How to get an Estimate
I may be reached at at (386) 956-1724. The best time to call is after 10:00 am Eastern time. Please send your photo images via email (not via text messages) to BrianOwensRestoration@gmail.com
Your price estimate is based on the images that you send plus additional information such as the size, the material it’s made of, etc. It’s based on the time and materials required to do the repair, not on the value of the object. Most people take the photos with their smart phone and email them to me directly. Please make sure they are in focus. If your device asks you to select which size image to send, send the largest version. Take several shots. Tell me what you can: Who made it? What is it made of? Do you have all the pieces? If possible, take it outside and look it over for damage you may have missed.
Usually, I review the photos and then call the client. Then I send a price estimate via email. My estimates are usually spot on, but the only way I can commit to a fixed price is to see the piece in person. We’ll need to determine the best way to do that. If you deliver the piece to me via common carrier, your best bet is Fedex Ground. Please remember to review the Shipping page for my general recommendations on boxing, packing and shipping.
If I find that my price estimate was too low, I’ll set the piece aside and contact you immediately. That’s only happened once, by the way. When we reach an agreement on price, I’ll wait for your down-payment to commence work. If we do not agree, then I will return your sculpture promptly. I’ll use the same box, unless there’s a good reason not to. I’ll take it to Fedex myself and supply them with the info they need at the counter. The fastest way is for me to supply Fedex with your Fedex Account Number so they can charge the card associated with your account. Setting up an account is easy. You can do it from your phone.
Your Fixed Price
Once I see the piece with my own eyes, I’ll send you the Fixed Price via email. The Fixed Price is a “not to exceed” price, including materials, supplies and Florida sales tax if it applies. The Fixed Price does not include boxing, packing and shipping.
Proof of Work
When the work is complete, I’ll send you as many high-resolution photo images via email as you require to feel confident that the repair was done properly. It’s my custom to take “progress shots” anyway, especially if I need to install anything that lives inside the sculpture such as steel pins, etc. You’ll see it all before you make your balance of payment.
Payment
I’m not setup to accept credit cards. Most people pay by personal check and that’s fine with me. Another option is Venmo. Venmo is a mobile app owned by PayPal that’s used to transfer money. It is quite reliable. You have to download an app into your smart phone, but its free and there is no service charge, since I’m in no rush to receive the funds. Work commences with my receipt of the down-payment. The balance is due before I ship or deliver the repaired sculpture to you, but as I said above, I will happily provide as many photo images as you require to feel extremely confident.
Time To Complete
Time to complete varies according to the complexity of your repair and how busy I am. Usually, it tends to vary between 4 and 6 weeks. I try not to rush. The Time To Complete is included in your written Fixed Price.
