If a product is still under warranty, and theres nothing to indicate anything dodgy (the source of the item or the damage) , then charging for a repair/swap is not acceptable. They should just be able to look up the serial number etc and see if its covered or not.
TBH (and I could be completely wrong), but your tech guy sounds like bit of a rip off if hes over charging for postage, and claiming a supplier wants $$ for a warranty covered product before they've even got it.
1101 is right however, if the tech isnt the original supplier, then it is his time and effort to chase it up, but he should be clear about this, not claim its for postage and EVGA fees. When I was working for myself, there was no way Id charge anyone anything until the work was completed and I had a full break down of fees etc.
