I'm at $60 an hour. However, I use the rates a manufacturer will pay for warranty as my times on many items as a flat rate. I have no issue beating those times on 90% of my work and that allows me some leeway to not work for free when it comes time to clean the shop and do administrative chores. I also charge a 1/2 hour minimum on any saw that comes in with the "it won't run" problem. I can test everything on a saw in 1/2 hour to determine it's problem and decide how to proceed. I'll call the customer at that point and give them an idea how much it's going to cost to perform additional repair. For example, if you come in with a broken starter rope you are paying the labor in my book for that, but my work is only warrantied on that starter and I tell you that up front. Many times, when I explain that I might find other issues with the saw if they pay for the 1/2 hour minimum on top of the starter rope, they gladly pay the $30 for me to run through the whole saw.
As for parts, I agree that not ordering them without a customer deposit is a good idea. However, if it's a popular saw (and part) I usually just run with it. Since I'm only a dealer for one brand of saw, that makes it easier for me.
As for parts, I agree that not ordering them without a customer deposit is a good idea. However, if it's a popular saw (and part) I usually just run with it. Since I'm only a dealer for one brand of saw, that makes it easier for me.