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12 Ways your Vendor is Overcharging You
July 17, 2025
Trust with your maintenance vendors is critical and essential for smooth operations. However, it’s also smart to verify what you’re paying for to ensure you’re getting fair value.
Red flags that suggest you might be overpaying
- Vague Work Orders: If the repairs listed aren’t specific, you can’t verify what was actually done.
- Excessive Labor Hours: Watch out for basic jobs billed for 6–8 hours that should take 2–3.
- Parts Markups Over 25–30%: A reasonable markup is normal, but gouging is not.
- “Fixes” for Problems You Didn’t Report: Always investigate additional issues they claim to find.
- Repeat Repairs: If the same parts keep failing, something’s wrong.
- Overly Frequent PM Recommendations: Too many oil changes or inspections add up fast without adding value.
- Pushy Sales Tactics: If they pressure you into expensive “upgrades” during service, beware.
- Refusal to Provide Old Parts: You have a right to inspect any parts they replace.
- No Itemized Invoices: Lumping everything into one vague line-item is a red flag.
- Unnecessary Complex Diagnostics: Simple problems shouldn’t require hours of diagnostics and high fees.
- Higher Rates After Normal Business Hours: Emergency rates are common but ensure they were truly necessary.
- Lack of Warranty on Work: A reputable vendor stands behind their repairs.
The best vendors are transparent, efficient, and fair. If you see multiple red flags, it’s time to audit your invoices or consider new partners who prioritize your fleet’s success.
How GoRight's FleetCare Plus™ Can Help
Identifying these red flags is crucial for protecting your bottom line and ensuring your fleet receives quality service without overspending. This is where FleetCare Plus™ can be a game-changer for your operations. Our comprehensive maintenance programs are designed to bring transparency and control to your fleet’s service needs, helping you verify repairs, track parts usage, and optimize PM schedules. With FleetCare Plus™, you gain a partner dedicated to minimizing unexpected costs and maximizing your fleet’s uptime, allowing you to focus on your core business with peace of mind.