My point of the argument was really "expensive part" specific which our vans
tend to be. I'm not advocating driving over to my mechanics armed with some
used axles or a set of spark plugs that I saved fifty cents on.  A specific
example is my 2003 EV which needs 2 new mufflers. I can get them ballpark
from BD for $350 or let the mechanic get it from the dealer for $600+. Not
going to happen. Let him add a secret markup, I'm sure he will, but it's not
going to be $250.  If I had a mechanic that insisted I bought the $600 parts
I'd find a new one.

Bryan

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Allan Streib
Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 9:30 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Mechanics using customer supplied parts.. Was bars leaks

If you've ever been on the shop owner side of the counter, you might have a
different perspective.  I personally have not but this is how it was
explained to me by a person who has:

Shops have two basic sources of revenue -- labor charges, and the markup on
parts.

It's unlikely that you as an individual retail consumer can get parts
"cheaper" than the shop can.  What you are seeing as cheaper is the shop
markup.  100% is not uncommon.  Sounds like a lot but this covers some of
the shop overhead and convenience to the customer.

So if the owner has his costs and prices calculated assuming a markup on
parts, and you show up with parts in hand, he's now LOSING MONEY by doing
the work for you.  And of course if he does this too much he's either going
to have to charge more for labor or go out of business.  That's why many
shops dislike or refuse to install parts you bring in.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL