outdrive service, parts markup by shop normal?

[GHBAY]

I want to start by saying I understand everyone is in business to make money, and am all for it, to a degree... I was blown away this week by a quote from a local shop to do some work on the lower unit of my sx drive.

Long story short, I had it in for a prop shaft seal and they called back to say I need a new shaft, all new bearings, etc. The markup on the parts is more than 200% in some cases (shaft over $800) compared to what I find online.

Is this standard for marine mechanic work? The shop is not interested in letting me supply the parts and has offered to give me the drive back in pieces if I dont want them to do the work.

I am getting another quote from another shop now, just really surprised at the amount of markup included in this quote.

 

[Bondo]

Re: outdrive service, parts markup by shop normal?

I want to start by saying I understand everyone is in business to make money, and am all for it, to a degree... I was blown away this week by a quote from a local shop to do some work on the lower unit of my sx drive.

Long story short, I had it in for a prop shaft seal and they called back to say I need a new shaft, all new bearings, etc. The markup on the parts is more than 200% in some cases (shaft over $800) compared to what I find online.

Is this standard for marine mechanic work? The shop is not interested in letting me supply the parts and has offered to give me the drive back in pieces if I dont want them to do the work.

I am getting another quote from another shop now, just really surprised at the amount of markup included in this quote.

Ayuh,.... Most shops will sell ya OEM parts, at the Retail pricin',...

What you find on line is usually aftermarket, or used, or possibly wholesale pricin',...

I've got guys that will install parts that I supply, but without a warranty,....

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: outdrive service, parts markup by shop normal?

I'm not in the boat business but I am in business. I hate when a customer starts coming in with "I can buy it cheaper online." My response is "fine, buy it online. You don't need me then do you?"
If I quote a job with parts and labor clearly noted and the price is high I'll lose the work. If the customer likes the quote I'll get the job. It's easy. I'm still in business so a lot of people must like my price. I can't compete against Joe Blow do it yourselfer and his online from wherever parts.
I say if your second quote is similar then pick the shop you like the best. If the second quote is less expensive, go with him. If the second quote is higher, go with the first guy.
Isn't capitalism great.

 

[GHBAY]

Re: outdrive service, parts markup by shop normal?

I'm not in the boat business but I am in business. I hate when a customer starts coming in with "I can buy it cheaper online." My response is "fine, buy it online. You don't need me then do you?"
If I quote a job with parts and labor clearly noted and the price is high I'll lose the work. If the customer likes the quote I'll get the job. It's easy. I'm still in business so a lot of people must like my price. I can't compete against Joe Blow do it yourselfer and his online from wherever parts.
I say if your second quote is similar then pick the shop you like the best. If the second quote is less expensive, go with him. If the second quote is higher, go with the first guy.
Isn't capitalism great.

This isnt a case where I am finding used parts and claiming they have the same value as the mechainc. obviously i need the expertise of a mechanic and am willing to pay for that. I am not buying a single, stand alone widget here, I am also paying over $100/hr for labor. To me, with that kind of markup on the parts it just feels like I am over a barrel since my drive is in his possession, in pieces, and my alternatives are to pick it up in pieces in a box or pay the high markup. I went in expecting a seal kit and 2 hours labor... its just a bit of a shocker to get a call stating they need over $2000 or I can pick up the drive in pieces. My point of this thread was to find out if that level of markup is the norm, or if this is an extreme example. my comparison costs are based on new, volvo parts, not used or aftermarket, although those options would be nice to have as well but are unavailable from this shop..

waiting on the second quote now, should get it today. I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised and have it come in significantly less- perhaps it will, perhaps it wont... if this is the norm, and what i would find anywhere, so be it, it is what it is and I will pay it. if this is an extreme example, I will have learned about this shop and will know what i am in for if I ever choose to use them again.