National AutoBody Research (NABR) announced it has launched its Variable Rate System (VRS)/Ray Gunder Real-Time Labor Rate Survey in Idaho, sponsored by the Idaho Autobody Craftsman Association (IACA).

Instead of producing one prevailing rate, these surveys measure and produce a range of market-based prices for shop labor and material rates, based on several factors such as a shop’s location, training, equipment and certifications. The results, according to NABR, demonstrate that shops are different and that more highly trained, certified and well-equipped shops should be paid higher prices.

As repair shops complete the online survey, NABR’s VRS calculates the range of market-based rates for several labor rates including body, paint, frame and mechanical labor, as well as paint and material rates.

“We’re delighted to be working with IACA because they’ve demonstrated fresh thinking and an understanding that new technologies can help solve business problems,” said Sam Valenzuela, president of NABR. “This survey combined with the VRS technology will help them address a longstanding industry concern of deflated labor rates, so once again Idaho shops can be paid fairly for their work.”

“Labor rates in Idaho have been too low for too long,” said Matt Thornton, executive director of IACA and owner of Parks Royal Body Works in Boise, Idaho. “We see an opportunity in the Variable Rate System to reveal true, market-based rates that more properly reflect the differences among shops and the real value of the craftsmanship employed by Idaho repairers.”

With the launch of this survey, Idaho becomes the 40th state to have labor rate data in the VRS database. In addition to Idaho, NABR recently launched the VRS Ray Gunder Survey in Florida, Georgia and Texas. Throughout 2015, NABR plans to launch surveys in all states nationwide, further enhancing the industry’s first and only independent, third-party source of real-time, market-based labor rate data.