Will squeeeeeze every last dime...
Had an upper-end rebuild done for a cracked head on a BMW 328i. $4,000+ with cooling system work. The shop owner has me pop the hood as I'm leaving, just to go over everything before taking care of the bill. He notices that a small, plastic trim cap (fits over the nuts on the top of the valve cover) is missing (it had one when it came in!) - he says "...completely rebuild head...it should look it's best.." or something similar. He runs inside and pops on a replacement piece (used, I might add). I figure that for $4,000+, he's just being friendly and comping me the used little plastic piece that they lost in the rebuild. He smiles, says "lets get you on the road," we go inside, I pay and leave. I review the bill at home, and - based on the time stamp of the different tasks - HE CHARGED ME FOR THE PART RIGHT AS I WAS ABOUT TO GO! They lose my original part, just made $4,000+ off me, then have the balls to stick me for another $3 for a used part (a new one is $2 at bavauto.com) that they lost. Talk about shearing the sheep! For $3, these guys lost a long-term client. It was too bad that this guy ruined the experience, as their German-trained engine guy was great.