Most Kenyan garages price their work by gut feel. A technician glances at the vehicle, names a number, and the customer either nods or walks away.

That is not a pricing strategy. That is gambling.

The three components of every repair price

Every job has three cost components: parts, labour, and diagnostics. Price each separately.

Parts are the easiest. You have an invoice from your supplier and a standard markup. Most Kenyan garages run a markup of 20 to 40 percent on parts, higher on rare or imported components.

Labour is where garages get tripped up. If you do not know your hourly cost, you cannot price labour consistently.

Diagnostics is a distinct service. A 30-minute scan with a diagnostic tool is not the same as a 30-minute oil change.

Calculating your true labour rate

Start with what a technician costs you per month: salary, statutory deductions (PAYE, SHIF, NSSF, Housing Levy), leave, and any uniform or tool allowance. Then divide by the productive hours they actually work.

Say a mid-level technician costs you KES 45,000 a month all-in once you add statutory contributions, and works 160 productive hours. That is KES 281 per hour. Add rent, utilities, admin, and profit. Most Kenyan garages land between KES 800 and KES 1,800 per hour for standard labour.

Post that rate. Customers respect transparency.

Markup on parts: common traps

Do not markup parts you did not source. If the customer brings their own spare and asks you to fit it, you charge labour only, plus a small fitting fee.

Do not hide markup in the labour line. Customers eventually notice and it damages trust.

Do not discount parts to win a job. Discount the labour if you must, but leave parts at a fair margin.

Diagnostic pricing

Diagnostics is a distinct service and should be billed separately. A full vehicle inspection with a written report is worth KES 2,000 to KES 5,000 depending on depth.

Some garages charge for diagnostics and then credit it against the repair if the customer proceeds. That is a good compromise. It discourages tyre-kickers while rewarding real customers.

When to negotiate and when to walk

Negotiate on scope, not on price. If the customer wants to spend less, offer fewer services, not the same services at a lower rate.

If a customer pushes hard below your cost, walk away. A job you lose money on is worse than no job.

Put prices on paper

Every quote should be a written document with an itemised parts list, labour hours, and diagnostics. Signed by the customer before work starts.

Gariclaim generates itemised quotations from your item catalogue and price lists, so every quote is consistent and every approved job is auditable.

Start a free trial and stop guessing on price.

How to Price Auto Repair Services in Kenya