What item should NOT be added to the estimate for calculating the total repair cost?

The total repair cost is typically calculated by aggregating parts cost, labor cost, and tax amount. While labor amount paid to a technician is related to the cost of repairs, it is not typically included in the estimate for potential customers. Instead, the estimate should present costs in a way that reflects the total expected charge to the customer, which encompasses the parts and labor rates and applicable taxes.

The labor amount paid to the technician reflects an internal cost that the shop incurs rather than a specific charge to the customer. In estimates, labor cost is usually expressed in terms of the labor rate multiplied by the hours required for the repair, giving a clearer picture of what the customer will need to pay. This distinction helps avoid confusion and maintains transparency regarding customer charges, as customers are less concerned with the precise payment details of employees and more focused on the overall cost of their service.