but when they have the cocky attitude that they can do anything because a piece of paper says they graduated means nothing. On the other hand a person, whether certified or not, that has an open attitude and is willing to learn new things can have my dedication and support.
The MECP certification teaches a ton of technicals, that arent really needed in an everyday real world environment.
The MECP certification teaches a ton of technicals, that arent really needed in an everyday real world environment.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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I think that is a great point. I would rather train a person who at least knows how to take cars apart and put them back together than someone with an "im certifeid so im the **** attitude". i know a lot of people go to schools like mobile dynamics and others where they pay a ton of money to get the answers given to them. i actually studied electrical theory so i have both the hands on and the knowledge to do my job. I know i am not the best installer out there and still have a ton to learn, but it come with experience. I do think being certified is important but it is equally, or more important to have the experience.
Hey there, I am manager of an independent mobile elctronics store based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. To give you an idea, these are the prices I would generally charge a G35 for installation of the previously mentioned items.
-Front Component Speaker Installation $80
-2 Channel Amplifier Installation $80
-4 Channel Amplifier Installation $100
-4080 Subwoofer Box Installation $20
Total: $280
These prices of course are for labor only. And BTW, we have been in business for over 20 years and also do much custom fabrication on high end vehicles, so it is not like we are a new shop with low prices.
-Front Component Speaker Installation $80
-2 Channel Amplifier Installation $80
-4 Channel Amplifier Installation $100
-4080 Subwoofer Box Installation $20
Total: $280
These prices of course are for labor only. And BTW, we have been in business for over 20 years and also do much custom fabrication on high end vehicles, so it is not like we are a new shop with low prices.
Last edited by sfgr415; Oct 25, 2005 at 01:26 AM.
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