Al,

I've got an MBA, but that sure doesn't explain: 1) why I own a Vanagon, or
2) why I have nearly $30k invested in my Vanagon (money I can hardly afford
to keep tied up that way, yet I do.

I'll try to remember to do an analysis and get back with ya'll. Who should I
send my bill to?

Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce@hotmail.com

>From: Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
>Reply-To: Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Meineke Brakes
>Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2006 11:31:57 -0600
>
>I suppose someone with an MBA could graph it.  Raising % of ripoff on
>one axis and customer attacks/ vandalism on the other. Would it be
>linear or rising to the right? Libillity insurance would definitely go
>up if customers were attacking the employees.
>No MBA's on this list.?
>Al Brase
>
>Robert Fisher wrote:
>
>>I would guess, if I had to guess, that what you're really paying for
>>is the
>>massive liability policy they probably have to maintain in order to
>>stay in
>>business, not to mention normal corporate overhead and that kind of
>>BS- not
>>that I would expect that to make you feel any better about it.
>>
>>What the hell is 'shop supplies' all about? I hate that crap- you roll
>>your
>>costs into the price and don't burden the customer with it. They do
>>that so
>>that they can advertise a cheaper 'price' for the job itself and you find
>>out about all the other added crap once they have you in there. It
>>oughta be
>>illegal.
>>
>>$70 bucks for resurfacing? $10 bucks a wheel down the street...
>>
>>I'm sorry you got jammed up with this, but thanks for the warning.
>>Next time
>>have her take a cab. Stories like this just prove the value of having
>>a good
>>relationship with 'your' mechanic, if you're one of those that uses one.
>>
>>Cya,
>>Robert
>>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "Dumas Magee" <MrNegNRG@AOL.COM>
>>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2006 6:50 AM
>>Subject: Meineke Brakes
>>
>>
>>How's this for a total screw job
>>
>>Shoes $176.40
>>Wheel Clyinder (2) $89.95 each
>>Hardware $63.00
>>Rear Brake Labor $187 ($85/hr)
>>Resurface $70
>>Bleed System $69.95
>>$20 Tax and $30 for shop supplies comes out to $677.82 after my big
>>"discount"
>>
>>It was Saturday night, Vanessa needed the car for work on Sunday and
>>school
>>Monday
>>Man, do I feel stupid
>>
>>Parts from VW (full retail, no discount) Shoes $62 (comes with
>>hardware)
>>Cylinders $27
>>Labor at dealer (Flynn VW) $227
>>
>>Like I said, man do I feel stupid!
>>
>>Dale Ward
>>LiMBO Club House Keeper
>>