This claim is actually for an elderly parent who took 2000 Dodge Caravan to long time trusted (20 yrs) auto mechanic because of squealing sound coming from engine bay. Was told A/C compressor was bad and needed to be replaced for a cost of 931.64 + tax. Parent asked if A/C could be by-passed since they don't really need it. Shop owner told parent that it was not recomended because of potential problems it would cause. Parent went ahead with repair. I had parent fax me invoice when I heard what they were charged. I called shop and asked for explination of charges and why they charged so much for parts and why they just didn't by-pass a/c as originally requested. Got same answer of not recomended. I asked about charge of $381.62 for remfd a/c compressor when the part was available for under $200.00 owner got mad and stated they pay a lot more for their parts, that they by local from napa which is a block away from the shop. I than called napa and got retail pricing on parts. Total retail pricing on parts came to $320.00. Wholesale pricing to account holders averages 20% less than retail. I than asked napa if they had the a/c by-pass kit and they said they could have it next morning at a cost of $65.00 retail complete. Dodge makes a by-pass kit and it was used on new vehicals when the a/c delete was used on oredering a new vehical. I called the shop back with this information and asked them to refund part of the payment. The owner asked how much, I suggested $250 since the job is a $600 job and they charged $962.98, he laughed and hung up. I don't live in the area and didn't know about the repair until after it was completed otherwise, I would have stepped in sooner and this would have been avoided.