IMHO, WhoDeanie is a prime example of this.
Ever since I bought the Mera (when I met the seller at WhoDeanie's shop!), I've been impressed, and have actually 'argued' with Dean on more than one occasion to PLEASE GO AHEAD AND CHARGE ME for that "little extra" thing he did, especially when that type of stuff invariably takes 20 minutes!
He really does make a heroic effort to give value for the money, but fair's fair, and the best thing we (customers) can do to make certain the best mechanics stay around for several years, it to LET THEM PAY THEIR OPERATING COSTS and MAKE A PROFIT.
Now, so there's no confusion, this next statement is NOT aimed at WhoDeanie:
Asking someone to guarantee a fixed price, etc. is just plain unreasonable. I don't, however, believe it's unreasonable to be concerned that WHOEVER works on your Fiero should be ready and willing to provide proof that they are bonded and insured.
What would happen if my car was stolen from their garage?
Or if they wrecked it, road-testing it?
Or it fell off a pair of jacks and broke their, or someone else's foot, who decided to sue; and their attorney slapped a lien on MY car as part of their business property?
Or, yada, yada, waa-hoo, blah, blah...
Being PROFESSIONAL has to be practiced from BOTH sides.
DETAILED RECEIPTS are important (to me), too. In my case, it's because when I go to re-sell the Mera, I'm certain that these will help bolster it's value; because they will document that the car was well-maintained by a competent, professional mechanic.
I'd like to hear more from some of the mechanics, and customers... this is an interesting topic that is very important to all of us.
God has blessed me with the expert writing and photography skills that allow me to hire expert mechanics like WhoDeanie who are really good at what they do.
Otherwise, my Mera would be a wobbling, rattling, tumbleweed ball of duct tape, aluminum foil, chewing gum and gorilla glue.
FGTB