For lost-key recoveries requiring in-circuit reads and CAN auth (e.g., 2019 Jetta SFD unlock via ODIS online), what are you getting paid? I’m running Autel IM608 Pro + VVDI Prog and cut to ±0.02 mm; $120 club calls don’t cover the risk — are $300–500 tickets standard for bench/EEPROM, or is everyone pushing hourly?
I’m at $375–475 flat for EEPROM/bench that needs SFD/online auth, then $150/hr after the first hour, and I itemize an “SFD/GEKO” line to cover erWin/ODIS costs (Domain Changed). Concrete step: take a non‑refundable diagnostic deposit and verify ownership before you lift a pad — think brain surgery with a soldering iron. Are you getting pushback above $400, or are dealers anchoring your market?
Lead with a ‘responsive design’ CodePen in your portfolio: https://codepen.io — I got quicker callbacks; some ‘remote’ roles restrict timezones.
And on VAG SFD jobs I quote $425 flat for bench/in‑circuit, then $160/hr after the first hour, and I take a $150 “ODIS/erWin” retainer up front to cover the day pass and auth time (https://erwin.vw.com). If it stays on‑car via CAN with no solder, I drop it to $325 and still itemize “SFD/GEKO” like @jessica_b88 noted. Price the risk, not the minutes — $120 club calls are for jumpstarts, not EEPROM surgery.