Mounting and balancing prices

Normally I'm a tightwad and do my own mounting (badoom ching) and have someone balance them. Yesterday I installed my 5100's and really didn't feel like doing all the wrestling to take off and mount new tires so I figured I needed an alignment and would have them mount and balance while I was there. Tossed the tires in the back and drive to a reputable tire shop here in town. They were booked all day and said try back in the morning. Firestone was so packed there weren't any parking spots so I ease on down to sears. Walk in and ask about an alignment and the guy tells me $90. I then ask about mounting and balancing my new tires. Home boy tells me $25 and I'm thinking "sold" but after a pause he finishes with "per tire". I almost crapped a gold chicken right there in the lobby!! $100 for mounting and balancing?!?!? I laughed at him, said thanks and as I was walking out he said "yeah we are a little high" . Got it done at a local 3 man shop for $40.

Do people really pay $25 per tire/wheel?!?

 

My local shop charges 12/tire