I am in the process of selling my 993 (raising much needed cash) and the guy who does all the repairs and oil changes for me connected me with the buyer. I searched the archives and although there are several references to finders fees, it is really just in passing -- nothing serious. The mechanic really only gave me a phone number -- I sold the car to the buyer, not him. I don't want to give a full commission because I don't think his effort warrants it in this case.

The car is selling for $33k -- does anybody have any recommendations?

 

In my sales experience even just doing a small amount of the sale usually warrants half the commission so that's a good target....only you can determine half of what because technically you owe him nothing. Personally I'd probably throw him $330 or 1% of the sale....I think that would be fair.....

 

Is he *asking* for a commission or do you just feel he deserves one?

My experience in this sort of thing says you oughtta give him a "nickel" -- $500. He ought to be very happy to get that.

Vic
95 C4

 

you dont legally owe him anything, but consider that car locators get about 6% of purchase price. If the trade works out, then this guy really helped you and saved u lots of time, plus, he is a reference for you b/c he works on the car and can say the car is good and well cared for.
Therefore, i would definitely give him 500-1000 and be glad you are done.
Especially if you get another pcar in the future and continue to use this guy.

 

I've never dealt with a finders fee, but I've sold a number of cars and agree that at least $500 would be very fair. It's worth $500 just to not have 10 test pilots come over to check out your car.

 

I helped a guy sell his 993 and he gave me $1,000 for it, a fee that I did not ask for and was very surprised to receive.

 

"Only giving a phone number" shouldn't be understated. He lined up the buyer and whether he worked hard or smart to do that I would give him something. $500 seems fair to me.

 

I agree with MonkeyBoy, just avoiding the guys that want to go test drive your "porsch" (and see what else you have in your garage), see where you live, etc. has got to be worth $500.00.

 

$500 would probably be the appropriate/honorable way to go. The others are right, you would have probably ended up paying close to $2000 for a "real" broker in this case.

 

Thank you all. I will be giving him $500. He never asked or even mentioned fees -- I felt it was only right to bring it up in all of our conversations. He is getting paid for the PPI and he will always be my mechanic, so I think this is the right way to go! Thanks again for the good advice! As always, this board has been right on target and helpful.

 

$500 is going rate

 

good job!

 

I agree with Rob 97 that your mechanic giving the car a clean bill of health to the buyer (assuming he must have) is worth the $500 right there. That's the real value and the fact that he didn't ask for anything gets him more generosity in my book. I always appreciate the guy who asks for nothing in a case like this. My .002

 

This mechanic is a true pro -- he wouldn't give a clean bill of health if the car is not clean! It turns out there are several leaks -- gaskets, oil cooler, power steering, etc. The rear deck lid hydraulics are out and the AC needs to be recharged. He informed the buyer of this and I have no problem -- he is proud of his reputation. Also, the buyer has been using him as his mechanic on his P-Cars for years! Nonetheless, it seems the mechanic is doing what he can to help the sale. (He told me how he advised the buyer and it was all good for me!)

 

Or, 10 ex-professional race car drivers who swear they know how to drive. Only to find out later they just learned to drive stick....on your car

Definitely worth $500. Chances are, you'll once again have a P-car and use this same mechanic. Good gesture(sp?) on your part to kick him back some c-notes