Labor costs aren’t “expenses.” Most attorneys break their bills down by billable hours (labor) and out of pocket costs (costs). For example, an attorney might charge $500 an hour and work on a case for an hour. He might draft a letter in that time and mail it. Some firms would bill the client for the postage since… Read more

I suspect some dealers are selling below MSRP to get more business. The key is to find someone who will install the part for you (depending on what it is).
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“Unreasonable expenses.” Read more

I would if I had the time and equipment. I have done starters and so on but now it is just easier to let a shop I trust do the job. But the cool think is that since I know how to do the job (even if I am not doing it) I can protect myself by examining the transaction later.
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Read the comments: A large number of people disagree with me and think shops should sell parts at cost.
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And I notice that you changed it to “unreasonable mark-up.” I specifically said that a mark up is ok, an unreasonable one is not.
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Yes, of course. My point was that not all mark ups are ripoffs. Apparently there are people out there who think shops should work as charities.
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I would never patronize a shot that didn’t give me an itemized bill (which are required by MI law).
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I never said it did.
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Funny you should mention that. I know of many lawfirms that mark up things like photocopies. Not sure why you think that is illegal. (I think it is wrong but that is a different thing altogether.)
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I have no idea. I’ve had several people comment and say that if the mechanic/shop doesn’t provide the part at THEIR cost, they are ripping off the customer. Read more

Can you name any industry that does it that way?
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So they should sell you the part at cost because you are paying labor? I am not aware of ANY industry that operates that way. Worst offenders? Hospitals, but that is a bit far afield.
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As far as I know, time and parts guides don’t list line items for stocking parts etc.
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Do it and install it yourself. The question is whether you can do that or not (probably depends on the part). If not, then it depends on if the mark up is reasonable.
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The only problem with that as far as I can see is that some places won’t let you carry in your own parts. I’ve heard that some are fine with it. Find one of those places.
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Assume my examples are apples-to-apples. Neither of the alternator prices include labor. Read more

Depends on how much more. Read more

Shipping any day now. Read more

I dare you: Ask them a question about auto repair.
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