This entry by Ace Car Reconditioning, a Beaverton auto body repair service.

An interesting thing about shopping for expensive services:  you get so many quotes for essentially the same thing.  I used to own an auto body repair service, and we’d see quotes of $2000 for a front bumper and grill replacement.  Our quote:  $1000 and we still made money.

Was the more expensive shop’s work better.  It was, but only slightly.  Their painter could match painter just slightly better and their body man could line up the bumper and grille with slightly better precision.  But at double the price, was the work twice as good?  No chance.  Only a professional could spot the difference with a ruler or a sun gun.

Could a customer, even a picky one, spot the difference in our work.  No way.

Always choose the lowest bid from a shop who you feel comfortable with.

Here’s how to find that perfect shop:

1. Get 4+ bids.
2. Ignore the high bid.
3. Research the remaining companies.
4. Check reviews on the Internet and the Better Business Bureau.
5. Inspect the shop; it should be clean and organized.
6. Consider the customer service they offered during your estimate.
7. Do they guarantee their work?  You should get a minimum guarantee of 3 years.
8. Inspect finished work of theirs.

Once you’ve done your investigation, circle the shops you feel comfortable with—trust your instincts.  Choose the one with the lowest bid and you’ll save big big money and get essentially the same result.