How do you guys deal with delays?

[speedjohnston]

This isn't going to help but, I was told 3 - 4 months for my chassis/cage to be built and it took 17 months.
I was going insane....
But I'm much better now.
My poor wife had to deal with my constant frustration.

[ccracin]

You know I'm reading this thread and seeing guys that I respect say that it doesn't matter how late it is as long as it is right. I am blown away that this type of thing is so widely accepted in this industry/hobby. My company builds 500,000 dollar and up custom equipment and if we were as late as some of these guys I'm reading about, we would be out of business. Plain and simple! If you are a "Pro" builder and you commit to a deadline, than you should meet it. The "Pro" part means you know and understand what it takes to build what it is you are promising. My Dad built custom homes for people. He would not have had business if he told them It will be right, but I have no idea when you will move in? If you are in this business and you cannot accurately predict what it is going to take to complete a project then DON'T COMMIT TO IT IN WRITING! If you are up front with the customer and you both agree that this is a process that will be fluid and the end date can not be fixed, I find that to be perfectly fine. Everyone is on the same page. Getting back to what I do for a living. We have to quote jobs competitively priced as well as delivery. If we are late we most likely will not get another order. If we pad the delivery to be "safe" we will loose the job to our competition who will get it done. Maybe that is the problem here, if everyone thinks like this than there is no other options for people which means nothing will change. That is sad if it is true. If you say you have to cut corners to meet deadlines, that is sad as well. Any build that involves contracts and progress payments should also include either regular inspections during the progress or very detailed pictures of all aspects during the build. With today's technology you can take and save 1000's of pictures very easily. I am really taken back here. If a customer demands unrealistic deliveries it is the responsibility of the shop to set it straight and not commit to something they know they can't meet. If that means losing the job than so be it! Committing to unachievable deadlines just to get the job is unethical. Again, plain and simple! I apologize, I am not normally this opinionated, but I really think that this very subject could spell the demise of this hobby in the long run. If enough people get disgusted with the process, guess what they find something else to spend money on. We should be spending time figuring out how to get something done than explaining all the reasons you can't. JMO Hopefully I didn't lose any friends over this one!

[buickfunnycar.com]

This is your second car with them and you have paid in full before taking delivery?
Can you see where they have very little motivation to complete your car...?

Before this turns into a nightmare,why not call them and tell them you are taking a trip to check on progress like the customer from Ireland is doing...that should get them to at least knock the dust off of it.

Sorry to hear about this but there are lessons to be learned here...

[GregWeld]

Chad ---

I think we'd all agree with your take on how it SHOULD BE... but (big BUTT)...
Most customers only ever build one car with one shop... and generally I would say that the shop isn't even around by the time you'd be back to build #2

My point here is that there really aren't many repeat customers to worry about.

If I was to have my 37 Ford "pro built" - it would only go to one shop - Roy Brizios... he has multiple repeat customers - his cars are done ON TIME - and they're show winning DRIVERS... Just my kind of place!!

I also think that many of the delays are customer caused -- they get in there and one thing leads to another... BUT I also know the only reason they aren't getting done - is because nobody is working on them.

In this case - the shop is tight on money (so says the OP) so they're going to focus on FRESH cash flow - newest guy in - has to get some work done - so the shop can make payroll... AND we know they owe him (the OP) money - and he'll want his money upon completion... LOL yeah right! Good luck with that!

Oh and having the title to the Pantera -- won't do you much good if it's got a labor lien on it.

[427gt500E]

The builders metal guy emailed me this afternoon and advised the Ireland car will be finished by the weekend and starting Monday all his attention will be devoted to my car.He's very good about emailing status pics once a day and he'll start doing that again next week.The only thing left to do is the roof skin,rear rails and rear floor.

He wants me out there the weekend of the 29th to see the finished metalwork which I will fly out for that.I was there April 6th and everything looked fine but work on it came to a halt to get other cars out the door.

I'm starting to get a warm and fuzzy again especically since the guy working on the car told me all his attention will be on my car to get it out to the bodyshop.

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Chad ---

I think we'd all agree with your take on how it SHOULD BE... but (big BUTT)...
Most customers only ever build one car with one shop... and generally I would say that the shop isn't even around by the time you'd be back to build #2

My point here is that there really aren't many repeat customers to worry about.

This kind of behavior is probably why these shops aren't around by the time people can afford to build the second car. Just because you don't think there is a chance a repeat business doesn't mean taking advantage is ok.

Originally Posted by GregWeld

If I was to have my 37 Ford "pro built" - it would only go to one shop - Roy Brizios... he has multiple repeat customers - his cars are done ON TIME - and they're show winning DRIVERS... Just my kind of place!!

He obviously has made an impression on you by doing things the way they should be done. Maybe some of these other shops should take some lessons.

Originally Posted by GregWeld

I also think that many of the delays are customer caused -- they get in there and one thing leads to another... BUT I also know the only reason they aren't getting done - is because nobody is working on them.

In this case - the shop is tight on money (so says the OP) so they're going to focus on FRESH cash flow - newest guy in - has to get some work done - so the shop can make payroll... AND we know they owe him (the OP) money - and he'll want his money upon completion... LOL yeah right! Good luck with that!

I know this fact all too well. Changes should be dealt with in a professional manor. Change orders should be recorded and signed off on by both parties agreeing on cost and time impact. One of my very good friends owned a Rod and Custom shop near me. He was one of the most talented paint and body guys I have ever seen. He was also one of the worst business men I have ever seen. He lasted 5 years before closing the doors. He fell victim to the same issue you mentioned above. He would get into a car get some money and move to the next, get some more money and start another. Before you know he was jammed up, too many projects not enough time people getting pissed not paying on time and now you are stealing from Peter to pay Paul. It caught up and boom one of the best shops in the area quality wise was gone.

I know what you are saying Greg, but I just can't help but be disappointed that this kind of behavior is becoming accepted. Hell, not just accepted but almost the rule. If my builder ever pulls this, I'll break his legs............wait a minute I'm the builder. I better get to work! I hope it all works out for 427 and I hope this trend does not continue to gain momentum. Rant over.

[tones2SS]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

Send me those rose colored glasses.....

lol...

[Camaroguy]

The builder is a member of this forum, I think. It would be great to here what his thoughts are on this situation!

[Reckley]

Originally Posted by ccracin

If you are a "Pro" builder and you commit to a deadline, than you should meet it.

I have to agree with this point. Everyone in business has to meet deadlines. Why should custom car building be any different?

Mike

[Vegas69]

That's really not the point. Unfortunately, the law of averages would lead me to believe that over 90% of promised deadlines are not met. Mostly just to suck the client in the door. Let's face it, most people don't understand what it takes to make one of the pro-touring car make noise reliably and sorted. I certainly don't think mis leading is good business practice but the truth would scare the average consumer half to death.