Recent research from Halfords reveals a growing trend in the UK, where younger generations rely on professionals for everyday automotive and household tasks. This shift highlights the decline of practical skills, which are often disregarded due to the “GOTDIT” (Get Others To Do It) mindset. By paying for routine tasks like inflating a tyre or changing a light bulb, younger individuals are facing expenses that older generations avoided. It raises questions about the decline of the Do-It-Myself attitude, which has helped people confidently handle basic tasks. Understanding this trend can reveal openings for businesses to develop their customer base.
Financial Impact
Gen Z (aged 18-27) spends an estimated £1,300 annually on professional help for simple jobs they could likely do themselves. At over twice the UK average annual spend of £622, this is significantly higher than for Gen X (aged 44-59), at £386, and Baby Boomers (aged 60-78), at £253, despite Gen Z being some of the lowest earners. When asked about car maintenance and shown an engine bay, only 34% of Gen Z could identify the battery (compared to 54% of Baby Boomers), and only 20% of Gen Z could identify an alternator (compared to 45% of Baby Boomers).
Lack of Basic Motoring Knowledge
- Just over half of Gen Z know how to add air to a car tyre, with 22% opting for a professional and 22% asking a parent.
- Just a third of Gen Z could fit a wiper blade, while 44% would pay a professional.
- Less than two-thirds of Gen Z are confident in cleaning their cars, with 27% needing to pay someone to do it.
Over two-thirds of UK adults, and more than half of Gen Z, agree that younger people are less practical than older generations. This decline in general practical skills was also reflected in the fact that more than half of Gen Z could not identify a car jack, a third could not identify a flathead screwdriver, and one in five could not identify a spanner.
Away from the car, the research found that one in five Gen Z and Millennials (aged 28-43) would call a professional to change a ceiling light bulb. The reasons cited include fear of heat (24% of Gen Z), concerns about electrics (68% of Millennials), and ladder safety (20% of Millennials, 18% of Gen Z). Elsewhere in the home, 11% of Gen Z stated they would hire a professional to hang a picture frame.
The Opportunity For Growth
Overall, this trend of younger generations outsourcing basic tasks to professionals presents opportunities for businesses to grow in new ways. The traditional approach has been to develop more complex skills and techniques or invest in more sophisticated and advanced tools or machinery. However, it may be beneficial for a garage or handy person to advertise rates for doing these simple jobs that Gen Z is not comfortable doing themselves. Potentially, undertaking lots of simpler, low-cost tasks could be more profitable than carrying out fewer, high-value jobs. This is because lower-cost tasks are more likely to be affordable to a wider range of people, potentially expanding your customer base, while also decreasing the risk of expensive complications that can occur on larger jobs, which can harm profitability.