Is it usually possible to find a local shop to install it for you?

 

Oxymoron check: local [inexperienced] shop will probley not equal affordable! They'll boff it up, take 5 hours to do a 1 hour job, and charge you accordingly.

The least expensive route is to hope Randy Webb has a Pulley Party soon in a town near you.

Also, my $0.02, if you're cutting your budget tight, the pulley is not for you - you have a warranty to protect.

 

I'm confused...do you want the cheapest? Or most affordable?

Yeah - what he said - look for a Randy pulley party or if you are within a days drive of Philadelphia, go to Helix at Helix13.com. They are not only the most experienced and reliable, but since they've done hundreds of pulley installs, they can do it in half to 1/5 of the time it will take other, less experienced installers. So your MINI will be in better hands AND will pay the same or less in labor because these guys are experts and can do it blind-folded!

 

Don't shop for engine mods for your MINI by price.
If you want cheap, you'll get it! --

I'd e-mail Randy Webb or go to Webb Motor Sports
and get advise there.
He's an honest fellow and he wears a red shirt!

He's come to Texas several times to do installs and everyone has been happy.
No, I don't know the price comparison, but I know what I've heard and it's all been good!

 

Unless you are interested in doing the pulley yourself you might want to look at the installed price.
RandyBMC and Eric at Helix13 can do installed pulleys for about $400 even if done out of state. Add state tax as it applies. If labor is $80 per hour and it takes another shop 4 hours plus the part is $160 plus shipping and you have to pay for the pulley tool rental another $50 then you can do the math. Sounds like more than $400 to me.
The pulley isn't that difficult if you know what to do and have the right tools. Some experience would be nice.
Pulley parties do happen across the country so give these guys a call and see when they might be nearby.