getting some custom work done, how do i make sure i dont get screwed over?
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getting some custom work done, how do i make sure i dont get screwed over?
Dropmaster
+1y
Originally posted by blackice
when you're looking for a shop, don't listen to what they can do, look at what they have done. Anyone can tell you that there the best, but very few can prove it.
don't just look at the nice finished, layed out pics, ask to see the progress pics. its easy to hide a hackjob under a clean body.
talk with previous customer, see what they thought, not just about the work, but the customer service as well.
Amen to that!
when you're looking for a shop, don't listen to what they can do, look at what they have done. Anyone can tell you that there the best, but very few can prove it.
don't just look at the nice finished, layed out pics, ask to see the progress pics. its easy to hide a hackjob under a clean body.
talk with previous customer, see what they thought, not just about the work, but the customer service as well.
Amen to that!
rrusd
+1y
Originally posted by Dropmaster
I would get it in writing and have a completion date also. My truck has been in the shop for 3 months on a simple brake line.
GET THE COMPLETEION DATE IN WRITING!!!!
This is the best, and legal way to do it. Get it in writing. There is no disputing a writen contract. If you decide to have friends do it,just make damn sure they are going to commit to the project, or be prepared to have it sit around till they are ready to finish it. Most of the time, if you realy know your friends, it is not a problem. But you never know untill it is too late.
I would get it in writing and have a completion date also. My truck has been in the shop for 3 months on a simple brake line.
GET THE COMPLETEION DATE IN WRITING!!!!
This is the best, and legal way to do it. Get it in writing. There is no disputing a writen contract. If you decide to have friends do it,just make damn sure they are going to commit to the project, or be prepared to have it sit around till they are ready to finish it. Most of the time, if you realy know your friends, it is not a problem. But you never know untill it is too late.
BioMax
+1y
You guys have all brought up some very good concerns. It is really hard to find a shop that does good work, for a good price, in a timely fashion. I have been trying for nearly 10 years to figure out how to do it and it is tough. What it has come down to for me is a manditory weekly update. I will e-mail the customer pic of the work that had been performed that week acompanied with an invoice for the weeks work, sometimes I will stretch it to 2 weeks. That way the project gets micro-managed and both parties are kept "in the loop."
I had a BIG $ project go south (time and money) and the cure ended up being a project manager. He kept both the customer and I informed as to what the other was thinking/doing. Sence then, I have used a project manager on all of my big projects. It really helps having someone ther to keep the fire lit.
Not all shops can afford to do that, but I think that if the shop is packed full of a bunch of un-finished vehicles, you are asking for a problem. I have a friend that took his truck to a different shop a few years ago, because I was too busy at the time and the truck is still there. I have sence finished several vehicles that have more work than his has. The point is, don't take it to the shop that can start on it first, be patient. If a shop tells you that they can't start on it for 2 months, that is a good indication that they are making an effort to keep a decent schedule.
As for the written agreement, that wouldn't go over so well in the custom indusry. The only way that I would do it is if it were a MAJOR, $50k+, build and we sat down and planned out the entire build. If you are going to dock my money if it is not finished on time, then you should be ready to give a bonus if it is done ahead of schedule...
I had a BIG $ project go south (time and money) and the cure ended up being a project manager. He kept both the customer and I informed as to what the other was thinking/doing. Sence then, I have used a project manager on all of my big projects. It really helps having someone ther to keep the fire lit.
Not all shops can afford to do that, but I think that if the shop is packed full of a bunch of un-finished vehicles, you are asking for a problem. I have a friend that took his truck to a different shop a few years ago, because I was too busy at the time and the truck is still there. I have sence finished several vehicles that have more work than his has. The point is, don't take it to the shop that can start on it first, be patient. If a shop tells you that they can't start on it for 2 months, that is a good indication that they are making an effort to keep a decent schedule.
As for the written agreement, that wouldn't go over so well in the custom indusry. The only way that I would do it is if it were a MAJOR, $50k+, build and we sat down and planned out the entire build. If you are going to dock my money if it is not finished on time, then you should be ready to give a bonus if it is done ahead of schedule...
Dropmaster
+1y
Edited: 4/28/2007 8:11:16 PM by Dropmaster
I agree 100% with Biomax. A project manger is a great idea. Also a bonus at the end is a really good Idea too, especially if you can afford a big $ project. I just think that there are to many shop out there that can't keep there promiss and can't manage there work loads.
Like Biomax said, A weekly up date with pictures, that says a shop wants to take care of the customers.
I agree 100% with Biomax. A project manger is a great idea. Also a bonus at the end is a really good Idea too, especially if you can afford a big $ project. I just think that there are to many shop out there that can't keep there promiss and can't manage there work loads.
Like Biomax said, A weekly up date with pictures, that says a shop wants to take care of the customers.