Was going to have some maintenance done to the car (opti, waterpump, plugs, wires, belt, weatherstripping) at Tony's Corvette.

Now I am being told he wont do the work since I didnt buy the parts from him. He uses genuine GM parts, and thats what I bought.

So, now I am sitting here with all these parts, and no shop to install them. I am now faced with either finding a new shop or having an individual experienced in this repair to help me (who I will compensate generously).

Thoughts? Ideas?

Mike

 

This won't really help you, but I had to reply. Perhaps Tony's last name is Soprano (heck, I can stereotype Italians since I am one!) because there is no good reason for him to get all upset about you buying the parts unless he gets his parts through....um....channels.....and them makes a big profit on them. Just say yo Tony......what were yous gonna charge me for da whole job and them subtract the parts cost and if hiw labor rate is reasonable, see if he'll do it. If he won't, you are better off anywhere else anyway. good luck

 

HHHHhhhhhmmmmmmmm........ What part of Virginia? :lol: :seeya

 

Having lived in NJ for some 13 years, I still know people (ya know wat I mean). Perhaps I should, ya know, call in some favors and have tony paid a visit.
:mad

Had the same problem with one local dealer here. Didn't want to install a front bearing for me unless I paid $530 through GM for it. I had already purchased the part for $200. I explained that they could do the job for the labor or I could give the labor to their competition (it's great having two chevy dealers in the same small town). They did the job while I watched.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I tried persuading Tony with an extra $100 for the labor and he said he makes his money off the parts he sells and would do the opti, but I would have to buy the other parts from him if I wanted them installed. :confused: :confused:

Anyway, I am in Northern Virginia (Woodbridge to be exact) and the parts should be here Monday.

Mike

 

The weatherstripping shouldn't be that big of a deal. I would try any automotive glass shop in your area. I know we have a few here in town that will do weather stripping on anything and give a warrenty on the labor. One reason he might not want to use other parts is because of warrenty, if the parts break, but the labor holds up, he is out the money for the labor to replace the broken part. I've run into this before. Just my $.02.

 

Your right, the W/S isnt a big deal, a local glass shop wants $100 for the install but I figured since Tony's came highly recommended to me, he could handle everything for me.

Guess I was wrong. To me, whether the box that says AC DELCO is from his shop to me or from the FEDEX guy to me, it doesnt matter, its the SAME PART !!! Oh well.....

Mike

 

He "makes his money off the parts"???? Well, nothing like finding a way to spin saying "I screw people on parts". My mechanic calls his parts people while I am there and gets quotes and adds nothing to the cost, then he charges me $30 an hour to install. If he moves I just might sell my car!!! I wouldn't let this guy touch the car IMHO

 

$30 an hour ???????? JEEZUS, Tony wants $50-55 an hour !!

I need to find a different shop....

 

Amen to that~!

Good luck :cheers:

 

Breakdown of what I was quoted when I inquired about an opti replacement:

labor - 312
opti - 470
waterpump - 260
plug wires - 85
plugs - 40
plug wire clips - 24
serpentine belt - 45
antifreeze - 20
overflow bottle - 18

$1274 + 63.70 tax = $1337.70 :eek:

So, I in turn called up MORE and got the opti for 300, pump for 150, wires for 120 (8mm) and stopped by Pep Boys on the way home and paid 17 for my belt.

I am not bashing Tony or his work, but I wanted to share my experience with others since im sure some have the attitude of "well, it has to be done anyway so go ahead, ill eat the cost". I am not like that, and would drive 8 hours to save $100. :crazy:

Mike :cool:


[Modified by Bravery, 4:07 PM 10/10/2002]

 

I see this discussion from time to time. It is clear many do not understand how a business operates. Let's start at the end. Without profit, no small business can last. Now, a service shop must make a profit on virtually every job it does. However, due to unforseen overruns and bad customers who don't pay, some jobs do not turn a profit.

Generally, the charges are divided into two parts: labor and parts. Labor is determined by two things: the cost of employing a mechanic and competition. Within that rate must be: the mechanic's wage, the mechanic's benefit package, wages and benefits for support staff, if any, and a percentage for day-to-day operating expenses such as insurance, utilities, rent, taxes, and something for the owner.

The shop will charge you the retail rate for a part. The shop does not pay retail for the part, however. Their discount is determined by many things such as: type of part, brand of part, volume of business and, again, competition among parts stores. If your mechanic tells you he is selling to you for his cost he is either (1) lying to you or (2) not a very good businessperson. Just because he gets you a cost by phone does not mean that, at the end of the month, that cost is on his statement.

Having said all that, a good businessman may inform a good customer that they prefer it if the customer does not bring in his own parts. Would you bring your own steak to a restaurant? Also, a good businessperson understands economics and wants two things: (1) to make a good profit on your job and (2) to keep you happy by allowing you to bring in parts which you have purchased well below his cost. All this takes is communication and a calculator. You want your car fixed; he wants to make a living. It's that simple really. Remember, no matter how good a mechanic is, there is competition to keep those bays full! :yesnod:

 

I understand what you are relaying in your post, and you have brought valid points up, but the fact remains when I first called, he was content with my using my own parts. When I called to make an appointment, his mind changes. Odd dont you think?

I understand about making a living, but this is not an issue of economics. Many members on here do their own work and chose to save money by doing so, and thats great, I used to do it myself. But, if you could make $100 by changing a friend's wires, would you? Of course not, you dont have the expense the business does which is why they charge higher.

My issue is not with what he charges, its with the fact that I want to use my parts and for 6 hours of work, making $300 is reasonable, I will pay that. But, paying outrageous prices for your parts is NOT part of the deal to a consumer and like you said earlier, there is competition out there and if this guy is as good as others say, why wont he take the job, make money off labor (which he will) and get the job done?

Mike

 

Well I haven't used either of these two shops for my corvette - yet.

I have used both shops for other cars though and have been treated fairly with no BS:

Casey's Automotive
Moons Car Care

Both of them are in Chantilly, I know its a hike for you, but they both are straight shooters. If you call Moons ask for Moose (just trust me). Haven't used them for installing my parts, but both shops charged me what they were charged for parts so they should be able to work it out with you.

JMHO


[Modified by jaa1988, 5:07 PM 10/10/2002]

 

Centreville? Thats 20 mins from me, not a hike at all. Hey, why dont you go up there with me one day, since you know the guys, and I can talk to them and see what I can work out.

Just an idea.

Mike

 

:lol: ...I wonder if that would work :confused: ....Your prime rib special... No, I brought my own tonite :lol: *89x2*

 

...have you called Coopers Corvettes in Triangle? I have used the Chief Mechanic (Tom) in the past w/out ever a complaint (and he has used my parts)

The shop is located on the Northbound side of US RT1 1 mile N of Quantico Marine Base... (on the right side)

 

$30.00 an hour for labor you must be back in the stone age.
Unless he is a good friend and cuts you a break? :cry

 

I know that area well, its down past Possum Point. Do you have a number for Cooper's Corvette?

Thanks!

Mike


[Modified by Bravery, 5:42 PM 10/10/2002]

 

http://www.coopercorvettes.com