I have some family members in a part of the nation that run a paint shop. They are a part of a large franchise that will remain nameless. Their place of business is relatively new so they are dealing with some typical issues. Anyway, I was discussing costs with my relative and she exclaimed that there was a high end shop near them that charged ~1500 per job that was outsourcing paint jobs to them for $250 (or so).

Do you think that the high end shop was having the franchise store do the base coat only for them to finish with the wet sand and seal? Maybe it was a complete rip off at the high end shop...

Anyway, the moral of the story is trust your paint shop (and check the odemeter before you drop it off). I guess another moral of the story could be that you will find varying levels of spray skill at the franchise stores... some are quite good.

 

i would be pissed if i paid 1500 for a macco paint job (oh i mean namless paint chain) i have seen work by a place of equal (lack of) skill.

even if they only have them do the base coat, thats where the most skill is needed, the sanding and primering. any fool can spray a car. if the sanding and primer are done with extreme care all you have to do is not leave runs and it will at least be ok.

THANKS for the headsup! i will definatly investigate the hell out of anyplace i have paintwork done. whenever i have mechanical work done i always watch. usualy its small, like an oil change or exhaust wealding. the rest i can do myself, but who wants to do an oil change in 32* weather. but paint, i mean you leave the car with them for like a week or more usualy. can't watch them the whole time.

these types of stories scare the **** out of me.

 

high price doesn't always equal high quality. It's important for the consumer to do his homework.

 

 

whether or not this will be locked, i'm glad you shared. I too would be pissed if this happened to me. I certainly believe it's unethical to subcontract without informing the customer and I'd like to know if it's legal. It seems like misrepresentation to me.

 

thats why im doing mine myself. but not everyone has the luxury. like you said, the paint work really isnt that hard. one thing that i find troublesome is materials and location if you dont have access. anyone could figure it out with a buddy and get a decent paintjob out of it. but whos willing to spend on all the materials (booth for example).

 

There is a lot to be said for this. You get what you pay for ONLY after you have done your homework. That is unless you drop your car off at Chip Foose or some other exotic car builder where you can go by word of mouth. Since we own 3rd gens and cannot do that we are forced to choose wisely.

The rule of thumb for any "contract" work is to see examples of what they have done. That will dispel any doubts of their competence.