What the hell is going on with shops?

Yes every thing is over priced now-a-days.10 years ago a VR706 voltage regulator was about $12. Two weeks ago I priced one for a guy, Autozone price was $26.89 Last week I priced the same part for someone else at the same Autozone,,$47.93 a $20 increase in a week.Same goes for fuel pumps,tires,batteries.Hell I bought a battery for my Yamaha Zuma 50 pit bike, The darn thing was $70 !!
Sorry for the rant.Getting back on the subject.My daughters stick shift PT Cruiser was not disengauging. We were out of town so she had it towed to the dealership.They told her $1200.Needing a new clutch.She called me,I gave her the number of a shop 50 miles away.Had it towed there,all it needed was the cable adjustment.Cost with towing. $215.That was 3 years ago and the car is just fine.Happens all the time. Let the buyer beware.....