Bringing self purchased parts to indy?
03-24-2011, 07:22 PM
#16
Rennlist Member
I don't use any shops, but if I did, I'd at least would like to know what parts they are installing; jobber or OEM.
Then again, if the idie does not stock parts, then they are in the business of servicing, which is what customers are giving them...that part of the business.
Then again, if the idie does not stock parts, then they are in the business of servicing, which is what customers are giving them...that part of the business.
03-24-2011, 07:54 PM
#18
Racer
I think this is truly the bottom line on this whole question. No shop is going to take responsibility for a defective part if you supply it to them. You take a big risk of paying labor twice. You bring the part and then anything (other than improper install) is wrong with it, it's your problem not theirs.
It's fair to both sides to do your research, know what you can get the part for and allow the shop a reasonable (15%) mark-up on the price -- that mark-up is sometimes pure profit, but often covers the cost of lost time because their supplier sent the wrong part, etc.
Also, don't lose sight of the hourly shop rate and the total estimate -- you know, "penny wise and pound foolish".
At the end of the day it's more important to find a shop that does good work and you can trust with your car, than to save a few bucks.
Having said all that... I'm a DIY guy.
03-24-2011, 08:29 PM
#20
Drifting
I think as long as its addressed with the mechanic, most of the time there shouldn't be a problem. Of course if you supply a part and it fails or is incomplete, its on you...and vica versa.
03-24-2011, 09:00 PM
#21
Race Director
Thread Starter
Btw this was really just a general thread to see if people do this. I don't intend on making it a habit.
03-24-2011, 09:27 PM
#23
Rennlist Member
Anyone here been a shop owner? You'd be absolutely floored by what passes for customer expectation. Car arriving with its own parts, something's not right, and you're "expected" to not only source the right stuff but get the job done as promised because the customer can't make other arrangements to leave the car or bring it back. Etc.
I've got a pretty good read on the pulse of most of the Bay Area/Northern California Porsche (and a couple of BMW and race fabrication) shops. Tough living, and I'd certainly say the net pay leaves the owner in the bottom quartile of his clientele. I've spent about 1/3 or my adult working years in the Porsche business; and I've made my money because I hustled, working tirelessly and efficiently. I've casually looked at maybe six automotive businesses in the past year-and-a-half, seriously at two in a desire to come out of semi-retirement/unemployment. Six figures possible, after taxes, in California anymore? Not unless you've got a big crew and are willing to immediately tie up $100K+ and either be negative for 2-3 years at ~$10K/mo. to keep things afloat hoping you build a clientele, or buy existing with $2-300K down and assume a ~$500K note.
I've got a pretty good read on the pulse of most of the Bay Area/Northern California Porsche (and a couple of BMW and race fabrication) shops. Tough living, and I'd certainly say the net pay leaves the owner in the bottom quartile of his clientele. I've spent about 1/3 or my adult working years in the Porsche business; and I've made my money because I hustled, working tirelessly and efficiently. I've casually looked at maybe six automotive businesses in the past year-and-a-half, seriously at two in a desire to come out of semi-retirement/unemployment. Six figures possible, after taxes, in California anymore? Not unless you've got a big crew and are willing to immediately tie up $100K+ and either be negative for 2-3 years at ~$10K/mo. to keep things afloat hoping you build a clientele, or buy existing with $2-300K down and assume a ~$500K note.
03-24-2011, 10:46 PM
#24
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03-24-2011, 10:48 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
The warranty is absolutely the issue. You bring me a part and pay me to install-part fails-oh well, that's a bummer. Now, I'll be happy to sell you the part, and installation. If there is a problem, I'll remedy it.
Seems simple enough. I'd also think most shops would respect parts requests-if not, move along or ask them why and what they'd recommend. Make your decision then.
My shop buys whatever part I want, provides it for free and never charges me for labor; they build engines, modify suspensions, brakes, etc. Does maintenance and cleaning too. All shops should be so easy to deal with....
Seems simple enough. I'd also think most shops would respect parts requests-if not, move along or ask them why and what they'd recommend. Make your decision then.
My shop buys whatever part I want, provides it for free and never charges me for labor; they build engines, modify suspensions, brakes, etc. Does maintenance and cleaning too. All shops should be so easy to deal with....
03-24-2011, 10:53 PM
#26
GT3 player par excellence
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unless your shop cannot source what your need, i wouldn't bring my own parts.
and if your shop cannot source what you need, you need a new shop.
as race 911 commented above, it's a tough business.
i let my mechanic do whatever he wants to with my car.
if you cannot trust your mechanic, you got the wrong mechanic.
and if your shop cannot source what you need, you need a new shop.
as race 911 commented above, it's a tough business.
i let my mechanic do whatever he wants to with my car.
if you cannot trust your mechanic, you got the wrong mechanic.
03-24-2011, 11:09 PM
#27
My Jeep needed a new clutch, I contacted a shop that had done a good job on the truck before and set it up to have them do it. I told them I was going to be bringing the clutch in for them to install - I understand that you won't warranty the parts, and you can charge me a bit more for labor since you miss out on some markup - but I specifically want this specific brand installed. They said OK no problem. Until I get the car towed there and show up with the clutch, they change their mind and say they won't. I'm frustrated but don't want to deal with getting the car towed again so I tell them fine, you can do the work, but I want an OEM Sachs clutch - nothing else. They agree to that and I go on my way and return the Sachs clutch that I had bought. Turns out they go to autozone and get a clutch, then charge me twice what I had paid for the Sachs clutch. I have since found another shop that happily installed Toyota OEM parts that I brought when I needed a timing belt. For me, its not about the money, its about knowing exactly what goes into my cars.
03-24-2011, 11:31 PM
#28
RL Technical Advisor
unless your shop cannot source what your need, i wouldn't bring my own parts.
and if your shop cannot source what you need, you need a new shop.
as race 911 commented above, it's a tough business.
i let my mechanic do whatever he wants to with my car.
if you cannot trust your mechanic, you got the wrong mechanic.
and if your shop cannot source what you need, you need a new shop.
as race 911 commented above, it's a tough business.
i let my mechanic do whatever he wants to with my car.
if you cannot trust your mechanic, you got the wrong mechanic.
03-24-2011, 11:36 PM
#29
Rennlist Member
My Jeep needed a new clutch, I contacted a shop that had done a good job on the truck before and set it up to have them do it. I told them I was going to be bringing the clutch in for them to install - I understand that you won't warranty the parts, and you can charge me a bit more for labor since you miss out on some markup - but I specifically want this specific brand installed. They said OK no problem. Until I get the car towed there and show up with the clutch, they change their mind and say they won't. I'm frustrated but don't want to deal with getting the car towed again so I tell them fine, you can do the work, but I want an OEM Sachs clutch - nothing else. They agree to that and I go on my way and return the Sachs clutch that I had bought. Turns out they go to autozone and get a clutch, then charge me twice what I had paid for the Sachs clutch. I have since found another shop that happily installed Toyota OEM parts that I brought when I needed a timing belt. For me, its not about the money, its about knowing exactly what goes into my cars.
Along a similar vein how many people ask to see the parts they've removed?
