There are two common ways to get a repair done, and the cheaper-looking option isn’t always the better one.
Labour only
You buy the parts yourself, and the garage charges just for fitting them.
- Pros: you choose the brand and the retailer, you can compare prices, and you know exactly what’s being fitted.
- Cons: you carry the risk of ordering the wrong part, you have to coordinate delivery, the garage’s warranty may cover only its labour, and not every garage offers it.
Supply and fit
The garage chooses and supplies the parts and charges one price for everything.
- Pros: it’s simpler, the garage stands behind both parts and labour, and there’s no delivery to organise.
- Cons: you have less choice of parts, it’s harder to see what the parts cost, and the garage may add a margin to them.
How to compare them fairly
- Add the parts price, any delivery charge and the labour-only quote to get your total.
- Compare that with the supply-and-fit price for the same job.
- Make sure the jobs match: the same parts quality, the same scope (for example front pads and discs, not just pads), and similar warranties.
- Consider the time and risk. A small saving may not be worth the extra hassle if you’re unsure about the parts.
Which suits you?
- Labour only suits you if you’re comfortable researching parts, want a specific brand, or are looking to save money.
- Supply and fit suits you if you want one price and one point of contact, or aren’t sure which part you need.
Whenever possible, ask for both quotes. That’s the comparison PartnPit is being built to make simple.
This guide is general information, not professional or legal advice. Brakes and other safety-related parts should be fitted by a competent mechanic.