Why does Meineke charge $106 for 2 belts that cost $36 at Autozone?
 

I recently had A/C maintenance work done on my 2002 Z28. They cleared my clogged A/C evaporator drain and replaced two worn belts for a total of $228.38 including tax. I didn't notice until much later that they charged me $40.80 and $64.98 for part numbers 378K4 and 760K6, respectively. These same two part numbers are listed at $17.99 each in Autozone. What is the justification for charging so much for these parts?

If I wasn't in a hurry that day and have been more thoughtful, I would have asked them what part numbers they were going to use so that I would have went to the Advance Auto Parts next door, purchased them at regular retail price, and brought them to Meineke for installation. I would then have just paid for labor and whatever they charged for Shop Supplies.

Thank you in advance for the info.

They will charge what people are willing to pay. Were the brands the same?

No. They actually forgot to remove the empty box for part number 760K6 from the engine bay so that I know they used a Drive Rite brand while Autozone sells the Duralast version. I just checked Advance Auto Parts online and they sell it for $18.39.

Why i work on my own cars

Pretty much.

the same reason why a steak that cost $11 in a supermarket will cost you $30 if you go to a restaurant. It's all about the convenience. you are paying for a service and not just the cost of parts. Now some shops will allow you to bring your own stuff, but that would be like bringing your own food to a restaurant and have them cook it for you for a small fee. This is how business is done. You don't complain about anything else in your life where the business has to pay less than you do so why are you now amazed that this happens in the automotive service industry.
if you are that worried about paying a markup for a part and you should start to learn how to do it yourself. If you didn't have the time or the know how to do it then that is understandable. But do not get upset when you find out that the business is trying to make money.

also the part numbers you are quoting are generic part numbers. They are describing the actual length and width of the belt. A 740K6 belt is 74 inches long and 6 ribs wide.
some companies use metric some companies use standard but that is a generic number not a direct part number that could be linked to any one company or brand.

I can tell you first hand most shops use something like napaprolink or advance commercial. Obviously we pay a little less than normal customers. My shop marks up the parts to the cost if you were to walk into the store and buy it yourself but most shops add an additional 35-50% over cost.

Thank you for the replies, everyone. Now, I know a little better.

My man

You poor soul. You have to use that **** software from Napa and Advance?

Couldn't have said it better AL...