Lace -over means that a wheel is rebuilt by aligning a new rim with a old/bad rim then loosening the spokes from old/bad rim and re-attaching them to the new rim. The spokes never come off the hub and this method allows the builder to rebuild the new wheel faster and cheaper. New nipples would be nice to work with but again parts cost money and you only paid $40. If you wanted new spokes -- you would have had asked for new spokes. So if you received a new rim and rim tape along with a lace over for $40 --you got a good deal (as long as the rim is in good/new condition). If your new wheel was re-installed and brakes/derailleur adjusted as well -- you got a very good deal. I also may want to check out the reason you got all that work for only $40. Labor alone should be around $40.