When the topic of "mark up" comes up, I often think we're confusing two very different topics: What YOU see, and what the CUSTOMER sees.
All the customer should get is the price to do the job. How you arrive at that price is your business. What parts are used, and how they are obtained, is your problem. Sure, there is some room for variation - there are exceptions to every rule - but it is your total price that determines your profit on a job.
Meanwhile, YOU need to know your costs. Controlling costs is key to controlling your profit line. There are costs associated with maintaining an inventory, etc. You need to recognize this. Sometimes, the best place to 'store' something is in the rubbish bin!
LK and I have discussed a few 'what if' jobs. Our approaches to mark-up could not be more different .... but, in the end, our total prices are remarkably alike. Different paths to the same destination.
