Would this be proper?

[Houndoc]

I got to thinking that with the number of shops & vendors that support RME, some newer and not yet well know, would it be a "proper" use of the forum to post some work a member is interested in, then allow the various shops who are interested in the work PM them with quotes?

PMs would avoid it turning into a bidding war, since no one would know what the others quote (although getting them to bid against each other for the work could actually be kind of fun:greg

I have never seen anyone do that, but wonder what people think of the idea.

 

[Greg]

I don't see why you couldn't try that, but in my experience most shops want to see what they will be working on, look it over for issues that may increase costs and get an idea of what they're getting into before giving a price. Unless it's something that's straight forward, such as a gear install. It all depends... some businesses may not see your request and won't weigh in, not because they don't want the work, but perhaps that they are too busy working.

Don't let that stop you though, those are just my personal opinions.

 

[ID Bronco]

If it's a simple task like stated above I say go for it.

Here is an experience that I have always used as a guide.

My co worker wanted a new pickup. He faxed his build sheet to 4 dealers in the area and akded for their best price on that truck to be faxed back to him. He knew two of the sales man he faxed it to and was pretty good friends with them. He got 4 quotes back and (warranty and service were equal with a new truck) so he went with the best price he got back.

Later on he saw his friend and he was pissed he didn't buy from him. My co worker told him what he paid for it and his friend told him he would have sold it to him for that. Then why did he send him a higher price as his "best deal" ?


I am in sales and understand how it works. I would probably lose this guys business. But as a buyer I like the idea.

 

[Bear@BlackWidow]

As one of these lesser known new shops, I welcome the idea. I already try to watch for guys asking for tech and parts help and shoot them a PM just to let them know we are here and willing to help.

I agree that on large or more detailed projects, seeing the vehicle is needed. But if you throw out an idea you have, an interested shop can atleast contact you and let you know they are interested in tackling it.

Great idea.

 

[rlanderton]

I guess I will offer a different opinion on this option - I have seen it tried for other types of work (construction for example) and have not been impressed with the results - and by not impressed I believe any job, and I mean any job, can be done cheaper. I think you get what you pay for - I think things like experience of shop staff, reputation for followup or warranty work, quality of parts installed, etc. play a big part of what you pay for. Just my two cents...

 

[Chevycrew]

If it is a simple part purchase, with no warranty involved then it might work, with custom stuff....I dont know....

 

[Greg]

I guess I will offer a different opinion on this option - I have seen it tried for other types of work (construction for example) and have not been impressed with the results - and by not impressed I believe any job, and I mean any job, can be done cheaper. I think you get what you pay for - I think things like experience of shop staff, reputation for followup or warranty work, quality of parts installed, etc. play a big part of what you pay for. Just my two cents...

Very good point, thanks for bringing that part up. You do get what you pay for, in every hobby or job.

 

[Tacoma]

You do get what you pay for, in every hobby or job.

Sometimes you just get raped though. But that's what forums are good for, too-- asking opinions about whatever shop/manufacturer/seller. Think: USA6x6.

 

[Greg]

Sometimes you just get raped though. But that's what forums are good for, too-- asking opinions about whatever shop/manufacturer/seller. Think: USA6x6.

Well, that's assuming you do the footwork and get comparable bids. If the average bid is $2000 and one guy will do the job for $500 and another will do it for $4000, that ought to spark some thought.

 

[Chevycrew]

Or like usa6x6, every board on the web said they did bad work and took peoples money, so in cases like that I would stay away.

 

[Houndoc]

I guess I will offer a different opinion on this option - I have seen it tried for other types of work (construction for example) and have not been impressed with the results - and by not impressed I believe any job, and I mean any job, can be done cheaper. I think you get what you pay for - I think things like experience of shop staff, reputation for followup or warranty work, quality of parts installed, etc. play a big part of what you pay for. Just my two cents...

Agreed. But that is true no matter how you get the quotes.

But my feelings is it is a way to get initial ideas....somewhere to start. Then research/due deligence kicks in before starting a project.