Re: did i do something wrong here to **** the mechanic off??
I have seen the scenario a few times in my life.
It sounds as though you and the mechanic met. He saw a business opportunity, and you saw a way to save some $$. No harm done. When it came time to have work done, this mechanic immediately thought, due to the circumstances, that he had your business no matter what. Now with that said, I don't think he tried gouging you for money, I just think you assumed it would be a real cheap rate, and he knew the costs at dealerships or shops and charged a bit less. When you went and got another quote from another "mechanic" that was a bit cheaper, and it annoyed him that his gauranteed business turned into keeping the boat at his place (it sounds that way from the original post) for $60. In this economy I could imagine thinking your going to make $2000 this week, and then losing the customer has to hurt.
Now what he should have done is discussed it with you like a reasonable business man. Maybe not come down to the $1500 you were going to pay the other guy, but had he said, $1700 and if you have any problems I'm a phone call away, could have saved his business.
Taking the boat back to him after his outburst was a mistake, plain and simple. The alternator and belt job, did you guys dicsuss price before hand? Other than asking about car alternators what was the conversation? I assume if he charged you and did the work you had to have discussed it before hand?
