850Fab Pricing and Structure
All custom work is $125 per hour by the hour + materials, shop supplies and tax (where applicable) with a 1 hour shop minimum regardless of task. For shop supplies, I charge 3.5% of the billed labor. Welding gas and other consumables are not cheap. Shop supplies include use of equipment, bandsaw blades, sanding belts, acetone, filler rod, tungsten and many other consumables required in metal fabrication. It can add up quickly which is why I have this fee. Estimates for custom work is very time consuming. I will build a material list for your project but I no longer quote labor. Quoting labor just doesn't work. It is not accurate enough and I will no longer eat or discount my time when I am wrong. I expect my clients to hold me to a standard that I am honest and will charge accordingly. Meaning, I will not bill you for time that is not billable. This is the only way a custom fabrication shop can keep its doors open. I enjoy open communication between myself and clients so I will always keep you updated!
The work I do is very specialized. The idea behind my business and structure is not to be the cheapest or fastest but simply offer the highest quality product in every aspect for those looking for high quality products. I am not looking to “just get the job done”. I am not looking for the least expensive way to get a job done. If you are used to garage built side job rates using the cheapest material available, you are probably going to be surprised at what I charge and your idea of “quality”, in that sense, is likely 100% different than my idea of quality. There is not a single “10 minute job”. It doesn't matter if its a simple bracket that needs to be made. If its that simple, make it yourself. I am a business. This is what i do to feed my family. I have no other income and I welcome anyone to get estimates from someone who can produce an equal product that meets the same quality standards as mine inside and out. Also, please keep in mind that if you bring me a running car and you want custom replacement parts, there is labor involved in removing your parts before I can start on my own. That time is NOT free. Be aware that I am removing used parts in various parts of the engine bay/car, some which may require removal of additional parts to access or potentially even running into rusted/seized/broken bolts. I cannot predict the future nor am I responsible for eating this time. I will communicate with you in the event this happens. If you are familiar with working on your car, please plan ahead to replace gaskets/seals...etc as necessary.
Getting on my schedule requires all materials to be paid in full prior to making an appointment. Once I receive this deposit, we can discuss a drop-off date of your vehicle/project. Depending on the extent of work being done, I will ask for a labor deposit and the amount will be to my discretion. I will bill every 1-2 weeks depending on the scope of the project.
Before we get started, if you have a vision you want, we will write the build out with specifics on your must haves as well as the other things I can use my own judgement on. We cannot go back and forth once I get started on your project. Your project is not the only one I have. I have many others and many waiting to take your place. If your project is in my shop and taking up space waiting on you, that is literally taking money out of my pocket. I will send you updates until I feel the updates I send you are keeping me from making progression. I will not hesitate to tell you to come get your car if I feel there is no way to satisfy you. Some of you will be bringing me your project with parts on the car already. Keep in mind, these parts you bring could hinder my ability to give you what you want and I have to work within the limitations of what they allow for me to get the project done. I don't always see these problems in the beginning but if this occurs and what needs to be done doesn't line up to what you want, we can discuss it at that point. If at any point, we scrap parts and redo something, I am NOT responsible for that time. The clock will keep ticking.
My goal is to exceed your expectations and create a positive experience through communication before, during and after completion. Be sure to follow along on my social media (@850fab on Instagram and FB). If you don't have either of these, please let me know and I will update you via email or cell phone. I try to be as open and honest as possible as I have found that’s how I like to be treated. All I want is to be paid for my time. I’m not out to make a million dollars or rip my customers off, however, I do believe my time is valuable and the only way to do right for the customer is to charge appropriately. I absolutely have a passion for what I do and I’d like to believe that’s why you are contacting me. Its art and while it’s my business, I find extreme pleasure in this ability I have been blessed with. So, thank you for contacting me and I look forward to working with you.
Blake Barr