Shop won't install customer-supplied parts? Bye bye.

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein) 03/27/2015 at 12:40 • Filed to: None

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My '05 Grand Cherokee Hemi has a couple electrical gremlins that I'm chasing, because of course it does, it's an early-'00s Chrysler product. I've been going through the troubleshooting procedures for these issues, and need some labor help from a mechanic. But not every shop wants to install customer-supplied parts.

I have an independent shop I've gone to in the past, call them Shop A. But more recently I've gone to Shop B, which has tons of good online reviews, and a little cheaper prices. I took the Jeep to them for a new EGR and spark plugs, and was a little annoyed when they called me after they already had the Jeep, to tell me they forgot the Hemi has twin plugs per cylinder and only included 8 plugs in their estimate, not 16. But whatever, I had them finish the job.

A couple months ago, my idle started bouncing around a little, and it's gotten progressively worse. I discovered there's a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! which should fix the bouncing idle. I've also !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! as likely culprits.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I ordered new OEM oxygen sensors for cheap from Amazon, and I'm planning to first do the throttle relearn. Right now my CEL is still on with one of the codes that my cheapie bluetooth OBD adapter can't seem to clear, but since the throttle relearn involves pulling the battery cable, I'm hoping that will clear the code. If not, I'll hit up O'Reilly and see if their scanner works better than mine.

Yesterday I called Shop B about putting on the oxygen sensors, because some guys on the Jeep forums told me they're a pain to do yourself. Even though the factory service manual and everything else I've found says the O2 sensors are the likely cause of my issues, the dude tried to tell me something else was probably the cause, and they don't install customer-supplied parts, "because we sell parts." Which they mark up, a lot.

I checked back on my receipt and for the EGR valve they replaced, it says part # EGV827. They charged me $79.67. RockAuto !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Ouch.

Even though I didn't really like what this guy was telling me, in the heat of the moment I scheduled an appointment for today, which didn't really make much sense, especially since I haven't had a chance to do the throttle relearn. I didn't really have a good feeling about bringing it to them today, so I canceled my appointment.

I then called Shop A, because on previous cars I've had, they've installed performance parts that I bought online no problem. I called them, described the codes I've been working through and told them about the O2 sensors. They totally understood my wanting to do the throttle relearn myself, and why I'd need new O2 sensors. They quoted me on the labor to install the sensors, and I set an appointment for next Tuesday to give me time to do the throttle relearn and hopefully clear that code over the weekend.

Moral of the story: if you're a gearhead/shadetree mechanic who still uses shops for some things, it's good to find a shop that will work with you when you've started troubleshooting a problem. I'm sure Shop B does a fine job keeping non-car people happy, which is why I'm not naming names here. But for me, Shop A is the move.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 12:48

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I can understand some cases where they won't install parts, "BRO I GOT THIS TURBO FOR $50 ON EBAY, HOW MUCH TO STRAP IT TO MY CIVIC." But if you're supplying them the correct parts they're just throwing away business.

Textured Soy Protein > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 03/27/2015 at 12:52

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Shop A has done things for me in the past like install sway bars, lowering springs, and stainless brake lines that I bought online. But those aren't $50 ebay turbos on a Civic.

Shop B basically said they won't do it because they want to sell me the parts instead.

Takuro Spirit > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 12:54

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If you were in Milwaukee-ish I know a guy who was a former tech that does work out of his storage garage where he keeps his car collection for cheap. He would let you BYOP.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 12:55

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Yeah if they're quality parts it's not an issue, I know some places won't install certain parts because if the car breaks down or fails in some way they cold be liable.

Throwing away getting paid for labour just to make a mark up on parts is dumb. The last time we paid for parts at a shop (and also the last time we used a mechanic) was 3 years ago and that was just because the car had to be back up and running within a day for a long trip.

RightFootDown > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 13:02

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That's how they make the extra buck.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 13:03

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Always good idea to go with your gut when it comes to picking the right shop. Also good for you in picking the shop that works best for you. Too many people are nervous about hurting their mechanics feelings.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 13:11

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All good shops will install proper customer-supplied parts, and will similarly turn away poor customer-supplied parts. If yours are good, you learned something valuable, which is that Shop B is about maximizing profit not fixing cars. I'm all for mechanics making a decent profit on their work, but if you absolutely have to have the markup you charge for parts you either need to reprice your labor upwards to stop concealing costs, or you're just trying to screw customers.

EL_ULY > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 13:13

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we will but will offer no warranties for parts or labor. A lot of independent shops like to only install OEM parts for warranty reasons, cores, and because a lot of customers like that they do.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 03/27/2015 at 13:19

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Depends how well business is going too? Shop near work wouldn't install OEM front control arms I'd bought, so ...

¯\_()_/¯

Textured Soy Protein > EL_ULY 03/27/2015 at 13:20

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I don't expect a warranty when installing customer-supplied parts. That's par for the course. The EGR they installed for me was just a generic replacement part and they charged almost twice what RockAuto charges for the same thing.

vicali > RightFootDown 03/27/2015 at 13:21

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And sadly your app't is probably already filled by a non car person rushing to get in and have their old blinker fluid flushed before summer comes..

Textured Soy Protein > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 03/27/2015 at 13:22

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Yup, these are the OEM NTK sensors. I told them that, but they stuck to their guns about only installing parts that they sell. They put on a generic replacement EGR valve same as you'd get at any auto parts store and charged almost twice what it costs at RockAuto.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire 03/27/2015 at 13:30

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I suppose if they're fairly busy with people who will pay the mark up they can turn away business.

EL_ULY > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 13:33

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WHAAAT? That's odd

Aaron M - MasoFiST > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 13:37

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The shop I go to was nice enough to tell me the brand of parts they purchase. When I needed an inner tie rod done and they gave me a quote for a Monroe part, I was able to say "I'm just going to buy a Subaru one and have you guys install it" with no problems. Unsurprisingly, this is a shop that works with customers' projects and track cars, as evidenced by their parking lot. Flexibility and transparency can get you a lot, and it definitely gets them my money.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 13:40

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Car Guy has a good point when it comes to non oem work or eBay parts. They don't want to have to deal with a failure and someone coming back for warranty work.

However, this is utter bullshit. Local firestone recommends 2 adjustable lateral links. Ok cool. I can't buy them on my own though even though it's the exact same manufacturer, part number, etc. Why? This is why.

$204 x 2 vs $73 x 2

PS9 > EL_ULY 03/27/2015 at 13:47

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Conveinience fee.

As in, it would be very conveinient to us if you'd pay us this inflated fee. :)

Textured Soy Protein > nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul 03/27/2015 at 13:56

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You made me go back and look. The receipt, which I kept, says EGV827 for the EGR valve. They charged me $79.67. RockAuto has it for $27.79 .

Textured Soy Protein > EL_ULY 03/27/2015 at 14:00

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I checked back on my receipt and for the EGR valve they replaced, it says part # EGV827. They charged me $79.67. RockAuto has it for $27.79 . Ouch.

Textured Soy Protein > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 03/27/2015 at 14:01

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Actually scratch that "almost twice," I checked and they charged me $79.67 instead of $27.79 at RockAuto.

brianbrannon > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 14:03

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Restaurant won't cook the meat I brought. Bye bye

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 14:03

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it's a robbery. Meanwhile I wouldn't be surprised if that's where they buy there's. That or it's just business incompetence.

Example: every new employee gets a whole set of tools, ladder, safety vest, etc. Comes out to around $800 per person. They go through Grainger because they get a discount. Sure it's nice having a discount when a pair of mechanix gloves are priced at $55 but with the discount they're only $35. Meanwhile I can get the same pair on Amazon for $20. Our ladder costs the company $300 yet can be picked up at Wal-Mart or home depot for $200. I guess they just like the convenience of making the order and letting Grainger part it out. Nevermimd the fact that we're remote employees so we know how to handle things ourselves. Blows my mind.

Textured Soy Protein > brianbrannon 03/27/2015 at 14:21

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That's a little different.

Mattbob > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 14:29

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well, now they aren't going to sell you labor either.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 15:00

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Before I found my awesome Merc mechanic I tried to go to an asshole German guy, I had an injection pump tuned up by the #1 guy in the states to do it, the one even the dealers use for older cars, I was going to bring it directly over in a box from his shop and he said no. He gave me serious attitude for no reason so he got a scathing Yelp review. I did find a great mechanic who used to work for Merc so it all worked out.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 15:02

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EGR, remove all the EGRs!! Well I have an old exempt diesel that used to circulate sludge and that came off!

Textured Soy Protein > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 03/27/2015 at 15:06

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I decided not to post a negative review for Shop B since they're probably fine for most non-car people. But I did post a positive review for Shop A since they're doing what I want.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 15:08

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I didn't do it because of not taking the parts, I did it because he was a massive fucking asshole and didn't just say no, he gave me serious attitude for reasons I can't understand. One of his guys gave me a look after he left, it was a look of, yeah hes like that. I guess he just wants people to drop off their S Class and have no idea about what goes on. Probably a lot of people like that here in Marin.

Steve in Manhattan > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 15:25

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I remember the Car Guys took a call about this - they would install customer-supplied parts, but then had to explain that the parts installed had no warranty from the shop. In other words, if that water pump you brought in for your V6 Camry failed, it would be another 600 bucks in labor to put in a new one. On the other hand, if you bought the part new, there would be no issues.

Steve in Manhattan > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. 03/27/2015 at 15:28

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Maybe not - if they can schedule another job in your slot where they make 50 bucks more, it's just business.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Steve in Manhattan 03/27/2015 at 15:34

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True.

dogisbadob > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 15:45

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where Audis feel most at home :(

Textured Soy Protein > Steve in Manhattan 03/27/2015 at 15:46

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Yeah that's usually the case with stuff like this. I can live with it on my cheap old winter Jeep that only sees about 5k miles a year, especially when Shop B was charging over double the cost of the parts from RockAuto.

Textured Soy Protein > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 03/27/2015 at 15:46

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Ah, that makes sense.

GTiceman > Textured Soy Protein 03/27/2015 at 15:55

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Like others I understand why a shop won't install customer supplied parts. For the eBay reason, the reason that maybe a part has a defect or is a knockoff, or simply they don't have experience with that manufacturer and don't feel comfortable about it. I actually have a shop that does not do this and the guy is a BMW Club Racer and even if those of us who know him well ask, he still tells us he prefers not to. At first I was like really come on, but I understood after another experience I had. If the shop has done it before maybe they got burned by someone else. I know the shop that did install my aftermarket oil cooler lost money on labor because of the poor design of the kit, from a well known and respected manufacturer.

Textured Soy Protein > GTiceman 03/27/2015 at 16:31

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I understand them not wanting to, but hey if I've got parts and I want them put on, somebody's gonna take my money to do it.

GTiceman > Textured Soy Protein 03/30/2015 at 10:16

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Agreed

Shane > Textured Soy Protein 06/20/2015 at 17:13

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I can accept and expect no warranty on customer supplied parts because I live on a budget and have an emergency fund as a warranty. Shops that decline to install customer supplied parts do it for 1 legit reason and that is revenue. When you agree to do the repairs with parts they sell you, you are paying for a warranty whether you realize it or not, via the huge mark up on the part price.

If they do the work and nothing fails then they just made that much more money, if it fails they still made good money but have to cash out the warranty you paid for in to cover the cost of R&R. Get this, the part has a warranty (thru the MFG) whether they sell it to you or you buy it from wherever.

If you are disciplined with your finances and have an all cash emergency fund it can be cost effective for you to gamble on buying your own parts.

pwrtow8 > Textured Soy Protein 01/22/2016 at 10:40

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No it’s not. It’s the exact same thing. You go to a restaurant to have them supply a good and a service, same as a shop.

You have no idea all the trouble customer supplied parts cause, and with no warranty or guarantee, isn’t the cost of the part in this case significantly less than the labor? Is 50 dollars for the part the biggest dollar item on the bill?

Independent Shop > Textured Soy Protein 02/16/2017 at 13:16

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I charge extra for customer supplied parts. Small shops can’t stay in business on labor alone. We don’t have much mark up on parts but, if there is a problem with a part that the customer supplies we have to have the customer exchange it etc.. and a lift is tied up and if you have an unfinished job on a lift you’re losing $$

Sam > Textured Soy Protein 04/27/2018 at 14:51

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You guys do realize that these shops have to make money to make a living, and pay for overhead cost right?

Sam > Textured Soy Protein 04/27/2018 at 14:53

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You’re saying $79 for a $27 item. how much they charge for labor? or did the $79 included labor?

Textured Soy Protein > Sam 04/27/2018 at 16:09

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$79 was only the cost of the part itself, nothing to do with labor. Thanks for finding a post of mine from 3 years ago I guess?

Redbeard > Textured Soy Protein 03/26/2019 at 23:45

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Shops don’t want to install your parts because they don’t know the condition of your parts. If they don’t work, you pay twice for re-install and that is an awkward thing for a shop to deal with. 90% of shops will not install your parts anyway because of the problems it causes.