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.

[Z W]

At this point, I'm just happy when any shop will agree to work on the plane. Currently been down three months getting a turbo rebuilt and then chasing oil leaks on reinstall. 

Last year, after waiting a year for a 430W to GTN650 install slot, that took about 2 months too. I redid the carpet myself after that just because I didn't want the plane to disappear into a shop again for a month for it. It's not pro level but good enough for who it's for and I got it done in a weekend.

The maintenance situation is getting very bad and I think it will get worse before it gets better. Seems like every time I get the plane back, it's almost time for another annual which also somehow takes a month or more. The shops all are doing their best and have always had good reasons. They can't get enough good labor and it takes forever to get the parts they need. I've never complained about a single bill and bring the checkbook when I come to pick up the plane.

Sorry that doesn't help you but thought I'd let you know you're not alone.

[Schllc]

I sympathize with the issues these guys have with labor, it certainly alters the landscape.

But my business is identical with one exception. Clients can easily leave if they are unhappy with me, the “captive” part of this industry is what shapes the business practices.  
I do not believe most of these guys intentionally lie about circumstances, but knowing that a client has no option would shape any business owners decisions. 
I typically don’t haggle either, it gets you nowhere. If you don’t like what you are getting, smile, pay the bill and find a new provider. 

Here is my grievance…

I build high end custom homes. While I don’t know what challenges each project will bring, I know that it will bring some. They all do.  
One of our homes takes an average of 12-18 months to build and that variance is 100% driven by the owner. However, I have built one in as short as 5 months, where a client wanted a spec built and he provided a budget and let me make all the decisions. 
So should I tell clients I can do it in 5 months since it is possible, or should I tell them what I know will happen, which is that it will take 12-18?  
All I am asking of these shops is to provide me a time frame that they are comfortable with, whatever that is, so I can prepare myself for a realistic expectation. 
And of course that is with the understanding that if they peel back a layer and find a legitimate problem the delays will come.   Communication is key, but again, when your client has no options, it’s easier to kick the can. 
I have a very strong suspicion that this attitude will drive me away from aviation before any other circumstance.  It isn’t just about the money, it’s the principle that matters too!