I'd like to hear from anyone on here who is or wants to be an installer... Particularily, if you would work for one of the big box stores or if that's a waste of time. I'm just wondering for those of you already working or still looking to get into this industry for your opinions in general about working for FShop or Bbuy.

Is it a step you would skip and instead work for a smaller outfit if you could? Is it a good stepping stone? Does the pay suck in comparison?

I appreciate your advice

 

^ I agree with most of that. The chains are great places to get a lot of experience really fast. That and things like benefits and such are valuable to have.

You can make decent money at a chain in a relatively short time and a very nice living if you become the lead installer in the bay. Of course a talented installer at an independent can make good money too.

My personal experience was very poor with independents and very positive with chains.

 

As you see i don't care either way

http://www.canadiancaraudio.com/onli...ead.php?t=3229

 

my .02. I personally wouldn't work for a big box again to save my life. I make less money now, but I have twice as much fun, half the headaches and get to work on far higher end vehicles then I ever saw at a box store. If I could take back the last 15 years of my life I would have done it all at a small shop.

Probably the best benefit of being where I am now, is that if I want to take my time and do a good job I don't have anyone breathing down my neck to blow the job out the door just to make more money.

If you are truly money driven and not passionate about what you do then by all means work for the boxes. Not to say that all box stores are like that, but the majority are only driven by how quickly they can get cars in and out. If you want to learn how to do stuff the right way the first time go indy, where someone can spend time with you to show you how.