Real-Life Decision Making
You are a small engine mechanic. You are dealing with the repairs of many
different types of machine engines. Each of these machines has different types
of parts. You are qualified to determine which repairs are needed.
Small engine mechanics are responsible for diagnosing what repairs need
to be done for machines with gasoline engines. These can include such items
as lawn mowers, boats and boat engines, motorcycles, chainsaws and various
other engines.
You have had a lot of experience working with various small engines, but
chainsaws are your specialty. Everyone in town knows that you are the best
small engine mechanic to bring their chainsaws to, and that is a reputation
worth keeping.
Word of mouth is one of your best forms of advertising. Since you live
in a small town, you have to make sure each of your customers leaves satisfied.
You know all the different makes, and which chainsaws are better quality.
You have found that some are definitely worth repairing while
others are so cheaply made, it is better to dispose of them and buy a new
one when they break down.
A customer brings in a chainsaw for repairs. He is wondering why it isn't
working properly and asks you to fix it. This man has been a customer of yours
before, and has come back because he was happy with the service and the costs
of labor.
You tell the customer that you will look it over, then give him an estimate.
He tells you not to bother with the estimate. He's dealt with you before,
so he says you should just go ahead with the repairs and bill him when you
are done.
You see that he needs a new piston and cylinder. The chainsaw he has brought
you is a rather inexpensive model, and wasn't built to last like some of the
more expensive models. You realize that this will end up costing your customer
anywhere from $200 to $300 when it is done.
This is a rather expensive repair. It would cost more than the chainsaw
is worth.
What do you do?