Local shop NOT making it easy to give them my business. (quote included)

[Dave88LX 10+ year member]

I started doing some online research on speakers to buy, with the intention of eventually replacing everything audio related in my truck. I wanted to listen to some before making a purchase, so I stopped by a local audio store that I had noticed in passing.

The guy I spoke to was very knowledgeable, took the time to really explain everything in detail to me, play all the different speakers, point out the differences, etc. Asked what my goals were and a budget, and he basically pieced together what he thought would sound good, even though it came in $1K over budget including labor.

Here's where it *****. I like the guy, and I feel confident that they would do a great job on the install. I'm a DIYer, I'm capable of installing the stuff myself, I've done it in other vehicles I've owned. I'm fully capable. But, sometimes you have to look at the time vs. money thing, and it would be nice to drop it off, and just get it done so I can finish up the electrical in my kitchen, trimwork, or drywall. You know.

So, he works me up a quote, and IMO, the mark-up is just horrendous. We all know that Crutchfield has good service for the most part, but their prices leave a bit to be desired in most cases. Some of these prices are even higher than Crutchfield.

I'm also not keen on $300 to Dynamat/MDF ring/install front speakers. I understand it takes some time, but they must have a horrendous hourly rate.

Now, I understand that there is a cost of doing business, the bills need to get paid, and they need to put food on the table. I have the same requirements though.

I also understand that you are not just buying electronics, but you are buying service, experience, and hopefully a helping hand in the future. None of that is guaranteed though.

It's a bummer, I'd like to give them business, but, that's just too **** much. For the record I am not set on these items, it was just what was worked up while we were talking.

Dynamat:

$53 -- http://www.amazon.com/Dynamat-10435-...3477696&sr=8-1

$110 in store

Focal 165 VBs

$330 -- http://www.woofersetc.com/p8377/165-...ker-System.htm

$400 in store

Pioneer AVH-P4200DVD

$330 -- http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-P4...3477845&sr=1-1

$430 in store

Rockford RFK4 amp kit

$55 -- http://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosga...3477872&sr=1-1

$100 in store

JL 10W3v3-4

$320/pair -- http://www.amazon.com/JL-Audio-10W3v.../dp/B00161382E

$480 in store

That right there is $435 mark-up on those items alone.

Click to read more...

 

[brandinooooo 10+ year member]

Personally, I would not do that. Especially if you can DIY. waaaaaaaay to much for that little ammount of work

250 just to install radio and amp....hell no

 

[06goat 10+ year member]

lulz they sure are jewing you, $75 for "speaker plates" wtf is a speaker plate? if its a baffle hes out of his mind

 

[k_schutte 10+ year member]

That isn't too horrible really. When I worked at AAMCO, we had a HUGE mark up!! **** we paid $20~ we would charge close to $200 for. We buy a sensor for $10 tax free, we charge $150 plus tax plus $75/hr labor fee, minimum 1hr labor. Some sensors literally took 30 seconds to change out.

**** costs money these days, companies can't rely on labor rates to make a profit.

 

[brandinooooo 10+ year member]

lulz they sure are jewing you, $75 for "speaker plates" wtf is a speaker plate? if its a baffle hes out of his mind

exactly

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

$120 for a prefab box is also pretty retarded. That box most likely isnt even close to the JL specs and you can have a custom one done for that.

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

$125 an hour is the rate, I'd assume.

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

$120 for a prefab box is also pretty retarded. That box most likely isnt even close to the JL specs and you can have a custom one done for that.

I'm sure it's a sealed box too. He can grab one on craigslist for $20-40.

 

[Dave88LX 10+ year member]

lulz they sure are jewing you, $75 for "speaker plates" wtf is a speaker plate? if its a baffle hes out of his mind

My truck has 6x9's in the front door, so that's an MDF ring to put the 6.5's up front.

 

[subzero 5,000+ posts]

so what? why dont you go buy all that chit and then install it and then go compare install details. OF course they mark up prices for profit...

 

[DBBOOM 10+ year member]

Typical

 

[Dave88LX 10+ year member]

so what? why dont you go buy all that chit and then install it and then go compare install details. OF course they mark up prices for profit...

100% markup on some of that **** is ridiculous. You know that.
The point really is, I'm willing to pay a small mark-up to support a local business, but that right there is enough markup to make me say 'to hell with em.'

 

[matt_bennett05 10+ year member]

Too rich for my blood

 

[tc300 10+ year member]

Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow!!

They must really be hurtn for bussiness

 

[06goat 10+ year member]

100% markup on some of that **** is ridiculous. You know that.
The point really is, I'm willing to pay a small mark-up to support a local business, but that right there is enough markup to make me say 'to hell with em.'

I would go up there and tell them exactly that. Maybe cut down on some stuff, dont get a box through them though for sure. Just tell them that and see if they will cut you any kind of deal. Its pretty easy to practically steal stuff from local shops. Ive had them go down on amps from $500 to about $380 but it still was more expensive then what i could get new for online. Shop around and maybe have them do some stuff and you do the rest.