Was this just Wrong??.. or not?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Was this just Wrong??.. or not?
Two days ago I went to our local paint shop here in Pearland to see if they could come to my house to give me a quote on a full paint job on my 74 since It currently sits on a dolly.I was talking to the manager and he asked me how far I lived, I told him about 5 miles down the road.I offered to pay them to come to my house to give me a quote. He thought about it then he said the owner was with a customer and he would probably be able to answer that question for me about coming to my house to give me a quote. while I was waiting on the owner. The manager came back to me and asked me " Listen, What are you looking to spend on this paint job? If you tell me I can tell you if we're in the same Ballpark figure?"
I then told him " I came here because I hear you do great work, not because you're cheap!!".. I actually didn't get mad till i got home and thought about what that Idiot said to me! I think I was profiled!! Was that wrong or Am I over reacting? I just think that after I told him how the frame was powder coated and as were all the suspension parts and being my highschool car That he would automatically know that I wasnt Bubba and looking for a Cheap work!!
I then told him " I came here because I hear you do great work, not because you're cheap!!".. I actually didn't get mad till i got home and thought about what that Idiot said to me! I think I was profiled!! Was that wrong or Am I over reacting? I just think that after I told him how the frame was powder coated and as were all the suspension parts and being my highschool car That he would automatically know that I wasnt Bubba and looking for a Cheap work!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
The question begs to ask: Can you afford their work? Secondly, it's possible that he may be 'feeling it out' as to whether he can do so many layers of color and then so many layers of clear. The more coats, the more expensive it gets. Finally, by doing this, he can determine if he can still do a decent or respectable paint job, for what you're going to pay him for and still maintain his reputation.
I think it's a fair question. If you thought you were going to be overcharged, then I would've said something like $3K to $5K and then he'd explain what he could do at each price level.
I think it's a fair question. If you thought you were going to be overcharged, then I would've said something like $3K to $5K and then he'd explain what he could do at each price level.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
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From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
I did talk to the owner. nice guy . He told me he would be glad to come look at it but unfortunately they couldn't start on it till the Fall, Due to a lot of work. he proceeded to tell me what all he would have to do to the body and YADDA, YADDA, YADDA.... Then I had to cut him off. I told him "well since you wont be able to get to it till the Fall, I guess we're done here.Im ready for a paint job now, I did tell both of them I came to their shop cause I hear they do nice work and was not there because it was Cheap!
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
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From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,269
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From: Cocoa FL
It sounds like they actually do good work. Hence the long wait time before they can fit you in. I think you're over reacting IMHO. I would think about 75% of all the customers that want a total repaint are shocked by the actual cost, especially a proper job. I constantly run into people that think they should get their whole car painted for $800.00.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
The question begs to ask: Can you afford their work? Secondly, it's possible that he may be 'feeling it out' as to whether he can do so many layers of color and then so many layers of clear. The more coats, the more expensive it gets. Finally, by doing this, he can determine if he can still do a decent or respectable paint job, for what you're going to pay him for and still maintain his reputation.
I think it's a fair question. If you thought you were going to be overcharged, then I would've said something like $3K to $5K and then he'd explain what he could do at each price level.
I think it's a fair question. If you thought you were going to be overcharged, then I would've said something like $3K to $5K and then he'd explain what he could do at each price level.
I guess so, but in my mind Im thinking He needs to see the car!! Period! Why throw numbers around when he doesnt know what hes getting into.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
I'm guilty of the same thing. I share a Shop with my partner and it's usually clothing that is comfortable to wear while working on the cars. Add that it's vulnerable to rip, tears and stains, but I still like to dress that way.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
It sounds like they actually do good work. Hence the long wait time before they can fit you in. I think you're over reacting IMHO. I would think about 75% of all the customers that want a total repaint are shocked by the actual cost, especially a proper job. I constantly run into people that think they should get their whole car painted for $800.00.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
As long as the bank account is dressed up is what matters , Thats what i tell the wife!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
If it's drivable, arrange a time and bring it by. If not, then trailer it over there. That's what everybody else does at the paint shop next door. The car comes in, they evaluate it, see what the customer wants and what he can afford, then they decide. If you've told him you own a Corvette, then he has the expectation that it's not the same thing as painting a 1987 Toyota Corolla. I wouldn't get a whole lot of heartburn about it. If he can't paint it until next fall and you want it done sooner, then shop around.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
If it's drivable, arrange a time and bring it by. If not, then trailer it over there. That's what everybody else does at the paint shop next door. The car comes in, they evaluate it, see what the customer wants and what he can afford, then they decide. If you've told him you own a Corvette, then he has the expectation that it's not the same thing as painting a 1987 Toyota Corolla. I wouldn't get a whole lot of heartburn about it. If he can't paint it until next fall and you want it done sooner, then shop around.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 326
Likes: 8
From: Carrollton Texas
If you judge people by what they are wearing or a number of other criteria you will most likely look the fool! I sold Chevrolets in 1986 the dealership was about to close Friday night. A Mexican couple came in 2 min. before closing. A smart *** salesman said Ill get rid of them. They were looking at the new '86 Vert Indy car. The salesman said " First vert since '75... sticker is what it costs" The husband handed the smart *** a brown paper bag and said "You take Cash?" we counted money til 11 that night , we opened the showroom doors and he drove her home!!! Lesson learned!!!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09