Broken dreams--all around, for sure. Shattered is a better word. Paint and body is neither cheap nor easy and the same holds true for starting a business. Running a business is hard, starting a business is damn near impossible.
There IS a way to find a little positive result from this. Create a sticky with sage advice on selecting and managing an outsourced project such as body and paint. Choose one established shop with a proven track record to lead the discussion and then allow other shops to post follow up advice, tips, suggestions. Many of us have been burned by outsourced labor--be it paint, engine, or fab work. Let's help those who follow in our footsteps to avoid the same pitfalls. Those suggestions should also help budding entrepreneurs to get it right the first time as well.
My favorite suggestion?
Twilight Zone Syndrome: Visit the shop 1 year ahead of project drop off date to inspect shop. Then visit again at six months prior to have another look. If the same projects are present and progress has not been made, RUN AWAY!
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Steve Chryssos
Ridetech.com
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