Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology

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In this episode, Matt shares a post he wrote after seeing yet another wave of “Who’s the most affordable?” questions in a local community group. He breaks down the hidden cost of chasing the lowest price, explains the local multiplier effect, and uses behavioral economics and game theory to show why short-term savings can create long-term pain—especially in auto repair. Matt also makes the case for educating employees on how small businesses really work, why ethical profit matters, and how small choices can preserve local options for your future self.

Key themes

1. Why “most affordable” has become the default question in local recommendation threads
2. The idea that every purchase has two prices: the invoice amount and the impact on the local system
3. Local businesses as a “local multiplier”: wages, suppliers, sponsorships, taxes, and reinvestment staying nearby
4. The trap of short-term savings: hyperbolic discounting, loss leaders, and loss aversion
5. Auto repair reality check: low prices can shift costs into warranty travel, time loss, and future headaches
6. Game theory framing: a repeated prisoner’s dilemma—individual “defections” (price-chasing) add up to fewer local options
7. The skilled-trade value problem: cars depreciate while homes/buildings appreciate, shaping perceived worth of the work
8. “Profits aren’t evil”: ethical profit as doing what you said you’d do, for what you said you’d do it for
9. The case for educating employees on business economics so they understand pricing, margins, and sustainability
10. Practical compassion: offering to cover card swipe fees and understanding why local goods can cost more

Memorable lines

1. “Every purchase has two prices: the number on the invoice, and the impact on the system you live inside.”
2. “The long-term consequences are invisible… until they’re painful and hard to reverse.”
3. “Time—by far our most valuable asset.”
4. “Residents and local businesses behave a lot like a repeated prisoner’s dilemma.”
5. “Profits aren’t evil. I believe in ethical profit.”

Audience takeaway

If you always optimize for the cheapest option, you may “win” today but collectively lose tomorrow: fewer trusted local providers, fewer skilled jobs, and less community resilience—especially in specialized services like auto repair.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Thanks to our Partner, Pico Technology

Are you chasing elusive automotive problems? Pico Technology empowers you to see what's really happening. Their PicoScope oscilloscopes transform your diagnostic capabilities. Pinpoint faults in sensors, wiring, and components with unmatched accuracy. Visit PicoAuto.com and revolutionize your diagnostics today!

Contact Information

1. Email Matt: [email protected]
2. Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
3. Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

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