70% markup over retail for Delta tub fittings?

[AcidWater]

Got a bid of $915 to remove the old rough-in valve (from the back of the wall) & replace all the fittings. - they supplied builder grade Moen fittings. I said I want Delta "Dorval" fittings... and they want another $1970. The Delta webpage lists the retail price for the four items I want totalling $1150. A 70% markup over retail seems excessive.

But its been impossible to find someone to do this work, going in from the backside thru the tile in the other bathroom. I did find Mid Century Modern replacement tiles.

 

[Terry]

Where are you located at?
Maybe I should fly out there. Or maybe Master Plumber Mark wants to take a trip. I'm in the Seattle area, and as much money as there is here, it seems high even for us.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

That might mean a 100% markup over their costs, which is about what a lot of "big companies" are charging here, (they have to pay for their TV commercials). They charge $6,000.00 for a 1,300.00 tankless heater installed, also.

 

[Terry]

That might mean a 100% markup over their costs, which is about what a lot of "big companies" are charging here, (they have to pay for their TV commercials). They charge $6,000.00 for a 1,300.00 tankless heater installed, also.

Well.........it might be $6,000 but what about the $50 coupon?

 

[AcidWater]

But seriously -- is this highway robbery? Three grand for a one-day job? Maybe two half days if they need to wait for the glue to dry on the Kerdiboard before tiling it?

 

[hj]

They deduct the $50.00 coupon from the $75.00 "show up/diagnostic" fee. You are dealing with the "new" flat rate, everyone pays the same amount, regardless of whether your job takes 45 minutes or 4 hours, (and I have seen that disparity between two customers with the "same job").