There are some decent shops in my town, but some places do tend to overcharge, even on used parts.

One LBS here in Portland is pretty expensive compared to other shops. I went in there with a friend who needed brakes real fast, since another shop did not have any, and they wanted to charge 35$ to put them on. I laughed as the mechanic said that, then told my friend, "**** that, I will put them on for you out front." They were already charging him for two levers, since I guess they do not like to sell single levers.

I used to go into another LBS with a friend all the time, and we talked with the two mechanics there constantly, super nice dudes. I went in there a few weeks ago, some new dudes were working there. They came off as dicks, and I have not been back since.

Also, you probably will not see too many closeout deals until closer to the end of the year.