I constantly hear there is nothing new with the common everyday brake job. To some it has become a commodity that is a “loss leader” at most shops where the profit are maximized be finding the cheapest brake pads possible. It has also become a commodity on YouTube with more than two million videos uploaded.  But, in reality it does not have to be this way. Think coffee and Starbucks. The Seattle coffee company turned the common cup of coffee into an experience and a chance to upgrade an American standard.

In the the 1970s, you had Folgers and Maxwell House. You could find an espresso or cappuccino at fancy restaurants, but it was always was a “Cup of Joe” everywhere else. Prices were typically 35 cents a cup  for very weak coffee. The same could be said about brake jobs today. I have heard brake jobs called “pad slaps” or “pad slaps with a side of turn and burn”.

What really excites me are products like galvanized brake pads, premium brake rotors that resist corrosion and brake shims made of multi-layer materials. This products can turn a brake job from a  “cup of joe” into a triple latte/non-fat grande with an extra shot.

These products can turn lowly brake job into a premium product/service  consumers will pay for. Depending on the region, a shop could charge an extra $40-$55 per axle.

Look at it this way, the average price for a cup of coffee is $2.50 with some prices for a latte or cappuccino around $5 a cup. People could go to a gas station or fast food resturant for a cheaper cup of coffee. But, many consumers are willing to pay for something they could get cheaper at home.

Why are people willing to pay more for a cup of coffee? Simple, it is the quality of the coffee. The same could be said for third most common automotive service, the brake job. If you use high quality brake pads and rotors, you can charge more and give the customer a better brake service.

These products can turn lowly brake job into a premium product/service  consumers will more pay for. Depending on the region, a shop could charge an extra $40-$55 per axle.

Look at it this way, the average price for a cup of coffee is $2.50 with some prices for a latte or cappuccino around $5 a cup. People could go to a gas station or fast food restaurant for a cheaper cup of coffee. But, many consumers are willing to pay for something they could get cheaper at home.

Why are people willing to pay more for a cup of coffee? Simple, it is the quality of the coffee. The same could be said for the third most common automotive service, the brake job. If you use high-quality brake pads and rotors, you can charge more and give the customer a better brake service.