Most of these guys do things in batches and groups. It makes sense and is certainly no shame. The shame is - they don't inform customers of this in advance and that creates problems. They love you when you inquire about their service in the beginning, they hate you in the end for inquiring about your parts status after they don't meet the timeline.
The first orders in the batch get the run-around and false promises while they wait and wait. The orders on the tail end of the batch get reasonable turn-around time and are happy. That's why you get mixed variations on feedback and satisfaction.
Quality suffers when customers have been repeatedly put off for weeks on end, when the batch comes in they rush these "problem customers" through the finishing process first trying to get the heat off their backs. The ones with the most heat go first and fastest, usually compromised and lacking the expected/promised finished quality. When doing restoration-whether it's a whole car or just a single piece, QUALITY is always Job #1.
When they try to turn the blame towards you - for being a pushy problem customer - or rushing them, after waiting only 2-3 unexpected months - or you're being too picky on a second to none promise - it shows they are un-qualified to be running any type of operation. It doesn't mean they can't do the work, it means they can't handle running the show. The Truth is the ONLY thing that matters, regardless of whether or not it is attractive.
This applies to almost every dash and console restoration company, but mainly it applies to the ones doing it as a "side-line" operation. The best bet is always do your own finish work or hire your own local talent. Just let these places do the plating only and get the part(s) back home - pronto.
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