Stop Lowballing: It’s Costing You the Best Talent

The automotive talent market across the UK is more competitive than ever. Dealerships, bodyshops, workshops, and OEM networks are all looking for the same skilled professionals, and the best candidates are well aware of their value. 

This is exactly why our clients choose to work with Monday Matters Recruitment. Our specialist knowledge of the automotive sector, understanding of current market rates, and ability to source high-performing candidates gives your business a significant advantage. 

However, even with expert guidance on your side, there is one common mistake that can derail an otherwise successful hiring process: presenting a lowball offer. Here’s why offering below-market pay won’t save you money, and in fact, it often ends up costing far more…

Automotive professionals know their worth

Today’s skilled technicians, service advisors, estimators, parts specialists, and workshop leaders are in high demand. They aren’t guessing what they should be earning - most are already in employment and only consider moving for a clear improvement.

When a candidate receives a low offer, it sends the wrong message immediately. It tells them:

• You don’t fully value their experience
• Your business may not invest in its people
• Their time and skills aren’t being recognise

In today’s market, a strong candidate won’t negotiate up from a lowball offer, they’ll simply withdraw and take another opportunity.

It undermines the value of partnering with a specialist agency

You partner with Monday Matters precisely because we understand the automotive jobs landscape. We know:

• Local and national salary benchmarks
• What competing employers are offering
• What motivates candidates to move
• What packages lead to successful, long-term placements

When we provide salary guidance, it’s based on up-to-date market insight, not guesswork. If you request top-quality candidates but then present a below-market offer, it significantly reduces the chances of securing them.

The outcome?

• Longer time-to-hire
• Increased risk of declined offers
• Greater recruitment costs in the long run

A competitive offer is essential if you want the process to work efficiently.

Lowballing damages your employer brand - fast

The UK automotive world is surprisingly small. Word spreads quickly among technicians, service advisors, and workshop professionals. If candidates consistently receive low offers from the same employer, a reputation develops, one that’s difficult to reverse. This can lead to:

• Fewer applicants
• More rejected interviews
• Reduced interest from experienced candidates
• A perception of poor pay or high turnover

Your offer isn’t just a number, it forms part of your brand identity.

Empty bays and unfilled desks cost you far more than a fair salary

Every day a technician bay sits empty, your business loses revenue. Every unfilled service desk role slows down your customer journey. Trying to save a few thousand pounds on a salary often costs tens of thousands in:

• Lost labour hours
• Reduced workshop capacity
• Slower turnaround times
• Lower customer satisfaction
• Missed upselling opportunities

At Monday Matters, we often help clients calculate the true cost of vacancy, and the results can be eye-opening.

Competitive offers improve retention and performance

When someone starts a new role knowing they are valued from day one, they are more committed, more productive, and far more likely to stay long term.

Candidates who feel underpaid from the outset often:

• Continue looking for other roles
• Become disengaged
• Feel undervalued
• Leave sooner, starting the recruitment cycle again

A strong initial offer sets the foundations for a stable, motivated, long-term team member.

Monday Matters advocates for fairness, not inflated salaries

Our goal isn’t to push salaries unnecessarily. Monday Matters Recruitment acts as a consultant to ensure a successful match for both employer and candidate. When we recommend a salary range, it’s because it reflects:

• Live market data
• Supply of suitable candidates
• Candidate expectations
• Your business goals
• Long-term retention outcomes

We want your new hire to arrive excited, motivated, and confident they’ve made the right move, because that benefits your business just as much as it benefits them.

Final Thoughts: Low Offers Don’t Save Money - They Cost It

If you’re working with Monday Matters Recruitment, you already understand the importance of securing quality automotive talent. Presenting a competitive offer isn’t about overspending, it’s about:

• Attracting the right candidates
• Standing out in a crowded market
• Reducing time-to-hire
• Improving retention
• Strengthening your employer brand

In short, the most successful employers don’t just hire, they hire well. And that starts with valuing the people you want to bring into your business.