,000" was my cheery service writer's response to my query as to the cost.
Now, it's been over 20 years since I replaced a water pump. And, due to a number of things, was not a very good experience. However, I recalled that the part was about
00. I also remembered that it took me about 4 hours to complete the job from start to finish -- having no clue what I was doing. Doing some quick math, I figured that the person at the dealership was making about
00+ per hour! (and I would hope they would be able to accomplish the job in less time than I did!)
Sure enough, I checked and the best part, with a lifetime guarantee, is
29 at my local auto supply store. Another out of state client confirmed that it's a 1.5 - 2 hour job. That meant that, conservatively speaking, the dealership was going to get me for about $400 per hour or more!
I found a good local mechanic. How? word of mouth referrals from friends and associates. Bottom line, it cost about 40% of the dealer's price. (Mostly because the mechanic bought the part from the dealer at 200% of the auto store price.)
I felt ripped off. Did I tell them? Not yet, and I may not. I just went away. I felt like I was being saddled with their lack of business. Will I go back? No. I probably won't use them in the future when I purchase my next car.
The moral of the story: If you charge a premium, you better include the reasoning behind it when you're discussing price. In this economy, you had better believe that someone else will be happy to share with your customer why they are better than you and worth every penny!
