I recently had a full service on my twin engine inboard - oil, filters, distributor, points, spark plugs. The mechanic gave me an estimate of 8 hours for the two engines at $90 per hour. The hourly rate seems typical locally. the number of hours seemed high but I was expecting that he was providing a hedge.
Well, the service went fine, in fact the mechanic actually took about 3.5 hours to complete the job. When I got the invoice however, I was still charged for the 8 hours and was very confused.
In my mind, the original quote was an for hourly job. The mechanic says no, the estimate was based on some kind of standard fee schedule and this was a fixed price proposal and I should pay for the eight hours, even that was nowhere in the original quote. The mechanic has a pretty good local reputation.
Something just doesn't seem right but would appreciate some feedback as to what is common. The guy was methodical and not particularly speedy. So, how does an 8 hour job actually take 3.5 hours ? Does anyone know where I can get access to the standard rates he's talking about ?
Well, the service went fine, in fact the mechanic actually took about 3.5 hours to complete the job. When I got the invoice however, I was still charged for the 8 hours and was very confused.
In my mind, the original quote was an for hourly job. The mechanic says no, the estimate was based on some kind of standard fee schedule and this was a fixed price proposal and I should pay for the eight hours, even that was nowhere in the original quote. The mechanic has a pretty good local reputation.
Something just doesn't seem right but would appreciate some feedback as to what is common. The guy was methodical and not particularly speedy. So, how does an 8 hour job actually take 3.5 hours ? Does anyone know where I can get access to the standard rates he's talking about ?