referall fees; last gasp

[jolly roger]

>
>Being a "middleman" is not unethical and certainly not illegal. The problem,
>for me, arises when the customer doesn't know your 're a salesperson. He
>thinks you are a skilled craftsman, charging a fair price for work done. If
>he finds out you were wearing two hats, he feels betrayed. Wouldn't you?

Hi Frank,
                As an independent business person you certainly are a
salesman, you are fooling yourself if you think otherwise. You sell your
craftsmanship for profit, to house, feed and clothe your family.    The
customer is well aware that you are selling your skills, parts, and
services, and they fully expect you to make a fair profit at what you have
to offer.
If you charge a fair rate for the jobber services, that is competitive, the
customer cannot be upset.   The price you pay to the jobber, is really none
of the customers business.   If you came to me to re cover a set of keys,
and you passed on the 20% technician discount to your customer,  I would be
very upset, since you have made look as if I am over charging.   I would
consider you as being unethical towards me.
I don't think any customer would feel betrayed, it is how we make a living.
If you are not marking up the cost of parts,  are you being fair to the
rest of the technical community?    If you are marking up the cost of
parts.  What is the difference of marking up jobber work?  I can't see the
difference.
Just my take on the matter.
Roger