Asking and getting a raise is in some ways like being a sales person, you have to sell yourself. Sometimes just doing a good job isn't enough. Some have said it'* like selling yourself in a poker game.

You have to somehow show or prove to them that they need you and that you are worth every penny you’re asking for.

Sometimes I got too busy at work to actually do performance appraisals so some of the employees would take me aside and I would be surprised at how motivated and prepared they were at selling themselves to me. They brought certain value added job decryption that they performed and made me realize that they were worth every penny that they were asking and if I didn't pay them what they asked for I risked loosing there experience and ultimately them. Some were so prepared that they told me every since task that they performed above and beyond there basic job description and that made me realize that they were motivate.

In other words, they showed me that I needed them and were worth every penny they were asking for.

Raise granted.

500 a week after taxes is what around 17 bucks an hour? not bad for working in a body shop at least around here.

my friend has been working at this body shop for 2 years (college certificate, etc) and gets paid less than that.

Hans, it'* $500 a week gross. I bring home $389 and some change a week. Yeah, it'* a decent pay but you need to realize I do work for 2, about to be 3 companies. No benefits, I'm supposed to get paid vacation but last year he didn't pay me for it, uhm...I can really go on.