06/08/2025
21 Rules for Enthusiasts Dealing with Performance Shops
Rule #1 – If You Can Find It Cheaper, Just Go Buy It.
Don't tell the shop owner you found it cheaper elsewhere. That’s not negotiating, it's posturing. Just quietly take your business there.
Rule #2 – Don’t Lead with Social Media Threats.
Starting a conversation with “I’ll post this on social media” screams red flag. The shop already knows how you roll—and no, we don’t care who you drive for, who you know, or who you… well, you get it.
Rule #3 – Your Personal Struggles Don’t Change the Price.
We’re human and we have empathy, but a sob story isn’t a currency. If you’re facing real-life hardships, the race car or hot rod might need to wait.
Rule #4 – Don’t Blame the Shop for Sales Tax.
We don’t keep the tax—we just collect it. That’s the government’s cut. Have a valid tax exemption? Bring it up, not a tantrum.
Rule #5 – Ask the Manufacturer About Warranty.
Performance and race parts carry limited or no warranty. That’s a manufacturer issue—not the shop’s policy. Most shops follow suit.
Rule #6 – Parts Margins Are Not Your Business.
Yes, shops make money on parts. That’s how businesses survive. What they pay isn’t your concern—what you get for your money is.
Rule #7 – Recipes & Combos Are Intellectual Property.
The build combination belongs to the shop until it’s paid for and delivered. Even then, full part numbers aren’t usually handed out—just the specs necessary for tuning or support.
Rule #8 – Don’t Ask for Quotes if You’re 30+ Days Out.
Parts prices fluctuate. If you’re not financially ready within 30 days, wait to request a quote. Otherwise, expect changes.
Rule #9 – Don’t Reverse-Shop Quotes.
Shops can spot it a mile away, asking for multiple slight variations just to fish for pricing. Most won’t play that game and will stop responding.
Rule #10 – Respect the Shop Owner’s Time.
You can call or message anytime—but expect up to 24–48 hours for a reply. Social media status doesn’t mean “at your service.” Off-hours are for family, rest, and sanity.
Rule #11 – Constant Status Checks Slow Things Down.
Calling daily or hourly only delays your project. Two minutes here, ten minutes there, it adds up. Trust the process.
Rule #12 – Sponsorship Is a Privilege, Not a Loophole.
If you’re lucky enough to get sponsored, honor the agreement, even if there’s an issue. Professionalism matters.
Rule #13 – Don’t Weaponize the Court of Public Opinion.
Social media is not the place to air grievances. Talk to the shop first. If things truly break down, there are appropriate channels. Mob justice is a bad look.
Rule #14 – Shops Don’t Owe Free Tech Support on Parts You Didn’t Buy From Them.
If you bought your parts off eBay or from a competitor to save a few bucks, that’s fine—but don’t expect free advice, troubleshooting, or hand-holding from a shop you didn’t support.
Rule #15 – Don’t Compare Your Build to Your Buddy’s.
Every engine, chassis, and setup has its own variables. What worked for someone else isn’t guaranteed to work for you, especially if their combo is undocumented bench racing.
Rule #16 – Don’t Drop Off Parts Without an Appointment.
Shops aren’t storage lockers or your “just swing by” pit stop. Always call first, dropping off parts unannounced throws off workflow and can create liability issues.
Rule #17 – Be Honest About What You Want.
If you’re just looking for cheap, fast, or “good enough,” say so up front. Don’t claim you want premium work on a bargain budget and then complain when the outcome matches your commitment.
Rule #18 – If You Break It, Don’t Blame the Shop Without Facts.
Engines fail for a lot of reasons: bad fuel, lean tuning, missed maintenance, abuse. Don’t immediately blame the builder until you’ve done a real diagnostic process. Respect goes both ways.
Rule #19 – Time Estimates Are Not Deadlines.
Custom work isn’t like fast food. Unexpected delays happen, especially if parts are backordered or a job ahead of you took longer. Quality > speed.
Rule #20 – Payment Is Due When the Work Is Done—Not When You Feel Like It.
If you want respect, start with responsibility. Holding your shop hostage for your own cash flow problems isn’t a partnership, it’s a red flag.
Rule #21 – Loyalty and Respect Go Both Ways.
If you want a long-term relationship with a good shop, be the kind of customer who’s honest, realistic, and respectful. It pays off in the long run.
Thanks Michael Van Paris for podting this list!
