It is amusing that often we get calls from customers pricing oil changes – fundamentally showing how totally disconnected people are with the concept of car maintenance. How much do you think you will save by comparison shopping? The cost of quality parts and oil do not differ more than 10%, so you may save $5 - $10 at the most by shopping around. From a businessman’s point of view, an oil change is a losing proposition when it comes to our bottom line, but it is important in getting the customer in front of us and perhaps getting a new customer, if you want them. As a business, who is your competition? Dealers, other independents, Jiffy Lube, the customer’s brother-in-law? Maybe your competition can compete by putting in a substandard filter and oil, or not changing all of the oil, or not changing the oil at all! The point is that to maintain your Mercedes, you must find an independent who is competent, and fair, and one that you can trust. The relationship between the customer and the repair shop must be one of trust – how that trust is earned is the subject of another blog. But, if you do not trust your repair facility, you should find another. If you trust your mechanic and can communicate this trust, then you will always get the better pricing and the business will go the extra mile, and work harder to make sure that you are a satisfied and happy customer!