|
SUVCars.com
Sections
Related
Article
Chrysler's Rip Roaring SRT Family of Vehicles
By Matthew Keegan
Step back in time some fifty years ago and you would see that the American automotive market was much different than it is today. Three companies dominated the scene: GM, Ford, and Chrysler with Read more...
Related
Article
Nissan Pathfinder
By Kum Martin
The Nissan Pathfinder is a relatively new sport utility vehicle, but it has made its mark on the industry quite clearly from the very beginning. Despite all of the competition in the SUV ranks, Read more...
|
|
SUV
Parts &
Accessories
2007
·
2006
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
· |
|
|
|
SUVCars.com
Car Repair Prices: Who Charges More, Dealerships or Local Shops?
By Theodore Olson
Many argue that dealership prices are 4 to 6 times higher than local shops. This is farfetched. That would mean that $100 at a local shop would be $400 to $600 at a dealership. Dealerships aren’t run by the sharpest businessmen, but this kind of pricing discrepancy would put dealers out of business, fast. The sources calculating such pricing gaps are never quoted, so I am not sure from where such data comes, but let’s look at what’s really going on.
First, 98 % of ALL service centers are overcharging. This includes dealerships, local shops and franchises. Stating that dealerships charge four to six times higher unfairly singles out this portion of the industry. We need to watch out for every type of service facility. While it’s always easier to focus on the big, faceless name of a dealership, it’s unwise. Your local mechanic who you pass in the grocery store is just as likely to rip you off.
Surprisingly, in many respects, a dealership is often less expensive. To be clear, I am not siding with dealerships. Again, no matter what type of facility one services a vehicle, some type of price-gouging will occur. Having said that,
Ferrari FF: The Strength of Being Different
How Can I Make My Car Tyres Last Longer?
Debate of the Decade: Is Synthetic Oil or Conventional Oil Better?
Red Bull Milton Keynes Event
here are some common myths about dealership prices.
Myth One: The parts are more money.
This is not true. Dealers, for the most part, stick to MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) guidelines. Guidelines, as abused as they are, are better than none. Local shops have no guidelines. They can charge whatever they want.
We've all been taught that aftermarket parts are less expensive than factory/MSRP parts—this is not true. A frequent “case in point” is air filter prices. Below is a sample from one of many actual invoices:
- Dealership/MSRP Price: $17.00 (factory fiber filter)
- Local Shop/Aftermarket Price: $32.00 (aftermarket paper filter)
Tip…always compare you’re aftermarket part price against MSRP, you’ll be surprised just how much your local garage is charging you for inferior parts.
Myth 2: The labor “time” is higher.
Actually, many dealers follow manufacturer recommendations and industry standard multipliers. In other words, they’re not just shooting from the hip. The labor "time" (i.e., how long it takes to repair something—1, 2, 3 hours…etc.) may be lower than the resulting times from the labor price-gouging tricks practiced by your local garage.
This is not to say that dealers don’t practice labor tricks—they’re the masters! It is to say that they are more inclined to follow suggested guidelines.
Myth 3: Dealers always rip people off.
In the automotive service industry, every type of service center rips you off, dealers are no exception.
-Theodore P. Olson (Ted)
http://repairtrust.com/
Ted holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, General Motors, ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and more. Over a twenty-year period in the automotive service industry, he has served as a technician, shop foreman, shop manager, shop owner, service advisor, service manager, and service industry consultant.
Other Works by Ted Olson Include:
- ARREST the Automotive Service Industry!
- Maintenance Myths: A Step-by-Step Guide to STOP Getting Ripped Off!
- Auto Repair: The Shocking Truth About Who's Ripping You Off and Why!
- Automotive Service Pricing Strategies—a fair pricing guide for service centers
- Being the Best—a comprehensive customer service handbook for service advisors
- Service Center Personnel—an auto repair informational for general service staff
- Service Mission Statement—a philosophical proposal to improve customer service
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Theodore_Olson
SUV Truck
Related News
The Power, Durability and Stamina of the SUV
By Mike Freemen
There are of course many vehicles on the road, but few vehicles have enjoyed the immense popularity of the SUV. When the first SUVs first came onto the market, many people were unsure just what to Read more...
SUV Truck
Related
News
US Auto Sales to Continue to Plummet in 2006-2007
By Lance Winslow
Many automaker industry analysts are starting to give dire predictions for auto sales in 2006-2007 and say things could continue to get worse and slip even more. US Automakers fear increased Read more...
More
News About SUV Truck
|
|
