Originally Posted by
roadrunner2012
Doing a repair at a shop is not the same as doing one in your garage. Rent, liability and labor all factor into a shop's costs. Micheal & Joe at Sic Transit, for example, need to subsidize a labor intensive professional flipping/custom rebuild operation, not the best example, IMO.
Charge for parts, and some beer/pizza whatever.
I won't do repairs for anyone other than a good friend, Bike shops make their best margin on repairs, and personally, I want all the LBS's to stay in business.
That's why I suggested to the OP to let his homie suggest compensation after being informed about retail charges. I've helped friends with AV wiring, saving $5,000 on appliance deals, and $500/month on a mortgage. I've not asked for anything, but have been rewarded with Mondavi Opus One ($175.00), Chateau Petrus ($1850.00), and a lot of steak dinners.
I've also installed icemakers, fixed kitchen cabinets falling off the wall, and assembled big box bikes for friends while enjoying weekends at their Cape Cod or Hamptons homes.