Vent: I just learned how much a small dent can really cost to fix right

I was reading an old trade magazine at the shop yesterday, one from 2023, and it had a breakdown of average repair costs. I always knew big hits were pricey, but the part that got me was the average cost to fix a single, small door ding with paintless dent repair. The article said it was around $150. That seemed high to me at first, but then it explained the time and skill involved. The tech has to get the right tools behind the panel, work the metal back slowly without cracking the paint, and check the light to make sure the reflection is perfect. It's not just a quick pop. It made me think about all the times I've seen people try the DIY kits from the parts store and just make it worse. That $150 is for someone who knows exactly what they're doing. How do you guys explain that kind of value to a customer who just sees a tiny dent?

3 comments

3 Comments

sarahm181mo ago

Yeah, and that's just for a simple one. If it's near an edge or a body line, the price jumps because the risk of messing it up is way higher.

john_flores1mo ago

@sarahm18 so basically they charge extra for the fear factor, got it.

ivan16524d ago

Wait, they charge more just for being near an edge? That's crazy. I saw a guy get quoted double because his tattoo was right on the collarbone. The artist said one shaky hand and the whole line is ruined. So you're basically paying for their nerves.