Auto body repair & detailing: motorcycle painting industry standards?, motorcycle painting, good luck

Question
Hi, I've painted a few bikes and am thinking of offering work to the public. Is there anywhere I can get a standard list of "typical" pricing for good custom work? I would want to be able to see what experienced pros charge for specific jobs/patterns/schemes to get an idea of what I should charge. I would charge less of course, until I really become skilled, but I don't want to shortchange myself either.

Also/or a similar idea for autos might be helpful, too, though I haven't tried my hand at it yet.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Theo,

I would recommend researching the internet and local body shops and customizing shops. Or it may be best to start out offering work by materials + time. For example if the materials costs you $200.00 sell it out to the customer at a small profit (like $265.00) and then charge your work out by the hour. This would allow you to get started without doing a ton of research. You then would gain enough experience in time to learn what things should cost and you can adjust until you get to where you want to be. Let how busy you are dictate what you are charging. If you are super busy go up slightly on your prices till the work load levels off at a workable pace. Good Luck with it and I hope you do well with it.