MB Dealers and Parts prices - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DavidF.C280 · #1 01-16-2004, 07:05 PM

Hello Everyone,

Apologies up front if this is a Stupid Question.

My ML320 needs a new Brake Light Switch (The mechancial Switch by the brake pedal).

Recommended Price for the part is $13.50

A call to my local dealer, for Availability goes as follows:-

Dealer - "Yes we have it in, its $24.55"

Me - "Hang on isn't Mercedes Retail on this part $13.50"

Dealer - a few seconds of silence, follows by "Thats our Retail Price"

Just to make sure I call around, my second nearest Dealer wants 18.50, a call to a dealer in another city confirms its 13.50

I would love to say this is an exception, but when I needed a new window switch pack, they charged me 20% over retail then (I was naive on pricing at the time)

I am awaiting a return call from the Parts Manager, when I will ask him to Justify their Pricing Policy, so I will not name the Dealer in Question just yet.

I appreciate this is the land of the free, and companies are able to set parts prices as they wish... But is this a Common practice for them to charge over and above retail?? If I am being naive, then feel free to tell me!

Thanks!

David

euronatura · #2 01-16-2004, 07:16 PM

If you do a search I believe that you will find your answer. I remember reading in another thread a little while ago, that it is upto each dealership to set their prices for parts.

So bascially, it is worth the effort of shopping around if you have to go to a dealer. If not, use the people that sponser this forum. They have competive prices on parts and fast shipping.

Iggy

DavidF.C280 · #3 01-16-2004, 08:28 PM

Thanks Iggy,

I did do a search before I posted, after seeing your post, I did a more detailed search, and I think I found the thread you are talking about.

As I said I appreciate this is the land of the free, and free market, and dealers are free to set their own prices. In fact this reminds me of a saying from many years ago... Popular Prices!!! Well we like 'em!!

In instance, We are only talking about $11 But this is a matter of principle. IMHO a 60% markup ABOVE recommended price is a little excessive.

I normally do buy from Fastlane and the like but this is, (or should be )a $13 part, and sometimes its just easier (and faster) to source locally.

As I said I await the Parts Managers response, Anyone seeing my location should be able to guess the dealer, but I will update when I hear back.

David.

Paulwho · #4 01-16-2004, 09:53 PM

DavidF.C280,
It is a common practice for dealers to charge above the "retail" rate. Usually the percentage is a sliding scale of 100% for items under ten dollars to 10% above one thousand dollars. It has forever been a pain in my brain that,
1) dealership sells to shop at retail plus 20%
2) dealership sells to indy at cost plus 20%
3) indy sells to customer below dealerships shop cost and I lose the bussiness.
4) dealership sells to the over the counter customer at the good buddy rate, the better the buddy the better the rate.

Ashman · #5 01-17-2004, 01:23 PM

give phil at partsshop on this site a call. see what he can do for you.

his number. 888-333-4642

Alon