[Shop-talk] Wholesale Auto Parts (Otto? Otto parts?)

[scott.hall at comcast.net]

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Wayne <wmc_st at xxiii.com>
> Mark Andy wrote:
> > I dunno if plumbers do this, but in terms of car repair places, they bitch 
> > because then they can't buy the part at a lower price and mark it up to 
> > retail on the customer's bill.
> > (which I don't particularly have a problem with, btw).
> 
> Charging a mark up on parts is acceptable, esp if the installer bears 
> the cost of keeping inventory.

I've been on both sides of that fence also.  on the one hand, I get my parts from a local place that treats me like a 'pro', in that they don't charge me for cores, will deliver, etc.  they're awesome, and really don't look at the prices they're charging me much.  when I did, it was close to chain stores.  I'd be willing to pay more, just for the service and to keep them around.  that's a parts store.

the reason I don't go to repair shops is for the reasons you mentioned.  I tried a few times on a difm basis to bring them the part (new, in box, still had plugs, etc. on it) and have them r&r it when I didn't have time.  or even diagnose it and repair, whatever.  on the first, they refused.  the reason given was they couldn't be sure the part would be good, and I'd be mad at them if it failed.  I said no, I wouldn't, just get it on the car.  nope.  okay, how much for your part?  twice as much as I paid.  they buy it from the same place I do (the parts store above).  I doubt they'd be paying more for it, and might get a discount from the store.  well, okay, maybe they inventory the part and want to cover their overhead on inventory (but man, that's some overhead)?  nope, it'll take a day because they have to 'have it delivered' (in my dealings with that parts store, nothing ever takes more than same day on common items, like the ones I wanted replaced).  hell, I had it in my hand, 
just bought it.  they've got more on the shelf.  it'll be here in an hour.

so they're lazy, greedy, and they've taken me for a sucker.  buh-bye.

on the second, they screwed up the diagnosis, wanted to charge me for replacing a good part because they incorrectly thought it was bad, then charge again for time to fix the original problem.  parts still at 100% markup or greater from retail.

I seem to be the 'car' guy in my office and people ask a lot where to get their car fixed.  I must have told a dozen people how scummy that shop is.