Auto Parts: 2001 chevy blazer transfer case encoder motor, chevy blazer, backyard mechanic

Question
QUESTION: I just brought my 2001 blazer to get fixed. it had a bad transfer case encoder motor. I was charged 130.00 for labor which was fine but then i was charged 498.00 for the motor and im sure that is way overpriced. do you have any idea what i can or should do. i really cant afford that and i want to try to recoupe some money i think i deserve back.


Transfer Case Motor   ANSWER: Was it one of these?  Check picture attached...

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes it was one of those. And just rencently i called him and told him i thought i was ripped off. He said he bought the part directly from the dealer. And i told him ...in this economy dont u think u should have gave me the option of getting it from your normal parts place which it was like 200. but he didnt tell me that and i didnt know the price until after i got my receipt then did my own shopping. And hes just a backyard mechanic who works out of his barn. He is ASE certified though and he used to work at the Chevy dealership but he thought the were rip offs so he started his own.His slogan is "dealership quality without the dealership price" but i don't think he is following that at all. oh and it wasn't 498.00 like i told you it was 598.00 .  never again ....i will definitly by my own parts from now on like i usually do. i thought i could trust him since i was refereed by a few family members. And he did slap a sticker on it at inspection time.

Answer
I just wanted to confirm and make sure I was looking at the same part as you.  Yes, I can understand your frustration.  However, I think there's a good lesson to be learned here.  :)  ANYTIME you take your vehicle to ANY mechanic or shop, always make sure they keep you in the loop as to what's going on and what needs to be done.  Also, some mechanics/shops make extra money on the parts they sell (adding a little on top for themselves).  I wouldn't be surprised if that part was $500-$600 since it was a factory GM part.  I also found that part for ~$200 give or take a few dollars.  :)  At any rate, next time have them tell you what they need and make sure they agree to you buying the part for them.  Some shops will automatically not warranty the part, but that's not a huge issue since the part comes with a warranty anyway, however the only downside is if that part goes bad you'd be paying the labor to remove and replace it again.