I agree, as stated previously, that charges in excess of estimate, without approval of updated estimated charges is a problem.
But if parts are $281, overhead would be another whatever, $100 or so in margin on a job a couple of hours long all in (assuming performed by owner rather than employee). I would not even consider opening my tool box for that kind of money.
****, can work at a local merchant and probably clear over $15 an hour, no investment, no overhead, no risk.
Maybe there is something I just don't get here.
Sorry if I'm confused. But shouldn't a business owner be entitled to any and all margin he or she can get??? Ultimately the market will determine the price, and I'm with prior poster. A $120 is well worth avoiding the pain of filling the gearbox with 7 gallons of oil by hand, not fun and then disposing of the old. Not to mention other steps, the filling part alone took me forever, without an oil drum and pump (capital investment), it's no fun.
Joel