The $100 for the plating kit seems like a bargain. At that price, it makes no sense taking the parts anywhere to get them professionally done when u can do it yourself over a 40 minute period at home with that kit.
If ya only have one machine, it seems like the way to go. Or if have a dozen machines, its a even better kit to buy.
Not everyone will want to play with the chemical, but for a few bits n pieces here n there, get Beaky to do them if ya dont want to buy the kit.