waynehughes, I have been repairing mower for many years, never seen the thievery from Lawnmower shop and dealers like I see now, the American business as a whole are robbing the working people, many of them have cut back on the number of employees, cut hours or low hourly pay but get ten times what the item cost just a year ago, go to Wal Mart for an example, they have a filter that will fit you engine, wix, Fram, for about five dollars, I can look it up for you in my notes, I am beginning to hate a lot of them and hope they fail, Joe
I am an independent shop and am insulted at this idea that all of us are crooks. Personally I am not. Yes I see the same out shops around me. Most are considering the customers stupid and they are not most times. But I can also see the reason behind the increased prices as I am getting hit from all sides too.
Currently I do sell at list prices using vendor provided pricing files. Some items profitable and others are sold at a lost if I order them below the free shipping levels. Being independent, having multiple sources, and a very good cross reference database I can save the customer money on parts, save money on my part, and still make decent percentage profit.
Just because for example the equipment is John Deere doesn't mean I have buy and install parts from them when the same part is available through another OEM at a lower cost.
Once you figure out where to get the same hardware, prices can come down considerably. I currently got a Toro in the shop that need some Plastite screws. Most of Toro vendors are wanting up to $4 apiece for them plus shipping but my source sold them to me for 0.79 each including shipping and I can sell at 1.60 and double my money. I make a good profit and still save the customers some or their money.
And yes I have seen some my parts cost more than double in the last few years. Many OEM are raising the prices on me but wanting me me to hold the line of the retail prices.