Pricing Your Repair: It's More Than Just Auto Parts
When you are given a quote to repair your car, you might wonder how the pricing is calculated. While you may be able to find an auto part online for much lower than the quote to fix your car, you have to understand that there is more to fixing your car than simply buying the parts. From labor costs, to building overhead, how your repair quote is calculated takes a number of factors into consideration. If you are not happy with the quote you are given, you can shop around. It is likely that most places are going to charge comparable prices for the work you need done on your car.
Finding a Cheaper Part Online
Many auto repair shops are told by customers that a cheaper part was found online. While this is often the case, mechanics have trusted sources for their auto parts. What you buy online may not be of the same quality that you will find in a local auto parts store. Avoid insulting your mechanic, and don't point out that you found a cheaper part somewhere else.
Staff Training and Salaries Are Calculated In
To have top quality mechanics working in an auto shop, the employer must train these employees. Experienced mechanics generally earn more per hour as well. When you want an experienced mechanic working on your car, you will need to take this into consideration when you are given a price quote for the repair.
The Overhead of the Garage
Once the actual part is paid for and the employee is compensated, the owner of the garage still has to pay overhead costs for the physical building where the business is located. Utilities, rent, or mortgage payments, and building maintenance are also factored in when you are given a price to repair your car.
Support Staff That Don't Generate Income
While mechanics in a repair shop are generating income as they work, administrative assistants, drivers, and other support staff don't. The support staff will need to be paid, and this is why the cost of your repair is higher than you expect.
When a garage is in the business of repairing cars, there are also costs associated with business licenses, fees for waste disposal, employee benefits, tools, and equipment. While it is easy to find a part online that is cheaper than the price you are quoted, it is a very small part in the overall cost to repair your car when you look at the big picture.