Lar, you are a brother to me (an old one but!), thanks! i'm i big boy now, i
hope at least... see you soon in Mexico.

Ben
""" life is NOT about money""""

On Sun, 29 Apr 2007 19:49:32 -0700, Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM> wrote:

>Ben,
>
>As you know I have been urging you privately for a long time, to raise your
>rates.
>
>It's now time for me to join the public chorus.
>
>Stop what you are doing, put the beer down and listen carefully,  because I
>know it's not always easy
> to get an idea in that thick French Canadian Head of yours.
>
>Sorry for the tough love Bro .. But we're family :)
>
>When you say "local shop rates are between 45$-60$ hr" you are comparing
>apples to oranges.
>
>Local shop rate comparisons are very valid if you are comparing good basic
>mechanical, electrical etc shop work.
>
>But .. you are quickly becoming  a "MASTER CRAFTSMAN" .
>
>You are building a "SPECIALTY BUSINESS" That is very unique and rare.
>Perhaps the only place in "NORTH AMERICA"
> where a we can get a complete top to bottom Vanagon restoration for under
>$80,000 dollars.
>
>Sorry GoWesty .. Big fan of your work .. No slam intended.
>
>Your attention to detail, honesty and fairness are becoming legendary.
>
>Let the customers waiting in que be the guide as to the fairness of your
>rates.
>
>It's like buying a nice looking kitchen cabinet from Ikea (love that store)
>for $99 or
> having a "Master Cabinet Maker" custom build you a cabinet out of exotic
>woods for $1,000.
>
>Apples and oranges comparison.
>
>Let me conclude by stating the obvious.
>
>All of us that have encouraged you to raise your rates need to get a
>"Lifetime Customer Discount Coupon".
>
>This Coupon will entitle us to any work done for the rest of our lives at
>the labor rates you are charging today.
>
>
>larry chase
>www.roadhaus.com
>
>- - -
>
>Subject: Re: Mechanic VS customer (i need you imput!)
>
>In Canada, no, on eastern, no, in Quebec most small shop rate are between
>45$-60$ hr, "Shop with a view" (he he), well, those that have good spot have
>rate between 60-70, dealer are as expensive. For 10K, you have a Ferrari
>paint job, some my price here was fine as NO ONE want to work on Vanagon.
>
>Ok,it's 10pm Saturday night, now, Sylvia (who help me tonight), my
>girlfriend tell me stop writing a thesis and go paint those door jams... :-)
>
>So the VEY short story is that the customer (who is a nice guy by the way)
>told me that after all, was amazed by the job? just curious about that
>strange color
>
>Anyway, more pictures later
>
>Ben