Hey all,

I'm looking for a high end stereo install place in the greater Seattle area. I used Benchmark Motoring in Bellevue for my SLK, but quite honestly, their pricing is freaking crazy. Everytime they quote me a price for equipment, I soon find out that I can buy the same equipment elsewhere for much cheaper. I'm a middle class dude, and even if I was a Big Baller, I still would search for a good deal. The shop must have no issues with installing equipment I already have (I have JL Audio equipment from my SLK). I won't pay a 50% mark-up on equipment.

Any suggestions? No chains obviously (like car toys). Thanks in advance for any advice. My E63 needs a stereo upgrade pronto!!

 

You're right, they do charge an arm and a leg for equipment but their installation experience from what I've found is unparalleled. It's too bad they don't allow you to bring in your own stuff to be installed. I personally haven't found any other good stereo shops in the Seattle area. After a couple of bad experiences with Car Toys which ended up being fixed with Benchmark Motoring, I've made the choice to stay with BM simply because they've always done an excellent job with my cars.

 

and that's the whole secret right there, stay with whom you trust

I do all of our audio installs here at Gerber Motorsport, and sure, we charge a bit more for labor than the "chains", but we stand behind everything we install. we are competitive on hardware prices and will try to match deals as best as we can. and finally, if there is a job with which I just don't feel comfortable, I don't let my ego get in the way but will tell the customer that I'd rather not do the job, instead of risking a dissapointed customer that will be forced to take my screw-up elsewhere. atomic80 said it perfectly, stay with whom you trust

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll probably stay with Benchmark, as they did a great job on my SLK(drilled no holes in my SLK and very clean install) and I trust their installers. They will actually install the equipment I have now because I bought it from them for my SLK (but I'll need to buy some new equipment as well). What I will probably do is just get quotes for equipment from other retailers and then I'll ask Benchmark to match. I don't really mind paying the premium hourly rate, but again, the equipment mark-up irks me a little.

Hopefully I'll have the new system installed in a week or so!

 

just keep in mind one thing: they have to pay their bills too. just because you can get a certain item at location x for one price doesn't mean that Benchmark will be able to buy it wholesale at a price equal to what location x paid. although I would rather make the sale of equipment to the customer myself, I don't mind too much if he or she brings in equipment they already bought elsewhere if it got them a better deal. however, I do inform them that I am not able to warrant any items not purchased through us. usually, once customers understand the quality of work we do, they don't mind legitimately paying a little more for the peace of mind

 

DIY, it might not be the "best" but at least you can trust 100%.

FWIW, every shop I have taken any car to, has failed to meet my basic standards, & then I end up, removing, or redoing what I paid to get done.

 

This is funny, people do not wanna pay for a "markup" on equipment.

Next time I go to the Doctor I am gonna ask for a discount

Christian

 

Well here is a nice illustration of the problem.

I asked them how much it would cost for a window tint. They quoted me $450. I'm sorry, but that is rhighway robbery. $450 for a freaking window tint!!?? I've heard people crying bloody murder over a $300 tint. There are very reputable tint places in Seattle that will do it for $200-$250, but Benchmark quotes me $450. When I get quotes like that, I gotta wonder about the other "deals" they are giving me. Unless the tint has solid gold flakes in the film, I can't see how they can quote me $450 for a freakin' window tint with a straight face.

I'm still talking with them (they probably surf this site lol). I was talking to my sales guy, who is a GREAT guy, and telling him I was "middle class" and not a Big Baller like most of his clients. He laughed, noted my car and IWC watch, and tried to appeal to my ego. Didn't work obviously. I splurge on cars and watches, but the reason I can is because I negotiate everything and look for deals.

The doctor analogy is horrible lol (sarcasm I hope?). Comparing health care with car audio? Plus, insurance pays my doctor bills

Ok, I'm done ranting! But honestly, thanks for the feedback. You basically get what you pay for, and I should know that already!

 

FYI, I use Benchmark for all of my audio/radar installs. They have always treated me right. When they screw up (and it has happened), they make it right. And if you continue to be a customer, you will see your pricing get better. Just the name of the game. They can't give every new customer the best deals. You've got to show loyalty to receive the rewards.

And Mirrorworks Detail does tinting too FTW.

 

Mirrorworks for detail and tint paint protection films etc
Benchmark for clean electronics installs
Gerber for service

end of story... in the greater Seattle area.

BM tint is actually Accutint (I think) -- I think BM drives the car over and has it tinted and brings it back... so they probably pay in the $300 range and mark it up to $450 to pay for their time and effort.

I beleive that BM installs are warranted for as long as you own the car... so if something goes wrong, it is covered...

just my .02 cents

 

Bingo. PJ wins the prize. BM is known for putting a healthy markup on their "auxiliary" services. But, as ronin (are you Ralph?) mentioned, everyone has to pay rent. I can assure you that no one is getting rich at BM.

 

heh, you called me out

and just to be sure, no one is getting rich over here either

 

Benchmark sounds expensive until you see their work..................If you want good sound good looks and customer care than go. If you want cheap stay with CarToys.

btw if BM wants to make a few bucks off window tint. why not. as a business owner if i don't make money on a deal i don't want to do it. As Silversurfer states BM will stand by there product and the more you spend the better the pricing.

 

Benchmark really does amazing work and they take extra steps in ensuring that nothing happens to your car while at it. You should see how much blue tape they use in protecting everything. I've been very impressed with them since day one. Looks totally professional when done. The best part is that if there's any problem of any sort, they'll work at it until it's absolutely perfect.

 

I'm using Benchmark . I would never use Car Toys or a mass chain. I talked to CarNuts in Bellevue, and I also have experiance with Speaker Labs in Seattle. At the end of the day, gotta go wtih the guys I trust. Now I just need to figure out what set-up. I'm considering two set-ups

Option 1

1 JL Audio 500/1
1 JL Audio 300/4
Focal 165 K2P Component speakers (front doors)
Focal 165 CV1 Coaxial speakers for the backseat doors
JL Audio 10w7 in ported box - simply bolted to floor of trunk (removable thumb bolts of course)
Audio Control Line Output Converter
Monster Cable Throughout
Remote Bass ****

Option 2

1 JL Audio 500/1
1 JL Audio 500/1
1 JL Audio 300/4
Focal 165 K2P Component speakers (front doors)
Focal 165 CV1 Coaxial speakers for the backseat doors
(2) JL Audio 10w6v2 in custom sealed box that fires into rear deck directly into cabin
Audio Control Line Output Converter
Monster Cable Throughout
Remote Bass ****
Some custom presentation work (e.g., AMG logo on box)

Option 2 is a fair amount more expensive due to the custom box and cleaner integration (not just a box attached to the floor). The financially responsible side tells me to go with Option 1, the wannabe Big Baller side tells me to go with Option 2.

Benchmark will also do my tint (they'll do it for $350 now - $100 off of what they quoted me).

Finally, they are working with me on pricing. I negotiate deals for a living, and to some extent they are no different than a vendor that is trying to get the best price they can. I just go back and forth and complain nicely, and after awhile they start dropping the prices.

I'll post pics. Should have the system done in the next 3 weeks or so (they say they'll need my car for week ).