[Rick D]

We are at $65.00 an hr. We try to give an up front estimate as to the final cost but until you get in to the job you never know for sure. We are/were toying with going up (just got the TAX bill) on hourly rate but will see. We have a bunch of qutoes out there so for now it will stay where it's at Maybe. The biggest thing I see other shops losing money on is the cost of their paint and material. You can not use good materials and paint a hole car for $2500.00 to $3000.00. I have a 79 Malibu race car we are doing right now (painting it Prowler Orange) cool color. Cost for just the color only is $377.00 a gallon. That dose not include reducer, or clear coat or primer or sandpaper or tape. I could go on and on but you get my point. The guys that I feel get the real shaft are Collision shops. If they aren't on top of their guys than can lose alot on cash real fast.