Thoughts on paint work and craftspeople

[spyderchick]

Ok, now where do I start? I guess that you have to find your own level of comfort when dealing with a craftsperson, but I speak from experience that some people want something for nothing. There's nothing wrong with being frugal but you have to consider the person performing the service has to make a buck or find some value in what they do for you.

Let's take the example of paint work. Guy A offer the job for $200, Guy B wants $400, but guy C charges for his time and materials.

How can guy A offer such a great deal? Well, he's using cheap materials, he's not doing the best job on the face of the planet, or he's undercutting so much that even he isn't really making what he's worth. Great for you, right? After all, he's really cheap. Who cares, you just want the job done.

If he's using cheap product, it might not last, it could be that it gives an inferior finish, or there could be other problems such as not being compliant with EPA standards (another discussion best left for another time). Say you don't care about that.

Let's assume you don't even care if the job looks pretty decent.

However, if he's undercutting his competition just to get the work, he's probably undercutting himself as well. This works on several levels. First is communication. Is he telling you what's happening with your job? Probably not, that takes time. Time is money. Sourcing material takes time. Ordering, inventorying, all time killers. Prep, takes time. Actually doing the work, takes time.  Does this person take pride in their work? Why should they, you just want a deal. You don't care that he's using cheap stuff, you don't care that you're getting a good end product. Why should he care?

Finally, if you're so liaise-fair about everything else, why would you want it done in a reasonable amount of time? After all, he's only getting $200 for the work. Dude. What do want, a miracle? At least that's his line of thinking; he doesn't even value himself enough to make anything on the job. That should be a clue as to the level of work and communication you will receive.

So let's jump to guy C, time and materials. You're not necessarily looking for a show bike, but that's what he'll give you. However, he will use the best stuff out there; tell you what's going on with the job; give you options and choices. He'll probably get it done on time, because he cares about his reputation and your satisfaction. The prep will take him time and he will do the proper prep because he knows it will affect the quality and durability of the end product. You will be happy and it will look great. He will make money on his time and his materials, and you will get what you paid for, a highly executed paint job that both of you will be proud of. Until you crash.

Guy B is probably your option however. Why? He's not the cheapest, but he's not going to give you a Michelangelo either. But you should get good communication, quality materials and workmanship, and something you both will be happy with in the end. He's makes enough money to care about you job, you don't spend a fortune and yet your bike looks great. If you don't want to do it yourself, this is the best option.

The last option is doing it yourself. This is great for some people. Why? You learn a new skill, you learn about the process, you make mistakes and network with people to find out what went wrong. Doesn't matter whether its rattle cans or using spray guns, you learn. The problem is that it takes time. Time is money...

And that's why you ought to get what you pay for, but understand why cheap might not be the way to go.

You can apply this to paint, engine work, and suspension. Listen to what people have to say about someone who's doing work for you. Be willing to pay for what you get. Value comes in more forms than just cash. You might be able to barter for services. However don't be offended if someone wants cash. It's probably the way they pay the bills. Just a little something to think about...

[dwilson]

I agree, you get what you pay for.  I do computer tech support and have seen many times in my field where people go cheap and get pissed that their $400 P.O.S. {insert_crap_brand} crashed with all their work on it...

Being a bit of a perfectionist I'm rarely happy with the work others do, I've also been ripped off too many times.  I do *all* my own work on everything I own.  It actually makes me a little uneasy that I can't do my own dental work...  

[Jeff]

The applicable model for just about anything is that you want it done:

*GOOD
*FAST
*CHEAP

Well, you can only have 2...

Very well written Alexa, I agree that you get what you pay for, and should be willing to pay for what you want...  Determining what you really want is the hard part  ;D

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

If only I could find someone to do high quality repairs and custom work on my leathers at racer friendly prices, all while being my friend and making me laugh every time we talk.  But I guess you can't have everything...
Oh, I know I'm really being greedy here, but if this leather person's family included a stone hottie daughter for me to tease and a super-cool husband with an eye for taking my very favorite pictures when he's not racing, that would be even better!

[spyderchick]

The applicable model for just about anything is that you want it done:

*GOOD
*FAST
*CHEAP

Well, you can only have 2...

Very well written Alexa, I agree that you get what you pay for, and should be willing to pay for what you want...  Determining what you really want is the hard part  ;D

thanks Jeff...
where did you get that picture?  :o ;D

[spyderchick]

If only I could find someone to do high quality repairs and custom work on my leathers at racer friendly prices...

Don't know, sweetums, where would you find someone like that? ;)

[Pie8thon]

I like to think of my possessions as hobby material..it took three motorcycles to learn "motorcycles"..and that was just for a Sunday-ride and some breakfast..
My PC-is running much better because of those early times..
Collecting tools along the way is definetly a PLUS..
It seems today..in these HIGH-tech-TIMES..that INforMation/is a secret society..
No-bodies telling any stories..talk-ain't cheap..its dis=appeared..
its best to get w/your own-PROGRAM.

[Jeff]

thanks Jeff...
where did you get that picture?  :o ;D

My wife took it of me a few months ago  ;D  8)

(dunno... somewhere on the web)

[spyderchick]

I like to think of my possessions as hobby material..it took three motorcycles to learn "motorcycles"..and that was just for a Sunday-ride and some breakfast..
My PC-is running much better because of those early times..
Collecting tools along the way is definetly a PLUS..
It seems today..in these HIGH-tech-TIMES..that INforMation/is a secret society..
No-bodies telling any stories..talk-ain't cheap..its dis=appeared..
its best to get w/your own-PROGRAM.

Yup, I got to be a tech junkie and build my own computers too. Wish I knew code though.  :-/

As far as bikes, racing is the best way to learn hands on and get freindly help. No Secret Societies here. (Except for the one with us grrls...and boys, you ain't never gonna know ;D)
Ed Key will even give up a secret or two if you know how to charm him.  ;) :D ;D

[dwilson]

It's kind of funny but I got into the computer field be being a DIY kind of guy.  I learned how to build/fix my own and in the mid 90's that made me an "expert"...  been there ever since.

I don't think that information is a secret society, I think that insecure people don't talk too much out of fear that either they'll show that they don't know anything or fear they'll be fired when otheres know how to replace them.  I've found that most people are happy to show you a skill but only if you show sincerity and respect toward the profession, whatever it may be.  I wanted to learn telecom, a guy said he'd show me but only after punching down 25 pair cables for 2 days.  Afterwards he was a great instructor...

[Pie8thon]

I'm new to the PC-but had a AT&T 6300 back in the 80's..this ones a real lotta fun..I haven't really found too much help in the ADULT World..being young was OK..there were some real good things happening..maybe it was the price of "things"..my first bike cost me $$100.00(Honda175cc)my second cost me $$600.00(kawa-KH400triple)and the third was my first brand-new HONDA FT500VTascot..$$3200.00 w/Financeing..it was a 1985..I drove it to Kentucky and back..too Tennessee and back..(CT)..water-cooled..nice bike..I went to the HONDA website last week..a really sharp MotoCROSS 250cc..was going for $$5000.00plus..and a 500cc scooter was also $$5000.00plus..I have also found that there are really professional products for sale in the general marketplace..I bought some glue that didn't hold..I have purchased some other products that have just lost their edge-->quality-control-->is becomeing a FLUKE.