Providing Own Oil for Mechanic to Use for Oil Change Service

pinchies on 10/08/2022 - 14:51
Last edited 10/08/2022 - 15:11

Tldr; mechanic doesn't want me to provide my own oil for an oil change

I always try to buy oil at a discount when I see it. My current mechanic charges $100 for 5L of oil, and I often buy the same amount for well under $50 when it is on a massive discount. I normally provide this oil to the mechanic when I take my car in for a service, and ask that they use my oil. A tiny bit of effort to save >$50 on a $400 service seems like a no brainer to me.

Recently, my mechanic said to me "you know, we have oil here too you know" and asked that next time I don't provide my own oil.

I've been doing this for years without issue, and haven't had any issues with any of my previous mechanics either. A good mechanic is hard to find, so I certainly don't want to make a fuss, but I'm not really impressed either. I'm completely fine with paying for their time, and paying their waste disposal fees too, but I'd rather not use their overpriced shop oil. I have a 2014 Subaru XV and use the Castrol Edge Full Synthetic 5W30, so it's not like I'm trying to ask them to put canola oil or fruit juice in there either.

Curious for thoughts. Am I being unreasonable asking them to use my own oil?

There are two perspectives I can see:

Yes, you're being unreasonable: You choose the mechanic, you are choosing the whole service. You don't get to pick and choose.

No, you're not being unreasonable: You're paying them for their time and workshop disposal fees, and providing your own quality oil to save money should be fine. If they want to make more money they should charge appropriate fees for the service, not by jacking the price of oil to pad their pockets.

Poll Options expired

  • 254
    Customer is unreasonable to expect to be able to provide your own quality oil to try save a buck
  • 258
    Mechanic is being unreasonable here to refuse the customer providing oil
  • 166
    It's complex
Automotive Engine Oil

Comments

    • pinchies on 10/08/2022 - 15:54
      +2

      Thanks Davo. I take the empties and they do charge for oil disposal. I will most certainly allow them to charge their standard labour rate for the opening of the bottles…….

      • Davo1111 on 10/08/2022 - 15:59
        +2

        i think you're edging towards suggesting it's 20seconds to open a lid.

        But they may have a pouring system, so with you they have to nurse the bottles with a funnel etc.

        Anyway, at the end of the day, its their business, and they dont have to serve you

  • Tomcruise on 10/08/2022 - 16:16
    +2

    I used to do it all the time with the VW507 oil. Now i do my own changes.

    Find a Mobile Mechanic.

  • crazyrichasians on 10/08/2022 - 16:22
    -2

    I wonder it is a bit like going to a restaurant and insist that you want to drink the wine that you brought.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/08/2022 - 16:26
      +5

      Wine is different because some places are byo.

      • crazyrichasians on 10/08/2022 - 20:29

        Yes I understand, I just think it is a business that just to make as much profit as they can. So they want to want to earn 100 per cent mark up on the oil as well.

        • Tleyx on 11/08/2022 - 22:25

          Most restaurants that have their own wine charge more than 100 percent markup

      • CheapskateQueen on 10/08/2022 - 21:15
        +3

        although many charge a ridiculous corkage fee per glass. guess it still works out better to byo $20 bottle and pay $10 for the glasses than pay $40 for a $8 bottle of wine

  • pegaxs on 10/08/2022 - 16:25
    +1

    Next you'll want to supply all the parts because you can get them cheaper… and then supply the labour, because you can get that cheaper… Bring you own sundries because it's cheaper and dispose of all your own waste oil because it's cheaper…

    To really go that extra mile and save yourself even more $$'s, just do the oil change yourself at home.

    We don't usually let customers bring in their own oil, because they usually bring in the cheapest shit they can find. It will be the wrong grade, wrong viscosity, wrong type, not enough, etc… but it was on special at Supercheap 8 weeks ago.

    And when their engine explodes because it was the wrong oil… It's always "Shit mechanic caused my car engine to blow up" not "I'm a dumb arse customer, I bought the wrong stuff"

    • Geoff01 on 11/08/2022 - 09:14
      +2

      Guess if the garage didn't take the piss with the oil charge he probably wouldn't.its pure greed

      • pegaxs on 11/08/2022 - 10:46
        -4

        iT'z PuRe GrEEd!!!1!!1

        Rightio, champ. So, every other big box retail store buys at wholesale and sells at retail, no problem. Mechanic buys oil at wholesale and sells at retail "iTs An OuTrAgE!!".

        Seems a bit weird that you let companies like Harvey Norman rip you off blind, but some corner store mechanic charging retail prices for oil is "pure greed". I guess Jeff Bezos paid for that new $500,000,000 boat of his by selling people goods at the same price he bought them for, or is it ok for him to rip people off, just not mechanics?

        • jackary on 11/08/2022 - 18:25
          +4

          I downvoted you because your “alternating caps” thing is getting really long in the tooth and just makes you sound like a pretentious boob.

        • greatlamp on 11/08/2022 - 23:47
          +1

          It would be ok if the mechanic charged retail. The retail price of the cheap oil the average mechanic used would be about $20-$30 total, vs $100 they are charging.

          Auto mechanics earn their bad reputation.

  • Euphemistic on 10/08/2022 - 17:00
    +3

    It’s complex.

    You aren’t requesting something unreasonable. They aren’t rejecting your request for unreasonable reasons.

    • Geoff01 on 11/08/2022 - 09:15
      -7

      Greed is there only reason

      • bhubb18 on 11/08/2022 - 10:41
        +5

        Which is how a business works, they're not a charity

  • dtorr on 10/08/2022 - 17:32
    +5

    Change the oil yourself.

  • shaybisc on 10/08/2022 - 18:01
    +7

    I can't see how it's a problem for any mechanic, who is being paid for their labour, unless their M.O. is to rip off customers with big markups on oil.

    • brendanm on 10/08/2022 - 18:23

      Mechanics don't pay retail price for oil. They sell it for retail price. The difference is the profit on that item. There is no need for "ripping off" or "big markups".

    • Euphemistic on 11/08/2022 - 10:51
      +1

      The profit on parts is part of them running a viable business. Sure, some places make too much money, but most small shops aren’t raking in millions they are making a decent wage.

      The flashier the waiting room and the mechanics car, the more profit they are making. Some people like to think a business showing its prosperity is a sign of a good, reliable business and aw happy to spend extra money there. Others, like me, recognise that it is a sign they are charging too much.

      • fillit on 12/08/2022 - 20:29

        Shouldn't you make that judgement on their price & service?

        What's stopping them from driving an old banger to their home in Kew and hop in their Ferrari on the weekend…

  • drogba on 10/08/2022 - 18:59
    +1

    Can't you just change it yourself? Very simple job for anyone.

    • SteveB00 on 11/08/2022 - 08:24
      +5

      People keep saying that. How do you get under the car without a hoist? How do you dispose of the old oil?

      • drogba on 11/08/2022 - 09:06
        +2

        I was able to reach the sump plug on my vehicle without raising even raising it.

        Otherwise 1 jack stand on either side of the car can give you plenty access. These regularly go on sale for $50.

        https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/toolpro-toolpro-car-stan…

        Then just catch the oil with one of these for $6, works very well.

        https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/sca-sca-oil-drain-contai…

        Supercheap usually have oil collection bins so you can just dispose it there.

        • Poor Ass on 11/08/2022 - 14:57
          +2

          lol yeh these are the shit oil catchers that spill everywhere

          • drogba on 11/08/2022 - 17:31
            +1

            @Poor Ass: Lol they actually work perfect. You just need to keep the lid off when filling.

      • Euphemistic on 11/08/2022 - 10:52
        +1

        Like I keep telling my kids, stop thinking of reasons you CAN’T do it and try working out how you CAN do it.

        • SteveB00 on 11/08/2022 - 11:28
          +4

          Oh I COULD do it. It would involve, at least, buying a few things, jacking the car (maybe both sides), getting under the car, getting dirty and a 1-hour round trip to get rid of the old oil at the nearest SCA that accepts it. This doesn't qualify as "very simple" to me and, when I factor in my time, I doubt it even saves me much money. But yes, I COULD do it.

          • Handsoff on 11/08/2022 - 12:24
            +1

            @SteveB00: The things you'd need to buy would be considerably less than the cost a single service, especially since you can keep using them every service. Every time you go to buy oil, take your old oil with you to dispose of. The time it'd take you to book the service, take your car to the mechanic, wait or come back and fetch it (organise another mode of transport), would far out weigh doing it yourself.

            In OP's case:

            Oil and oil filter <$100. = saving of >$300.
            Purchase of jack stands (assuming you need them) = $50.

            Saving ~$300 every minor service for 30 mins of work.

            • drogba on 11/08/2022 - 12:49

              @Handsoff: People seem to live such busy lives these days that they'd rather just pay others to do things for them if it means avoiding even the slightest inconvenience.

              • SteveB00 on 11/08/2022 - 13:08
                +3

                @drogba: I still question that this is “the slightest inconvenience” but you’re on the right track. I’d rather get paid for what I’m good at and set up to do, and pay others–who are glad of the work–to do what they’re good at and set up to do. I also employ a cleaner, and cleaning is way easier than changing your own oil.

              • Tleyx on 11/08/2022 - 22:28

                @drogba: If you are earning $100 an hour and you can pay someone else $100 an hour to do it in half the time then why wouldn't you?

  • bobbified on 10/08/2022 - 21:59
    +1

    They factor in the margin they make on their oil into their income from doing that service. If there's something in particular about your own oil that you're insisting they use, other than cost, I'm sure they'll be happy to use your oil if you allow them to add on that same margin they would've made on their oil onto the final service price.

    Otherwise, they're making less money on that service. That's business.

  • WreckTangle on 10/08/2022 - 22:04
    +2

    Time for a new mechanic OP

  • highon2str on 10/08/2022 - 22:19
    +3

    I suppose yet another angle to look at it, is that a mechanic charging more than retail price for oil, is similar to a bartender charging more than retail price for beer?

    There is margin for the oil/beer (and sure, by themselves you can source them for cheaper) but that's the price you pay for going to a licensed workshop/bar?

  • JIMB0 on 11/08/2022 - 07:34

    You can also save money by bringing your own drinks to the pub.

  • silo on 11/08/2022 - 08:16

    I've been doing this for years. The mechanic has no problems and always applies a set discount for the supply. I drive a recent Audi and go to a major chain mechanic too.

  • saltypete on 11/08/2022 - 08:28
    +7

    They make a big mark up on the oil and it works for the majority of the folk that go there. They get away with it most of the time and now want to impose this on you as well.
    Supplying your own oil, and even parts is common practice. You are not being weird or unusual.

    The irony is that their business proposition is that they service your car at a better price than getting ripped off at a dealer. And then insist that you allow them to rip you off too.
    They've lost their way a bit as a business and other things are going to change as well.
    Go find another mechanic. Plenty of decent ones around - everyone has a car and they'll soon tell you if they're happy with their mechanic or not.

    I'm truly surprised at all of the comments on here suggesting that this practice is OK. So folk on here are proud of screwing an extra couple of dollars for earbuds, but keen to bend over for the local mechanic, tradie etc.
    Strange world……🤔

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 11/08/2022 - 09:58

      OP pushes their view, then the mechanic will simply sell their oil at cost and bump up their labour charge accordingly. End result is the same. They have a set profit they want to achieve for their time.

      • saltypete on 12/08/2022 - 09:07

        No. Mech will still cream off the folk who are content to pay. Who are clearly in the majority, and also some seem to reside even here on OZB…

        Mech is looking to make as much as she/he can- OZB is looking to pay as little as possible. This is a good thing. This is what keeps economy working and inflation low.

        What do you think happens when some tech place offers a discount that you happily gobble up?

        The reason I think OP should go elsewhere is business is unwilling to negotiate, and pulling the "policy' line.

        • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 12/08/2022 - 15:03

          Take in a bag of frozen chips to your local Maccas and ask them to cook them for you rather than cook their own. Let us know how you go.

    • 91rs on 11/08/2022 - 21:24

      It's almost like these nasty sneaky mechanics have bills to pay, overheads like a shop, tools, equipment, insurance and wages …
      Seems like a disgusting practice for a business to make money to be able to stay in business, someone please call ACA / TT to get on this scam immediately.

      My main concern when having a vehicle serviced (if it's not something I'm willing or have the time to do myself) is that they treat it as I would treat it and do the job right.
      I'd not be cool with paying for a service and it to be done poorly, incomplete or not carrying out what was agreed on, that's a much bigger deal.

      • saltypete on 12/08/2022 - 09:17
        +1

        So you are saying that you won't explore an option to lower your outgoings so that business won't defraud you? Sounds like a hostage situation right there.

        I guess you'll avoid getting a good price on Eneloops because of the fear of sending the importer into poverty…

        There is more to getting a bargain than sniffing up a discount tossed your way by a retailer - there's also the art of negotiation - 'bargaining'. OP gets this.

        • 91rs on 12/08/2022 - 13:33

          With your logic EVERY business is defrauding us, especially when you're sold something at RRP, because most things at some stage will go on sale.
          OP is being told the price of the goods \ services prior to work so it's not a surprise at the end if he goes ahead with the work, there is no defrauding going on.

          "I always try to buy oil at a discount when I see it. My current mechanic charges $100 for 5L of oil, and I often buy the same amount for well under $50 when it is on a massive discount."
          Oil for one of my cars RRP runs about $90 for 6L from supercheap, so a litre more and $10 less than what OP's mechanic charges (or tries to).
          OP admits they often buy when "it is on a massive discount" .. those "massive discounts" aren't all the time and outside of those times people are paying more, if its slightly discounted or full RRP or nearby from a retail shop. Yes you can negotiate, sometimes you get something, other times you get the look of disgust from some tired retail worker who just wants to unalive themselves for having to deal with people like that all the time.

          You can't take a one off price that might happen once or twice a year where you can buy what you want cheap and then expect that your "massive discount" price is the normal price to expect to pay everyday or everywhere.
          The mechanic may stock various oils and parts that he's purchased (at varying levels of discount depending on how much and who from) and put some markup on them, it's not unheard of for that to happen so it covers time spent ordering, transportation of the goods, storage costs etc at his shop.

          If the mechanic is charging or quoting way over what I find acceptable then I will shop elsewhere. I encourage others to do the same, but be realistic about it.
          However if the quality of the work is excellent, they know exactly what they're doing or specialise in something but they're gonna charge a bit more for the service provided or the parts are more expensive than I could buy them for via some sale or foreign website then I'd rather pay a little extra for the quality job done than taking my business elsewhere and having a poor job done to save a few bucks.
          Often those "I know a guy whos cheaper" deals end with you spending more in the long run if you have an eye for quality or details, especially when it comes to cars. Even if they will "fix" whatever goes wrong I've learnt the time, hassle, potential for long term damage and effort from my side isn't worth the couple of bucks saved.

          Happy to get a bargain on things from faceless large corporations & importers who will guaranteed make it up on something else I've bought, rather than trying to screw down a local mechanic (who isn't a dealer, chain or large brand) who runs his own business that does work I can trust.

          I wished more people on OZB would have their work and prices for what they do for a job questioned and put down as often as there are posts here that are trying to make out smaller businesses are here to defraud everyone and not just cover all of their expenses, pay wages and maybe make a profit.

          • saltypete on 13/08/2022 - 10:46
            -1

            @91rs: You were talking about fear of fraud - that they 'do the job right'. If you are worried about that, that is fear of being defrauded.

            BTW. Those 'faceless..corporations & importers' are still businesses and still have people at their heart.

            There is essentially no difference in the proposition except that for most people there is no personal contact with the supplier. So if your proposition is true, you are doing to 'the faceless' the very thing you are upset about - except for some criteria that you define as 'small'.

            When you negotiate a raise you are deciding a price for your effort with a purchaser.
            The art of negotiation is a skill that takes time and effort to learn. Both sides gain. It's actually enjoyable for both sides at times. It's at the heart of our democracy and economy.

            Or maybe if direct negotiating is not for you, just keep snapping up those advertised discounts……🙂

  • Stoozer on 11/08/2022 - 08:46
    +7

    I always provide my own oil and filter for mechanic. Not due to cost but because I want to make sure it's the correct stuff

    • Poor Ass on 11/08/2022 - 14:59
      +2

      true…. too many stories of stealerships putting in 20w-50 and then saying oh that's a typo on the invoice we actually put in a much thinner oil

      • BrettSh on 11/08/2022 - 16:23

        Hmmmm… that may have happened to me at a Toyota dealership. My car takes 0W20 and after one service I asked why the invoice said 5W30. They said it was a typo.

        • Poor Ass on 11/08/2022 - 17:13

          yeah man it's a go to BS excuse they use all the time

        • stewy on 13/08/2022 - 21:42

          When I asked my Toyota Dealer what oil they would use in my 2018 Camry Hybrid they were very open about the fact they use 5W-30. It's allowed under Toyota's specs, but 0W-16 is still stated as the preferred oil so I supplied that for the service. They had no issues using it, but no discount is given.

  • backpaqer on 11/08/2022 - 09:06
    +3

    I've got a 2016 Xv and it takes 0-20W oil. Not sure if the 2014 engine was the same series, but the xv forums do confirm that the engine is very fussy on the oil and it needs to be very light/thin. The 0-20W is never cheap. If you can find a mechanic anywhere near as good as "rainman rays repairs," (YouTube) then consider it a tip for appreciated service, that guy is worth his weight in gold.

  • Odin on 11/08/2022 - 09:10
    +5

    Mechanics being a tool. I've never had an issue doing this with a huge number of mechanics.

    However. I've never paid $100 for 5l oil from a mechanic. Maybe it's this particular one and you've bothered him because he would likely be getting his own oil for less than $5 /L.

  • b0rnwithabeard on 11/08/2022 - 09:38
    +1

    nobody is being unreasonable here - maybe your
    mechanic got screwed over by a previous customer because of it and now he’s made the business decision of no BYO. Some mechanics do this, some don’t. The why of it isn’t important.

    If money is the driving force here (no pun intended) then sure you could change the oil yourself. Everyone should know how to do this very basic job. But what’s your time worth?

    You could always find another mechanic that will allow you to supply the oil, I think this is a totally reasonable option, but once again, the time spent finding this new mechanic and then working out if his work is to your standard, what’s your time worth?

    If this mechanic does top notch work, and this is literally your only problem with the whole scenario, I’d probably just cop it on the chin and look at other areas so save money.

    BTW if you do go looking for another mechanic and you ask about the oil thing - tell them it’s because you like to use a specific brand, I wouldn’t tell them it’s because “you can get it cheaper”, it may set off a red flag for them

  • shaybisc on 11/08/2022 - 10:14

    If you want to keep going to that mechanic I would just ask him to use my oil but bump up the charge by the amount he's losing by not using his. Unless that is a large amount and he's ripping you off. What's a fair profit margin on 5ls of oil?

    • greatlamp on 11/08/2022 - 23:58

      It would be about ~$70. The mechanic isn't going to tell you they markup their oil that much on your invoice, they would lose the customer anyway

  • The tiger on 11/08/2022 - 10:38

    Through Groupon I came to know one motor servicing mechanic shop at Springvale, Melbourne for a normal service after being told by Toyota outlet the charge would cost me $320.00. I phoned direct to them and their staff was very friendly too and he advised me the general service would cost me $89.00 including the normal 5 L Eng. oil, but he advised me to have the full synthetic oil instead which would cost me extra $40.00. I took his advice. It was a deal done and the service job completed beautifully. I checked the engine oil at home and was happy with it. Oh my car is a Toyota Corolla.

    • Poor Ass on 11/08/2022 - 15:04

      yes that's how it works. get you in as a new customer and hope you go back. $89 is pretty standard for an oil change but not sure if they did a safety check. doesn't take long.

      • The tiger on 12/08/2022 - 11:22

        Yes, they did the safety checks too. Very friendly guys. I don’t known however if I go there the second time would they still charge me the same $89.00.

        • Poor Ass on 12/08/2022 - 11:42

          should be ok… and better if you paid cash haha

          groupon takes a big chunk from the merchant so they rather deal with you direct

    • JimB on 11/08/2022 - 16:07

      $129 including full synthetic oil is very reasonable.

      Who’s the mechanic? They deserve a shout out.

  • Krogers on 11/08/2022 - 11:46
    +1

    The mechanic gets to choose his terms of service, not you.

    • Awoke on 11/08/2022 - 12:00
      +1

      Should have read this before making my comment immediately after yours 😂

    • apple2016 on 11/08/2022 - 13:14
      +3

      This is correct. also OP gets to choose the mechanic…

  • Awoke on 11/08/2022 - 11:58
    +3

    The mechanic doesn’t have to accept your terms of trade. Find one that does. The End.

  • jaimex2 on 11/08/2022 - 12:17
    +5

    Keep doing it and go elsewhere if he has issues with it.

    You're paying for his skill and labor as a mechanic, not an oil baron.

    Unfortunately were in an age where people are cool with getting fleeced, don't be another doormat.

  • ttt888 on 11/08/2022 - 12:40
    +3

    Mechanic should have just charge u $20 more for the service and said to u yes u can bring your own oil.

    Easy.

    But then Op would have created a thread saying mechanic charge 20.00 for bringing one oil.

    • pinchies on 11/08/2022 - 12:58
      +1

      TBH, as silly as it sounds, I would be happy with paying $20 to bring my own oil. I'm still saving significant money then.

      • ttt888 on 11/08/2022 - 13:06

        It's actually not silly. By u bringing your own oil he lost a bit of profit.

        But yes it could be win win situation by charging u 20.00 more.

  • CocaKoala on 11/08/2022 - 13:10
    +3

    That mechanic is being a tool. Sure he has oil at his shop but you're not obliged to buy it especially if it's overpriced. Just find another mechanic. There are plenty enough that's good and reasonable.

    • Awoke on 11/08/2022 - 15:03
      +1

      How offensive is this comment.

      The mechanic runs their business and has their own business model. They advised Op ahead of time that they no longer wish to accept the oil.

      They don’t have to pander to your (or my) every whim, nor should they!

      • CocaKoala on 11/08/2022 - 15:38
        +2

        How ignorant is that comment!

        If someone has a business model that involves fleecing me, then I'm going to vote them out with my wallet. So offensive, right!

        I (or any other person with a car) has the freedom to choose where to get the car serviced, where to buy spares from, and don't need to pander to any mechanic's "business model" or whim especially if it's not looking out for the best of my interests.

        I've stuck to the same mechanic for decades now, and have continued doing business with him in spite of me moving, and then him moving elsewhere, and then after him starting his own workshop. I've paid every invoice he's submitted as soon as I see it, and never asked for a discount or for extras because I value his service.

        However, I do and will provide my own spares if I happened to snag them at a good price, and he has had no qualms with it whatsoever.

        • Awoke on 11/08/2022 - 15:49

          That mechanic is being a tool

          No. The mechanic is running their own business how they choose to. They don’t need to pander to you or me. We can choose to use their services or not. No need to name call, that’s offensive.

          • CocaKoala on 11/08/2022 - 15:58
            -1

            @Awoke:

            The mechanic is running their own business how they choose to

            And when that business involves fleecing me I'm going to call it out.

            No need to name call, that’s offensive.

            It's not offensive, but you found it offensive. That's your personal opinion. Just like how this mechanic is a tool in my personal opinion.

            They don’t need to pander to you or me

            Why do you repeat this? I've never said they have to pander to me. I was very clear in starting that I'd simply take my business elsewhere.

            We can choose to use their services or not

            We're on the same page here I suppose? Perhaps we could focus of those things that we have different opinions on.

            • Awoke on 11/08/2022 - 16:42

              @CocaKoala: Wow. A bit touchy. You call a mechanic, who is running their own business the way they want to, a tool and you are the one thats got hurt feelings?

              Of course theres mark up in a business. What world do you live in where there isnt.

              You go to baker/cake maker and say, love that cake, here I’ve bought the ingredients for you, use this because I don’t like your mark up. Baker says no and you say “yOuR a ToOl, yOu sCaMmEr”

              The sense of entitlement is strong with you.

              • CocaKoala on 11/08/2022 - 17:25
                +1

                @Awoke:

                Wow. A bit touchy

                We talking about you? If not, yeah nah.

                You call a mechanic, who is running their own business the way they want to, a tool

                Is your problem with reading or comprehending in general? I've addressed this twice so I'll leave it for you to read it at your own pace and understand.

                you are the one thats got hurt feelings?

                Nah, not me. But it sure looks like I might have hurt yours. Not that I intended to but some people "aRe OfFeNdEd" by anything anyone says, so I can't do much.

                Of course theres mark up in a business

                And when did I tell you otherwise? I only said that I don't need to be forced to buy a marked up item (which is different from the item I wanted in the first place) from a business that I visited for a different purpose, especially when there are tons of other businesses that can accommodate my request. I don't need the generic garbage oil put into my car (at a marked up price of course) or the discussion I'll have to have to make them understand why I want a specific brand/specification of oil. Not to mention the fact that I could procure the better quality oil at half the price.

                You go to baker/cake maker and say, love that cake, here I’ve bought the ingredients for you, use this because I don’t like your mark up.

                Your comparison of a mechanic's service to a bakery is delusional, which is inline with your attitude and opinions. These are two very different businesses offering complete different products. If I were picky about my bread, I'll definitely be baking it myself or will go to a bakery that will make it to my specifications.

                You probably also need more time to understand parts of my previous post where I said I'd pay my mechanic whatever he invoices me because I value his service, which nullifies your argument about me not liking markups. I'd be going to el cheapo garage if that's the case instead of sticking with a mechanic who charges well above market rates.

                tHe sEnSe oF EnTiTlEmEnT Is sTrOnG WiTh yOu

                You're the one telling me I can't have an opinion that someone is being a tool, but I'm the one entitled? Right.

                • Awoke on 11/08/2022 - 17:57

                  @CocaKoala: Lol. That was an emotional diatribe. Your real name isn’t karen by any chance?

                  • CocaKoala on 11/08/2022 - 18:02

                    @Awoke:

                    That was an emotional diatribe.

                    By that you mean I've asked some logical questions? Even if it were an emotional diatribe, then it certainly is far less dramatic than the emotional diarrhea you sadly expelled in here. For all the BS 'values' you tried to portray here being oFfEnDed on behalf of the mechanic's business, you seem to be quickly resorting to personal attacks and are hardly making any attempts to address all the points calling out your utter BS.

                    Look up Graham's hierarchy of disagreement (don't worry, it's only a picture so you won't find too many difficult words) to understand where your 'style' of debating stands intellectually (hint: at the bottom of the pile).

                    Your real name isn’t karen by any chance?

                    I don't think you understand how the Karen meme works.

                    • Awoke on 11/08/2022 - 19:03
                      -1

                      @CocaKoala: Doubling down on your sense of entitlement? Good for you.

              • cobknob on 12/08/2022 - 05:56
                +1

                @Awoke: I don't call em out lol but I have supplied own ingredients at coffee shop, restaurant, cake place, etc for things like lactose free milk, butter, better quality ice cream or beverages the place doesn't stock, etc. They almost always cater and just minus that particular item charge. Nothing wrong with that right? If we had standards and regulations you'd find some people ass-fu-cked so hard in business cause they try to cheat every corner. A good example is milk. Cafe A uses coles or woolies brand milk, whilst Cafe B uses pura or brownes milk. Both Cafes are part of the same franchise, 1 has gone cheap to make more profits but charge the same as the other. This is never good!

                • Awoke on 12/08/2022 - 07:10

                  @cobknob:

                  A good example is milk. Cafe A uses coles or woolies brand milk, whilst Cafe B uses pura or brownes milk. Both Cafes are part of the same franchise, 1 has gone cheap to make more profits but charge the same as the other. This is never good!

                  What? The cafe chooses what quality of product to serve. You don’t get to dictate how they choose to operate. The only choice you have is to be a customer or not.

                  • cobknob on 12/08/2022 - 15:16
                    +1

                    @Awoke:

                    You don’t get to dictate how they choose to operate.

                    To the contrary consumers do sway business operations.

                    Franchises do cause they set prices - sometimes they have supply agreements for this reason to ensure brand damage doesn't occur. Some business owners are just shrewd as to cut every corner to make more profits. And I'm saying it like it is!

                    I like bill transparency for this reason. If u look at IT retail and a pc system build you can get a complete list of parts brands used and can find prices. If that retailer over charges on any/all parts consumers rat em out and they don't get good sales. Consumer opinion affects business practice. Any business can operate how they want but not being adaptable in a market will down the line impact their sales.

                    • Awoke on 12/08/2022 - 15:22

                      @cobknob:

                      Any business can operate how they want but not being adaptable in a market will down the line impact their sales.

                      I’m glad you agree with me. Took you long enough to get to the point.

                      • cobknob on 12/08/2022 - 15:36

                        @Awoke: You know those businesses fail. Consumers really do impact business products and services.

                        • Awoke on 12/08/2022 - 15:57

                          @cobknob: My god. Are we seriously having this conversation. A person can run their business however they want (within the law) and charge whatever they want.

                          Your choice is to be a customer or not. You don’t get to be a karen and demand the business does what you want.

                          • cobknob on 12/08/2022 - 17:01
                            +1

                            @Awoke:

                            My god. Are we seriously having this conversation.

                            Chill out.. Haha

                            A person can run their business however they want (within the law) and charge whatever they want.

                            Most of the time = business failure. Success is found by attracting and keeping customers. Business 101. Word of mouth plays a big role too for smb.

                            Your choice is to be a customer or not.

                            If I tell 10 other people about that business and they each tell 10 others, etc that business loses revenue and that can be incoming money that keeps em afloat.

                            You don’t get to be a karen and demand the business does what you want.

                            I don't follow fads, who is this Karen lol. You can have an impact on how that business operates or adapts to customer needs.

                            Back to the original post.. The mechanic doesn't need to allow a customer to byo consumables or parts, but in doing so they are ignoring a market segment they could potentially make money off. They are also not realising they are not being competitive enough in pricing. You can always have specific requirements and terms about consumables/parts that would greatly limit liability. It's not hard work, you can start with small things.

                            All this talk has got me thinking. You must be a business operator, and very rigid, and very likely experiencing little success. I just can't imagine the hostility towards change and growth.

                            • Awoke on 12/08/2022 - 17:03

                              @cobknob: Or, and check this out. The business is fantastic and the mechanic is amazing and customers love the service. One karen is upset because he can’t bring his oil. Most people will go, mate, take a bex, he’s a great mechanic.

                            • CocaKoala on 14/08/2022 - 14:03

                              @cobknob:

                              I don't follow fads, who is this Karen lol

                              Haha, I got called Karen too. I think this person will call anyone disagreeing with them a Karen. I don't think they understand how that meme works.

    • cobknob on 12/08/2022 - 05:42
      +1

      This really bugs me! Trade/wholesale prices exist so a business can get items cheaper and in quantity compared to me going to buy the items myself but when that person marks up the price of the product beyond the cost of me buying retail(minus ridic clearance prices, normal specials occur frequently) it doesn't make sense. I understand reasonable,
      *Labour charges for the job
      *Product supply charges
      *Other misc fees
      .. But some people out there have every intent to fu-ck you over with their prices on both services and products supplied.

  • apple2016 on 11/08/2022 - 13:12
    +4

    mechanic doesn't want me to provide my own oil for an oil change

    Find a new mechanic.

  • Herbse on 11/08/2022 - 13:23
    +3

    $400 for an oil change? That's higher than most dealership prices

  • aunetie on 11/08/2022 - 13:23

    Mechanic business makes money on parts margin (wholesales - retail difference, for oil, typically a drum) and labor charge. A reasonable healthy margin helps them stay in business

    • pinchies on 11/08/2022 - 13:27

      Please see comment above yours, would appreciate your thoughts. They are well reviewed, but not a prestige brand mechanic, nor a dealership.

      • THICKnSLOW on 11/08/2022 - 22:06
        +1

        Reviews can be INCREDIBLY BIASED to begin with. I went to one garage that was recommended by my car buddies, first 2 visits ok good service, then after that poor service and decreased value for money not to mention they kept the excess oil and extra brake fluid bottle - 'knock if off the bill next time' they said. Grubs.

  • rooster on 11/08/2022 - 13:27

    poor old mechanic only earns about $25/h, and most of the guys rely on earning commission each month.

    The $50 extra that you pay for the oil (purchased from the dealership), will benefit the mechanic because the oil change is one of the profit bearing jobs that he completes. Maybe if you offer to give him that $50 cash, he will be happy to to use your oil as supplied.

    • Poor Ass on 11/08/2022 - 15:06
      +3

      maybe the mechanic but the shop charges $120-$180 an hr for labour

  • Thaal Sinestro on 11/08/2022 - 14:00
    +1

    Just another example of greedy Australians trying to rip of their fellow citizens with massively marked up components. Another ripoff (as discussed in another recent thread) is doctor's fees; the gap fee is often 50% of the total consultation charge. It is supposed to be just 15%. This is why prices (maximum prices) need to be set by the government.

    We live in a society based on predation. It is a zero sum gain; one man's gain is other's loss. Everyone is trying to rip money out of the pockets of everyone else. We need a society based on sharing, not exploitation. Albo, get to work and fix this, because so far you are a massive failure; our electricity prices are going up by 22.5%.

    • cobknob on 11/08/2022 - 14:08

      This is why prices (maximum prices) need to be set by the government.

      Regulation too. Standards at places for services can be real sloppy!

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