I think the reputation of the tuner also plays a large part in where people decide to take there cars to be worked on.
I heard so many good things about SCC before taking my car there for the first time. And now, even for the smallest of jobs I wouldn't trust my car with anyone else. (And proven right a few weeks ago

)
same goes for Karl, nothing but posative comments from people who I knew had vistited him in the past. Added to the fact that his prices are very good compared to what you would pay anywhere else you cant go wrong. Even if he is a bugger to get hold off
Karl - you have mail