I agree. You need to remember that the shop has to warranty to some extent to keep you as a customer. They check the vehicle, order the parts, install them etc. If there is a problem, they have to check the vehicle, get the part replaced by the supplier, and re-install. No profit in that and it does happen. They do get some dud parts. Like everyone else, they need to make a fair living. Some may gouge and some may work for less than they are truly worth. The view on that is rather subjective and one must decide for themselves whether they are being treated fairly.
I am self employed and I don't know as though I want to be known as the cheapest in town. I am not in the sort of position to make myself the most expensive in town and I doubt that it would do me much good to double my prices. However, as I said, I don't know as though I would want my clients to go around telling their friends to come to me only because I am really cheap. That sort of thing tends to attract people who expect an awful lot for very little. I am happier doing work for people who just want a reasonable job done for a reasonable price. I don't claim to be the absolute best but I try to provide value for the money. However, I also admit that is somewhat subjective from my side of the table too and I am sure there are those who feel overcharged on occasion. Hard to please everyone. Randy -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Allan Streib Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2007 9:53 AM To: Mercedes Discussion List Subject: Re: [MBZ] Getting taken by mechanic currently "LarryT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > You can usually find a shop that will use your new parts - very few > will install used parts - but if you ask them to buy the needed > parts from Rusty you should get Rustys price. I suppose there are always exceptions but I've never found a shop that would pass through the cost of parts without a markup. If they would even consider ordering from a supplier other than the one(s) they normally use. > Rusty lists your alternator for $178 (free shipping). Sounds like > your indie is raping you. Parts markup (within reason) is not "rape" is part of the business model of a shop. If they did not mark up parts they would have to charge more for labor. I'm not excusing anyone who's abusing his customers, but even completely ethical shops mark up the parts costs. Allan -- 1983 300D 1966 230 _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
