Outrageous overbill by Kanter Automotive

duelingcudas said
Some time ago I posted a request searching for a 65 Barracuda power steering pump. Unfortuantely, because of the low core value, rebuild cores have been unavailable. Kanter Automotive in Boontown, NJ, said they could sent my pump for rebuild. Having done business with them before, and not knowing the industry, I trusted them to deal with a relaible rebuilder.
The rebuilder sent returned the rebuild pump directly to me, with the invoice.
The invoice, including shipping, was for $146.44. Kanter billed me for $340.75. I spoke directly to Fred Kanter who told me a $194.32 markup was a usual business practice. I expected some markup for their labor and overhead , but not 132%.
I'm warning anyone who will deal with Kanter to do his homework before agreeing to buy.
As an aside, Kanter told me I should not have been sent the invoice. An educated consumer is apparently not their best customer.

This year marks our 52nd year in business providing quality service, parts and a lifetime limited warranty to the collector car industry.

Regarding, Mr.Ron Weinger (DuelingCudas) of Berkely Heights, NJ issue. We do take seriously all situations where a customer feels they may have been mistreated. We do understand that each and everyone is allowed to post their opinions on a product or service on the internet freely for others to view (or on multiple forums/blog as was done in his case).But it is incumbent on all parties to post all of the relevant facts.

8/7/12. Mr. Weinger called into our sales staff for an estimate ($225) on the rebuild of his power steering pump.

8/24/12. Mr. Weinger came in and worked with Mr. Kanter, wrote up the work order for the rebuild, APPROVED and paid in advanced as this is company policy.

9/12/12. After further examination of the unit Customer Service called Mr. Weinger to inform him of additional repairs that were needed. Mr. Weinger was given the opportunity of not proceeding and receiving a full refund and declined; he APPROVED the additional charge of $100.

9/24/12.Customer Service received a call from Mr. Weinger. Very upset because he felt he was overcharged because he received our invoice from the rebuilder with his unit by mistake.

9/24/12.Customer Service explained to Mr. Weinger of the mistake of receiving our bill from the rebuilder with his unit. The markup was derived was from industry standards. At that point he was very upset and threatened a lawsuit, phone call to the better business bureau, and multiple posts on the internet. If we would not lower the price and give him a refund.

As numerous posters said, our markups are within the industry norms. We dealt with Mr. Weinger honestly and directly and he had the choice to proceed or cancel several times. Of the 100,000 customers we deal with each year there are one or two like Mr. Weinger.

Thank You
Kanter Auto Products Customer Service
[Phone Number and eMail deleted by Staff]