Me picking up my mothers VW Dasher in 1978 from an independant VW shop:

Mechanic: Everythings done except the headlights, they are still stuck on low beam. Need a new switch, and I can't get it until tomorrow.

Me: Then why is there $60.00 in labor here to replace the switch?

Mechanic: I spent a couple of hours trying to rebuild the switch, but I couldn't get it to work.

Me: How much is a new switch?

Mechanic: About 10-15 bucks.

Me: So, you want me to pay you $60.00 in labor for a failed attempt at fixing a 10 dollar part that you could have had new tomorrow?

Mechanic: Well, I'm entitled to something for my time!

Me: No, it sounds to me like you made a poor decision, trying to fix a cheap part. You should have waited until the new part was available, especially since you could have had it tomorrow.

Thing got more heated after that, but I did get the money taken off the bill. I suspect the guy didn't have another vehicle to work on that day, and was trying to cover his time. Not to make light of your situation, Ben, but it is a two way street. It sucks, and I hope you get your money, I'm sure thats what you want rather than this customers van! Good luck!     Jeff

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