Here is what I did when I got my Vanagon painted ( $3k):

Have the body shop owner tour the Vanagon body with you. Take a sharp pencil
and circle each ding and dent. Write, right on the Vanagon!

Came to an agreement for each circled ding, on how it will be fixed. By time
you finish,your pencil will be dull. Ask for an estimate on the work just
covered and agreed upon.

There should not be any surprises when you get the Vanagon back.