Not sure what to do

[67M20F]

As I said in another thread we had a prop strike, I want to update the prop, so I went and found a prop at a shop and had it arranged to drop ship it to the shop doing the work.

The A&P wants to charge me, 10% on the part that I found, I think this is very unreasonable.

What do you all think? Would you pay it?

[Jeff_S]

My A/P never charges me extra for parts that I source myself. I think that is pretty much highway robbery. On the other hand, if his hourly rates are so dramatically low that he honestly tries to make up for that with a little markup on parts, then perhaps its a workable relationship. But other than that, I think it's a bit outrageous. (But at least he's honest with you that he wants to charge that, instead of just jacking up the rates for something else.)

[N303FW]

Depends on his overhead.  If he's doing the work in your hanger and doesn't have any, I'd probably not pay (course, I choose not to use mechanics like that because who knows if they carry insurance?)  If he has a shop that he needs to pay for and usually makes money on parts that he provides I'd be happy to pay a little extra.  The alternative is that he doesn't make money which means he goes out of business and isn't any use to me.  Just my 2 cents.

 

[Cruiser]

Is/has he done any other work for you or is he only going to change the prop? I would be looking for a new mechanic.

[skyking]

Mine would never ask for that and i probably would not pay it.

if he wants a few bucks for handling etc then fine, but 10% , no way.

I use Rightwing aviation and they dont even charge me any extra on parts they source. I pay shipping etc and thats it.

[67M20F]

He has a shop, so he has overhead, and the only reason that he if fixing  the plane instead of the usual mech, is my partner didn't want to ferry it out.

So now I  am stuck with the motor in CO for teardown, and he wants to charge me 1K for the prop that I will have on his doorstep.

Wish there was another shop on field, but no joy.

Now my partner wants to have him do the annual, cause he thinks that the insurance will pay for it. How could that go wrong right!

[Cruiser]

sounds like he is a fisherman instead of a mechanic. He's got you on the hook and reeling in. Based on his demand of 10%, I would want everything he touches quoted in writing with a guaranteed price.

[ErickR]

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10% is ridiculous! Although, I have been in your shoes with my plane stuck at a foreign shop away from home. Makes a man pay absurd amounts of money for simple repairs and parts.

[67M20F]

How about this for a kicker, he is charging 79hr for all shop time, including looking for parts plus 10% on the part as if he were stocking them.

the shop is Above View, in KSGU.

[Immelman]

Wow. Yikes!

My guy (independent A&P) and the shop he's loosely affiliated with do not do that. He suggests that I find my own parts so that he does not have to resell them to me and deal with the sales tax and book keeping. He charges me for his time.

[Cruiser]

Is there insurance involved in this someway?

[67M20F]

Yes, but with updating the prop I think they are going to make us pay the  10%, +600 for the prop not being new + the cost of the upgrade.

[67M20F]

I hope they don't but I think they will.

[skyking]

I dont know about the "above view" name but he sure as heck is not above reproach!

 

This guys sounds like somebody to stay well away from.

[Magnum]

I think it depends. How much does he charge per hour? All the shops I know (here in Germany) have a "mixed" calculation, the hourly rates are not so expensive, and they really need the 10-20% they make with the parts. Compare it to a car repair station. Not many would accept owner supplied parts, they need the margin, too. BMW for example only installs original BMW parts, and they really cost a lot. Also think about the overhead cost, every shop needs up to date manuals (a couple of thousands per year), they have to train the mechanics, need all the tools and so on BEFORE they can start writing invoices.

I don't know this particular shop, maybe he is ripping you off. But as long as he doesn't drive a Porsche he might just need it to stay in business. You can decide if you want to stay with this shop in the future, right now you don't have a real choice.

[67M20F]

Quote: pmccand

 I am REALLY glad to hear where this guy is...just so happens that I planned on MOVING to St. George Utah (KSGU) in the near future.  Now, I'll go there prepared!  (Whew!!  that was a close call!!!)

PMc

 

[RJBrown]

I think everyone on this board are being way too nice in their assesment on this guy. Sounds to me as if someone is trying to take advantage of an unfortunate situation.

This is the 3rd time I tried to respond to this thread. The first 2 times I erased my posting for fear of being sued for libel by the offending FBO.

That said St George is messed up right now. The airport is slated to close as soon as the new one is ready. This is leaving everyone there in limbo.

[N6784N]

I would really fight this charge. If he doesn't have a policy that he will have to provide the parts then he shouldn't be charging you. I would call around and try to find a mechanic that can travel out to you and see if he can come out. if he can then tell the mechanic on the field you are not comfortable paying prop charge since you did the work to find it which probably wont work so tell him he has a choice, he can either do the job for a reasonable rate or you will find somebody that will. as long as the airport will let him work on the premises. If it costs you that extra money that you would have paid for the prop hey at least you didn't give it to a thief.  hope it works out for you

[67M20F]

this was posted on another forum:

His job isn't saving you money, sorry... and shops tend to be very territorial as to who the use and who they don't for parts.

 

So do you expect your shop to help you out and find the part at the best price? Or do you think its right for him to make one phone call to his buddy that runs a prop shop and make $975?

[Guest Anonymous]

Give SERIOUS consideration to bringing in a mechanic to do the work as field work.  There are several in that area that will travel as a matter of normal business.  I know of several in the Las Vegas Area. The travel might cost almost as much, but it will send a serious message to the FBO.

I am sure that Jet Center could find some space for the guy to work, and IMHO they are not inclined to rip people off.

RFB

[M016576]

I quoted a 430W install at LASAR, and didn't like the cost for the unit itself and asked if I could "bring my own" for the install.  The surcharge was either 5 or 10%....  I ended up buying their unit.  For those considering a 430 install, I would probably look elsewhere-> they charged me more than many other reputable shops do....