---- neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Hi all.
>
> I don't use a pro mechanic that often so could be totally off base on
> this. But.....
>
> My first visit to a new shop in Sept., hourly rate: $75. The rate then
> went up to $85 in Nov, and $90 in Dec.
>
> The shop location is relatively new, but the business has been around
> for at least 2 years. Likely it's been around longer than that.
>
> Initially the shop rate seemed a little low. Like too good to be true.
>
> Has anyone experienced a situation similar to this?
>
> I hope I'm wrong, as the shop has shown attention to detail, done good
> work AFAIK, and been good to work with, but I feel like they got me
> "in the door" with a lower rate then bumped it up hoping I wouldn't
> notice. In fact this worked to some degree as I didn't notice the
> increase to $85/hour.
>
> Yes it's the owners prerogative to raise shop rates, but this seems
> suspicious. Also, when I asked about the rate increase, the answer of
> "well, people were saying we were the lowest price in town" seemed
> like a load of horse pucky.

Well, you yourself said the initial rate seemed too good to be true.  I guess the rate has to be set so as to earn a profit, or they won't stay in business.  Is the current rate excessive for where you are?  Is it comparable to others?  Are you getting good value for the price?  It does seem like it went up rather rapidly.

mcneely