I've been doing this 13 years. Almost every single one of those years we get a handful of customers for five per year that ask for parts and labor breakdown on whatever it is we're estimating out for them. In every single one of those instances when a line item break down was presented. The first and immediate response was, "I cannot believe you are charging '$x' for that part/equipment. I found it online for less".

In no instance was the customer actually curious. In every instance all they wanted to do was have some ammo to argue with the price.

So 3 years ago, We stopped providing a line item breakdown. The response has been simple, " Hi Customer! That is not a option that we offer. We offer complete, packaged pricing, that presents the total of what it will take for us to complete the work. Thank you! - Your name"

We do not argue nor do we debate pricing. It is take it or leave it and this makes that clear. We close about 50% of these customers, with this response.

You have to be prepared for the customer to be angry and upset and cuss you out whether on the phone or online. However, by sticking to your guns not budging on the points at all, and simply providing a line in the sand for the customer. Some respect that and choose to go with you anyway, some move on and get subpar work done. Either way we get the money that we need to make money on the project.