Mechanics and parts

[Lawrence Leong <leongccl@domain.elided>]

Jerry in Houston after an analysis of the "book" rates, wrote:

>Parts seem pricey but with your 17.5% VAT (or somewhere close to this)
>it  may be in line.  Are those his prices?  If so, there is an
>additional profit included there.  I had one mechanic charge me $35.00
>USD for a relay I could have bought myself for uner $5.00.  Will he work
>with parts that you supply?  Some will, some will not.

true, parts usually represent a better source of profit than service, 
and I can understand why some may not want to use parts you supply.
The smart mechanic will do so but will make up for it elsewhere.
  
Customers seldom quibble over a few $$ here and there.  On small items,
the additional $$$ can add up to 100% extra margin.  "Safety" items like
brake pads offer even better margins - an (ignorant) colleague once 
justified his paying S$100 for a set of front brake pads because "he 
didn't want to compromise on safety".  I know the actual price was about
$40.

Cheers
Lawrence

86 33 1.5 QV (for sale)
92 164 2.0 TS

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