wolfman said:
Cajun, always loved your installs, now I love your quotes! This is the best!
wolfman
Thanks wolfman.
This subject always gets my blood boiling. I also like to use the expression "in this and any business, there is always a cheaper whore around the corner".
Given a choice, which one do you think is going to give you the most bang for your buck,....the professional,... very experienced,... fatally attractive high priced penthouse escort, or the $20 toothless crack addict looking for her next fix through quick tricks? Keep in mind you're paying them both the same $1800.00 for the job!
And oh yeah, in the case of the $20 toothless crack addict.....you can polish that turd all you want......it's still a turd.
Blade Runner, it's a shame you paid good money for a poor quality job, but your experience brings me to another issue. Just because it's a "big box big name" company, it doesn't mean you're going to get the best job. For years in the car audio industry, I watched people dump money into trash jobs at the "Circuit Citys" of the industry because they perceived them to be the specialists. Boy were they disappointed to find out who the real specialists were only after they were bothered to be educated in the difference.
In this day where there is a snake in every crevice just waiting to bite, folks should do their homework before putting the money out. I've got customers right now that have told me on more than one occasion that if I wasn't the one building their cars, they would not be doing business with my employer. I've got customers that now drive 2 hours each way to bring me their units. These customers have been "snakebit" by other local companies substandard work long enough.
Fast LT1, I am graciously humbled and flattered. I have had many folks make that same statement, and that is what makes what I do and how I do it worth it all. DaveCN5 is right. There are so many great installers on this site, it makes me very proud to be a member among these guys that take a lot of pride in what they do.
Here are a few of the quotes I like to set my standards by.
"The cheapest price is not always the best deal."
"Just because they can do it faster, it doesn't mean they do it better."
"There is never enough time to do it right, but always time to do it over."
"Look before you leap."
"Just because I can do it for that, it doesn't mean I will."
The original thread title asks, "Is a more expensive install worth it?" My answer is, "it depends on who is doing the install."