Am I the only one who hates when customers bring in their own parts?

Had a guy walk into my shop last Tuesday with a bottom bracket he bought online for $12. He wanted me to install it and said if it breaks it's my fault. I told him I'd only warranty labor if I source the part and he got real angry. How do you guys handle people who show up with cheap parts from Amazon?

3 comments

3 Comments

riley5954d ago

Always go with a strict "parts only policy" where you charge a flat labor rate and make them sign a waiver saying you're not responsible if their cheap part fails. I've turned away plenty of people who wouldn't sign, saves me from getting blamed for their Amazon special bottom bracket exploding after two rides. Most shops I know do the same thing, it's the only way to keep your sanity with those DIY types.

josephf104d ago

My last shop had a 'no customer parts' rule and I thought it was overkill until I had to warranty a crank that someone put together with a harbor freight torque wrench. That waiver idea makes a lot of sense now.

james_butler4d ago

But turning away that work just means they'll diy it anyway with worse tools behind your back.

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