Need some paint and possibly some interior recommendations

[Schllc]

So I had a time slot and the shop kept sending me estimates that were obviously not written for my plane and demanding deposits. 
I wrote an email trying to clarify the scope and get them to include the things I asked for and they just declined the job. 
I have been through the wringer with my projects in the past with people tearing my plane open and then just shrugging as they hold it hostage for months, or even over a year last time!
I just want someone who will write a clear scope and provide some expectation of a time frame that we both  agree on. I’m willing to wait the time they tell me, and provide a cushion but an open ended price and time frame with nothing in writing isn’t going to work for me. 
HELP!!

[MB65E]

I’m up to doubling the cost and time estimates for my fleet of aircraft I maintain.

If it’s under… great. 
 

Quotes are dumb, nobody hold to the quote if they go over. 

Only thing I’ve seen work is in the construction industry. Where company’s pay a daily rate to the client if they are late on a project. I’ve never seen it in the aviation industry. 

I wish there was a better way to budget.
 

-Matt

[Schllc]

Aside from the $9,000 they quoted to change the carpet I didn’t try to negotiate the price. 
I only wanted a rational time estimate. 
it isn’t taking people six months of labor to paint a plane. After they have done “x” amount of planes you come to know what to expect and while you may not be able to say it will be exactly the number of hours, you know it won’t be 10x that amount unless some easily explainable situation arises. 
I am in a similar business, similar with regard to owners and expectations. 
I tell people what I actually think it will take, and I tell them exactly what will cause it to go over. 
I lose a lot of bids,  but my clients are all happy. 
I am not trying to force a guy into a unreasonable time frame or price. 
I am asking THEM to dictate the schedule, but I want them to be accountable.  Apparently that isn’t a thing anymore …

[ArtVandelay]

You can’t foresee problems that can cause jobs to go on longer than expected.
For example, after I had my plane stripped I had some fuel leaks, so I had to get that fixed before having the plane painted.
Due to weather (hurricane), my avionics upgrade was delayed, stuff happens.

The avionics upgrade took the longest (4+ months).

Rule #1, I only bring the plane in once all the necessary parts are in.