CostHow we charge for our work
We work on the basis of either a quote, an estimate, our workshop hourly rate or a nominated spending limit—depending on the nature of the work itself and how you’d like us to proceed in the circumstances.
A restoration project nearing completion at Series Magic The UnknownsPricing uncertainty
How we charge for our work depends on how much we know—and don't know—about what’s involved: how long we think it will take us to do it, the replacement parts required, and any other costs we can reasonably anticipate before seeking your approval to proceed.
Where there's uncertainty, we'd rather discuss it honestly at the outset than pretend to know things we don't. A stand-alone inspection prior to undertaking the work reduces uncertainty (but doesn’t eliminate it). We might insist on an inspection before proceeding.
We won't rush a job or quietly compromise the quality of our work to meet a quote, estimate or nominated spending limit. We can, however, discuss with you options for changing the scope of the work, or other ways we might be able to reduce costs without compromising our standards.
QuotesQuotes: the exception
When the scope and cost are clear enough in advance, we can give you a quote: a commitment to deliver a specified outcome for a fixed price.
We only quote routine, self-contained jobs with relatively few unknowns, or jobs where the unknowns fall within a predictable range, such as rebuilding a customer-supplied gearbox and transfer case that we’ve examined in our workshop after detaching the cover plates.
Quotes may have conditions attached. For example, a quote for an engine rebuild may be conditional on the cylinder head passing a crack test. If it fails, we inform you and seek your approval to repair or replace the head, the cost of which is not covered by the original quote.
estimatesEstimates: our default
Where the scope and cost are less certain in advance, we may be able to give you a cost estimate. Unlike a quote, an estimate is not a fixed-price offer. The actual cost, and what we charge you, may turn out to be higher or lower than estimated because of the uncertainties.
Sometimes, we combine quotes and estimates.
For example, installing a new clutch kit on a Series is a routine job that can be quoted.
But to access the clutch we have to detach or remove, among other things, the seat box, floor plates, drive shafts, and the gearbox and transfer case.
That preparatory work might be straightforward—or not. A few hard-to-access seized fixings that must be cut without causing collateral damage may add considerable time to the job.
We can sometimes anticipate some such complications, but not all of them every time, and we can’t know in advance how much time these complications will add to the job.
So an estimate, rather than a quote, is appropriate here.
Time and expensesTime and expenses: for exploratory work
Where the work is exploratory in nature—that is, when the scope is unknowable at the outset and can only be revealed as the work proceeds—a cost estimate would be pure guesswork.
In such cases, we will only offer to undertake the work on the basis of our workshop hourly rate and any expenses incurred, such as supplying replacement parts.
If we proceed on this basis, we keep you informed of progress and the running total of labour costs and any other charges, and we’ll pause or stop the work at any time at your discretion.
spending limitSpending limit: at your request
At your request before the work proceeds, we might agree to work up to a nominated spending limit—on the understanding that this may mean leaving the job unfinished. Whether we agree to your request for a spending limit depends on the nature of the job and the circumstances.
If we approach your nominated spending limit and the job isn't completed, we let you know where we’re at, discuss the options with you and get direction from you.
Completing the work at a later date or in stages may be an option.
hourly rateOur workshop hourly rate is $210 plus GST