Bringing parts to auto repair shop - opinions
 

Of the 2 shops that I have serviced my 87 300D for the last 8 years, one would NOT allow me to bring my own parts and the other one will. I understand that when I buy my own parts that the shop cannot warranty the part. However, I like the option of bringing my own parts to save $. I recently replaced my fuel injection pump and saved approx. $700 by sourcing a rebuilt pump myself. I also saved approx. $500 on also sourcing rebuilt A/C compressor myself and then having it installed by auto shop.

1) Does your shop allow you to bring your own parts?
2) Do very many other people want to source their own parts?
3) Other comments on this subject?

I source my own parts
 

My Indie is very happy if I source my own parts. On the Mercedes I source everything, on the Town Car it kinds of depends. If I know I need something special like new rear air springs 2 years ago, I get them. If he sees that it needs something, he just gets it. He is a great guy and I really recommend him to any one in this area. He is really not crazy about my diesel yet, but he is warming up to it. I always bring my service manual along. He is about 30 miles away and a new shop opened about 1/2 mile away from home. I stopped after he was open maybe a year, they didn't seem very busy. I asked him about sourcing my own parts and did he read me a riot act. Never went there again. If you want the name of my Indie, Paul, then PM me.

I'll fit anything, apart from safety related items you bring in the door, with the strict understanding that I offer no warranty of any kind.

Safety parts would be steering and brakes along with associated components.

There are places that cannot without invalidating the shop insurance or local laws like consumer rights..

Just remember though, most shops are marking up and need this to be profitable.
Thing is...you would never walk into Waffle House and bring your own eggs and bacon for breakfast, right ?

So, why expect a shop to cut it's income ? There's a lot of expense to cover.
Insurance.
Workers Comp'.
Telephone listings.
Office supplies.
Heat.
Cooling.
DSL and related subscriptions.
Specialist tools.
Uniforms.
Shop truck.
Rent/Mortgage.
Property tax.
CPA charges.
Local utilities.
EPA regulation.
Disposale costs.
Advertising.
Inventory.


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My indy will let me bring in my own parts. He says "if you can get it cheaper, then sure, get it, bring it in and I'll install it." He's cool about it.

-Joe

My independent encourages me to bring my own parts. A lot of times he'll tell me I can get it cheaper than he can. I really appreciate that.

Self-Provided Parts
 

I would only do this (1) at the suggestion of the shop/tech, or (2) for a technical reason (i.e special part or they could not find the part, etc.) and with the shop's agreement.
I try to get in sync with the shop as to estimated cost of repairs and parts, prior to authorizing repair to proceed. I would not try to cut a good shop out to save a few bucks, because they have to survive, too. We have a sort of symbiotic relationship; we both gotta make it.
My ideal shop: (1) reliable, quality work; (2)helpful suggestions which are not especially or notably self-serving; (3) timely delivery as agreed in advance, more or less; (4) a neat, dignified shop and good relationshipo with the techs; (5) hot coffee with half-and-half handy.