Job Time on Motorcycles

[blinddog 99]

I just wanted to hear from some of you talented painters out there that do this work on a regular basis, if you have a typical time frame when you start a motorcycle paint job. Denise, with Black Bart, or the Parrot bike, Redhouse, those cool fairings, etc. How long on average do you spend on these jobs. I know I need to speed up, as I have just a few side jobs, and I'm behind schedule. Just looking for what might be an industry standard or average time you typically have to complete a job.

[redhouse]

for me, i schedule the jobs to be done two weeks from they day they drop off the sheel metal. but i also overlap many other jobs. two weeks for complete bikes no matter what model. one week for repairs or single pieces. i charge alot more for rush jobs.

[blinddog 99]

Jason, so that would be after you have done submittals, or do they drop off the hardware along with a design concept? Do you typically do a test piece during the period of two weeks? Just curious of the rythmn of it all. I understand overlapping projects, its the only way I can concentrate, usually three or so going at once. Thanks for answering, appreciate the information.

[redhouse]

i always start out with a face to face consultation here at the shop (when possible). we go over design, colors, bodywork etc.. then they sign up. by signing up i mean i write up a detailed work order. i have them initial and sign and date the work order. then i have a contract that gives the date, exact price, and delivery date. both them and i sign and date the contract. at that point the customer is legally binded to pay me for my services and cannot back out of the deal. i make copies for both their records and mine and take a deposit on the job if they are so inclined. a couple of very important notes:
1. i DO NOT contract a customer until i have sheetmetal in my shop. lack of sheet metal screws up scheduling.
2. the finished parts DO NOT leave my shop until the entire balance is paid. period. this is written into the bottom of the contract.
3. any changes not specified on the work order require a $50 change of order fee and new material and time charges. this usually keeps the customer from changing their ideas right in the middle of the job. and once again inhibiting more schedule conflicts.

hope this helps. let me know if you have any other questions!

[redhouse]

ps. unless it's a $5k job or more, test panels are a waste of time. if they don't like the first 3 panels you do you'll be doing panels for two weeks intead of making money. people who come to me know i'm not cheap and expect the best. the trick is to not let them down. confidence (not cockiness) and a good portfolio and testimonials will almost always quash their fears.

[blinddog 99]

Interesting, thanks. I would love to see your "T&C" sheet. Sounds like you are well schooled on getting the job done and getting paid. The one we use in my graphics business is extensive.

There are so many questions I have, and hopefully this is also good for young people trying to learn the trade, can I ask more? For example, what type of things do you customers bring you for reference? Or do the majority come in and say "paint me something" and you show them your portfolio and have to work a little to dig out their mental picture?