I recently had my boat's oil changed, they charged me $20 in "shop fees." I asked what the charge was all about, they told me they charge that for rags, towels and things like that.

WTF? How the hell are they spending $20 on towels for an oil change?

I won't be going back there. I won't bad mouth a dealer here, but that's some crap.

I don't know a shop that doesn't charge a shop supply fee.  Usually either a flat or a percentage based on hours.

do it yourself and save the money

I've thought this too, that's a rip off for an oil change. I can maybe understand a disposal fee. But a shop fee? That's just tacked on profit. I think what I like least about it is that they never tell you up front, it's always a surprise how much it is when you are paying your bill.

nathan wrote on May 7^th, 2010 at 8:33pm:

do it yourself and save the money

Yea I'm sure it's a quarter the price too

I will jump in on this.  I charge 10 percent of labor up to 25 dollars for shop supplies.  I quote that when I provide an estimate for service or repair.  For oil changes I do not charge shop supplies.  I do charge a disposal fee.  Now, with that being said, of course, all shops are different.  I use the shop supplies fee for solvents, parts washing, rags, cleaners etc.  Instead of charging for individual bottles, cans and rags, topping of p/s or gear lube on each repair the cost is spread out.

Mike

I don't think anyone minds when it is quoted up front because then you know what to expect. When you show up and get your boat after the $100 service and it's $120. That's kind of irritating.

I agree....