OP

Quoted from meSz:

A few people PM'd me asking what I was charged by Mike to do my parts since I mentioned that he did the plating for less then half of what my local plating place wanted to charge me.
The only issue I have with posting what Mike charged me is that I am certain Mike has a method as to what he charges (i.e. shape, size, condition etc. of the parts). So if I post prices as to what he charged me for my coin mech and someone else sent in the same mech but in worse condition or vice versa they may get a different price.
I will say that the price difference between what my local plating place was charging me compared to Mike was a difference, yes difference, of $232.20
I think what happened here is exactly what Bryan Kelly stated "I have a feeling your local place was telling you they didn't really want to hassle with your parts. Hence the price they quoted".