For paint correction, I charge an hourly rate. A couple cars I've done charging a flat price, but they were higher end cars, Corvette and Porsche. It can be very labor intensive and I don't like getting caught with my pants down. My price keeps going up because of the level of quality I can produce now even compared to a year ago. I talk to my customers first and find out what level of polishing they want, better, almost gone and gone or anything in-between. As you do some, you'll start to get a good handle on how long it'll take. Every one is different, hard vs soft paint. Hard paint will fight you and take longer and soft paint the opposite. I've had the luck of doing my vehicles since I've been driving, 24 years now, so I had some experience before getting on other peoples' cars. Most times, I tell them that it could take the whole day or more. Just depends on what they want.
For paint chip repair, I called a couple different places and got quotes from them then went from there. I used my truck, which was excessive and should just be repainted, and a couple family members cars. Market research. Also did this with my parents car for paint correction to get a general idea. Ask a lot of questions too, if you go this route. Ask if they're charging by the hour or a flat rate.
That's all I got for now, I'm kind of burned out. Hope that helps a bit.
Dan
