Re: <REPOSTED> OT Re: Repair Fraud?

In article <ZZCdnbBM8NRMRNjeRVn-tw@xxxxxxxxxxx>,
Agave <idon't@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

<snip>

> As far as the OP's egg, bacon, and bread breakfast analogy, I
> interpreted it in the context of the entire thread, and came away with -
> whereas in order to save money on auto repairs you can walk into your
> mechanic's shop with your own parts, however, the same can't be said for
> your local Denny's. And as such, you don't even think of complaining
> even when you know the real cost for that Gut Bustin' All American
> breakfast feast is much less than the total on the check, but you're
> quick to complain when the same situation arise with your mechanic
> (plumber, electrician, carpenter, et al).

I'll point out where Mr. Underwood's brain meets the brick wall.

The bring your own eggs and bacon into Denny's analogy wasn't
invented in this thread, it has existed for as long as I've been
a mechanic (over 35 years) and as such, it IS the prevalent
belief/practice in the auto repair industry.
Parts are marked up because there is a time and labor element
associated with their procurement, inventory and management.
There is also a represented investment in having them sit on a
shelf, i.e., if I put $10,000 in a bank, it earns interest, why
shouldn't that same $10,000 tied up in parts give me a monetary
return also?
Any shop that foregoes making a profit on parts is run by a fool
who is soon to be broke.
Any shop that allows customers to supply parts is ignorant of
liability and obviously lacks experience and hasn't considered
what happens (lost time) when the part is wrong for the
application, defective out of the box or needs warranty
consideration at some later point.
The shop owner gets to set the rules, and more importantly, he is
responsible for maintaining control over that shop. Can't be done
with customers like Underwood who cart in their own cheap crappy
parts .

Those who bemoan parts and labor being listed separately have
obviously never owned or run a business and are ignorant of
possible tax laws, inventory control and basic record keeping.
If a job was done three months ago and needed warranty, wouldn't
it make sense for the shop to be able to refer to their records
in order to determine exactly what parts were involved or what
maintenance needs might be due?
If you went into Best Buy and bought a DVD player, wouldn't you
expect the receipt to _actually_ list the product and stock
number, or would you be satisfied with a receipt that merely said;
Electronic gizmo......... $150.00?

Anyone who has a problem with these two concepts merely needs to
pony up to the pump, take the necessary classes, sink fifty or
sixty grand into hand tools, another forty grand+ into capitol
equipment and fix their own vehicle.

> IMHO, to sum up what was best said by others is - you shop around for a
> good mechanic, when you find one stop shopping. Stick with him or her,
> because in the long haul you'll make out much better than researching,
> comparing, getting estimates, and wasting your own time every time you
> need a win nut tightened (sarcasm intended, if not apparent).

Very good advice. price shoppers (choppers) receive very little
of my attention/time.

> FWIW, I apply the same sentiment to my barber and accountant. I found a
> good barber, then I moved. Now I have to drive an hour (one way) to see
> her and get my hair cut...sure hope my accountant doesn't move to
> Arizona like he's talked about...It'll be a long drive there from
> NJ...but, I digress...
.

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