Get a new mechanic.  My mechanic lets me have BD of
Volks Cafe ship directly to his shop, with NO mark up.

Alan Bosch wrote:
>
> One expects various pricing differences between dealer and independent
> parts suppliers.  That's why parts distributors like BusDepot are able to
> flourish.  Where I have trouble is independent repair shops charging
> dealer-like prices for their parts, when it's no secret that there are much
> more cost effective suppliers out there.
>
> Case in point:  A local repair shop recently charged $500 each for new
> heads on a 2.1L Westy.  That price was the just for the parts.  When it was
> pointed out to the shop that heads could be bought for $400 from Bus Depot,
> a flat "We don't buy from them" was issued.  Well, why not?  "Because we
> mark our parts up".  No problem.  Buy from BusDepot and charge me $450 a
> head. It's worth it to me, and I understand you need to make a living too.
> "No.  We can't."  End of discussion.  End of story.
>
> Too, there's a huge cap between suppliers.  Comparing prices between Ron
> and say Parts Place must be an eye opening experience for the uninitiated.
>
> Alan Bosch
> & Phred ('88 Wolfsburg)