This is why flat rate is such a scam

@oildudes

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SoundTikTok sound · original sound - oildudes

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Why it worked

The video effectively uses a relatable problem within a specific trade (mechanics) to illustrate a broader point about pricing structures. The visual demonstration of the unexpected malfunction, combined with the creator's clear frustration, makes the argument compelling and shareable.

Summary

A mechanic explains why he avoids "flat rate" pricing by demonstrating a situation where a car's electronic parking brake unexpectedly engaged during a brake job, damaging the caliper. He expresses frustration that he now has to replace the part for free, reinforcing his belief that flat rate systems are problematic.

Structure

1Introduction to the problem with flat rate pricing
2Mechanic explains his process for a brake job
3Car's electronic parking brake unexpectedly engages
4Caliper is damaged due to the unexpected engagement
5Mechanic must replace the part for free
6Conclusion that flat rate is a scam

On-screen text

This is why flat rate is such a scam

Original caption

And this is why I’ll never go flat rate bro #mechanic #car #mechaniclife

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Transcript

And this is why I'll never go flat rate bro. I do everything by the book. I go to do a brake job, I grab my tablet, hook it up to the car, put it in brake service mode which releases the e-brakes so that you can service the brake pads. I put the new pads on, put the new rotor on, right before I go to put the caliper back on, all of a sudden I hear... *sound effect* and the parking brake re-engages. I go look at my tablet and it's still in brake service mode. So I don't know what happened between me taking the caliper off and wanting to put it back on, but somehow the car just decided it wanted to put the e-brake back on. And it pushed the piston out of the caliper. So now I got to sit here and wait on a new caliper to get here and then put it on for free, even though it's not my fault. This is why flat rate is a scam, guys.