| Author | Message | ||
     Mark Reeves (Mer) New Member Username: Mer Post Number: 21 Registered: 06-2003 |
My independant LR mechanic seems to prefer a certain supplier for parts, but I've seen the same parts at other LR suppliers for less. Would it be seen as "problematic" by the mechanic...should I just go with what he recomends? Ofetn mechanics do know better...I'm a newbie so he definately knows more than me, but I also think these guys never worry about cost. What I can do on my truck myself, I do...what I can't goes to him. Thoughts? | ||
| Mark Reeves (Mer) New Member Username: Mer Post Number: 22 Registered: 06-2003 |
Meant to say that would it be seen as problematic for me to order the parts myself and bring them to the mechanic for installation? | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 2227 Registered: 10-2001 |
sure you can suggest a parts supplier. our shop always uses 3 suppliers, but when we need to order parts for a '62 t-bird, '69 SS Camero or a Rover then i get on the net and do some checking around. if i can get the customer a better deal then i can here in town then i am able to pass the savings along to them. we still mark up our parts the same % as we would if we got them locally. most shops mark up no less than 30% of wholesale. | ||
| Mark Reeves (Mer) New Member Username: Mer Post Number: 23 Registered: 06-2003 |
So a suggestion is cool, but not necessarily actually buying the parts and bringing them to the mechanic and saying "here, please use these". Just asking cause I really don't know. This mechanic is good, knows more than me, I don't want to offend, but when I see lower prices for things he is recomendinmg,I get concerned cause I don't want to pay more than I should. | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 2230 Registered: 10-2001 |
i was just going to say that there are plenty of people that do that as well. i use to do that. with a rover it can sometimes make it easier for a shop. they end up spending alot of time looking for a part and when you bring it in it can save them some time and $. but then again they are not making anything on the part. but he should not be offended if you bring in your own part. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 701 Registered: 09-2002 |
I've done that before where the shop/dealer will tell me what's wrong and I'll go find the part myself and have them do the labor for it. They don't seem to mind but they are curious where I find the parts and how much I paid for it. They're usually pretty flabbergasted when they hear what I paid for the part. In my own experiences they seem to treat you with more respect as they know you're enough of an enthusiast that you know something about these vehicles and take an interest in the maintenance of them. It's paid off in the long run where I've asked for help with something and they are willing to put my truck on a hoist and help me out and not charge me anything so sometimes there are side benefits. | ||
| Mark Reeves (Mer) New Member Username: Mer Post Number: 24 Registered: 06-2003 |
Sounds great guys...I'm going to try it cause I want him to do the work and the only area where I feel I have some control over cost is with the parts themselves. Thanks for the feedback! | ||
| Max Thomason (Lrmax) Member Username: Lrmax Post Number: 209 Registered: 11-2002 |
It all depends on the shop. One guy I know doesn't mind if you bring in your own parts. I think he actually likes it since he doesn't have to go hunt for it. Instead, he can fix it and then get the truck out of there (he is overrun with cars to work on). On the other hand, one of my local 4WD shops has a sign up in their showroom that specifically says do not bring in your own parts. And they will not install anything you didn't buy from them. my .02 cents Max T. | ||
| dareDVL (Daredvl) Member Username: Daredvl Post Number: 64 Registered: 03-2003 |
Probably because they get people that unknowingly bring in defective parts, and then blame the shop that has installed them. That way they are just responsible as they supplied and installed it. | ||
| gp (Garrett) Senior Member Username: Garrett Post Number: 2236 Registered: 10-2001 |
yes that is true. unless it is a genuine part not many shops will warranty it. just another way to keep people from bringing in their own parts too. less of a liability as well. | ||
| Steve Cooper (Scrover) Senior Member Username: Scrover Post Number: 439 Registered: 09-2002 |
I often do that, but I wouldn't do it AFTER getting a quote from the mechanic. I'll walk in with the part and ask if they wouldn't mind installing it. I don't think I've been turned down yet on either the Rover or my BMW. | ||
| Jamie (Rover_puppy) Member Username: Rover_puppy Post Number: 127 Registered: 05-2003 |
I have purchased many parts and had them "drop shipped" to my dealer for techs to install. I did speak to them to make sure that they did not mind my doing it that way. Also, I only did that with parts that they did not "sell" or "have access to" the many products that are available for purchase by owners. On one occassion, I did have a part shipped in that they carried, but all of Land Rover US was backordered when they tried to get them. My suggestion would be to make sure that whatever you do, just make sure that you always recognize and give the techs the respect that they deserve for being able to keep our rovers running!!  It has been my experience that techs actually enjoy learning about new parts and become familiar with them during installs. I have also included techs in decision making process on parts, bringing in photos, FAQs, specs, whatever. Not only did that help me to feel more secure in my choices - but, it also avoided install of anything that would have endangered warranty. I always ask about that. I agree with what Steve just said. In my opinion, doing so after a quote would be insulting to a tech. Everyone understands the need to keep costs down, even dealers and techs. If it was the same part at a lower price - perhaps you could ask if they would be willing to match the price. As I was told, they will do that many times b/c they still make a profit and keep your business. Honesty always pays. Good Luck! | ||
| Chris Browne (Chris_browne) Senior Member Username: Chris_browne Post Number: 273 Registered: 02-2003 |
Most suppliers discount their parts to shops who then make and rely on making some profit to keep the shops door open. |
