Excellent post. I have a little different perspective from the rest of you on this subject , so let me give my $.02.
1) Get everything in writing. This helps protect you the customer, as well as the business owner. So often when giving a quote, a LOT of different options are discussed, and it's easy to get confused. Put it on paper, in duplicate form, with copy for each party.
2) Pay by credit card. If there is a problem with shoddy work, or non- delivery of product, you are not out. The credit card company will with hold payment from the dealer until it is resolved.
3) Be firm. If the shop is not working on your truck, or you are not happy with the work, Don't take no sh!t from them. It's your money, get what you want, the way you want.
4) For those of you doing mail order, get a total with shipping. The big thing now is to low ball the prices, and gouge on shipping. Get the total with shipping, and if you are not purchasing right then, get the guys name also. ( This is a no BS story... Just this past week I called on some parts for a customer, and asked what shipping would be, and was told $65. I called the next day to order the parts, and was told $100 by someone different. I got the other guy on the phone and it was back to $65)
5) Tipping is good. large bills preferably. If your girlfriends hot, have her show her t!ts to the guys in the shop.
Larry
www.innovativeairsuspension.com