I’m opening a new shop from scratch. How do I find out what the competitive labor rates are in my area without just calling another shop and asking them? Other shops in my area aren’t happy about a new one being opened.
I would contact your local auto body association. The officers of that association can not only help you with labor rate information but provide you with a list of vendors, market pitfalls to watch out for, etc.
The other thing you could do is send a mystery shopper to the collision facilities around town.