Request for Review

RFR? What’s that?
An "RFR" stands for Request for Review, a form through which to challenge the ADP, Mitchell and Motor’s time estimates, and specifically, the "not included" portions for a given repair procedure. Also, with regard to group labor times, watch for mechanical operations that are included but are only paid at body rate. By using RFR’s regularly, you can increase your bottom line significantly! Why? Because by not doing so, some—or many—of the steps required of you and your technicians for say, R&I absorbers, R&I grilles, etc., are done as part of the procedure but you don’t or haven’t gotten paid for them because in many instances, these operations were "not included" in the time estimate!! Resolve right now to question the labor times—don’t be afraid to ask!—and get paid for the steps that you must perform! Better yet, doing so helps the entire industry because the changes that come about are then incorporated into subsequent editions of the database.

              Download "Request for Review" form

Keep in mind too, that time estimates are based on new, undamaged OEM parts. Consequently, if you specify or are having to salvaged/recycled parts that labor and refinish times must be adjusted upwards accordingly. If there is a part that does not have a time beside it or the word "included", challenge it. Theses databases, for a true professional and astute business person, are the single largest key to profitability!
The procedure is simple and the best way to do it is in writing; that’s what the form is for. By challenging the time in writing, nothing gets overlooked. Address any questions on labor and refinish times you may have and then, fax it to the RFR Department of the particular information provider shown below:

Provider                         RFR Department Fax

ADP                          (510)866-4838

Mitchell                     (800)854-7030 (outside California)
                                (619)578-4752 (in California)

Motors (CCC)            (813)828-0215

Normally, it takes up to several days to receive an answer. The result will not always agree with your position. If necessary, challenge their answer(s) by providing them additional information, your expertise, reasoning and the facts. Learn to "live and breathe" the word "RFR" and watch your profits start to climb!