Prices are going up again!

[VPT]

Thats right. These are all estimated prices which can differentiate depending on complexity of the job.

Expect to pay $1000 for any single stainless exhaust system, up to $2000 for dual.

$1200 for single aluminum exhaust, $2400 for dual.

$800 for mild steel single, $1600 for dual.

Simple 4 point roll bar with harness bar $800, 6 point $1100, and up from there.

Intercooler piping $500 and up for stainless, $600 and up for aluminum.


Welding repairs are also going up.

Sorry for any inconvenience, materials went up, skill and finish has improved, overhead has increased.

As always all my work (excluding repairs and fixes*) is warrantied and will be repaired free of charge.

* I can not warranty a repaired part not fabricated by VPT. For an example a POS ebay stainless header that cracked at the head flange. Because even fixed it is almost certain to crack again. It is just the metal.

[ragdoll]

Well at least SOMEONE listens to me. :D

[Pointdsm]

This reminds me of why I come to you. Sure I can buy the entire works on the internet, but if I truly want a system that works, is fabricated exactly how I want it, and will not break, I come to VPT. As with most places, I am willing to pay more money for a truly better product.

I willing be coming to you this summer with my mazda for exhaust work.

[devlish]

overhead has increased. overhead increased??? you still work out of your backyard garage?? if you're adding another child to your herd, that shouldn't constitute an overhead increase for your customers!!! :-)

[ragdoll]

I believe this falls under supply/demand ratios. This is a good move.

[VPT]

overhead increased??? you still work out of your backyard garage?? if you're adding another child to your herd, that shouldn't constitute an overhead increase for your customers!!! :-)




Overhead includes electric, gas, tooling, consumables, etc. Not just the garage. A guy would think you would know this running a business and all.


Unless you want me to make your next exhaust with a hacksaw, stick welder, and hose clamps?

[Deadly_Evolution]

So you said "going" up.. when is the cut off lol. I still need you to alter my ic piping, or take a look at it anyways.

[WhiteEightBall]

I'll probably be asking you what you think about my exhaust and ic piping as well.

[ragdoll]

I need you to make an IC for my car at the old price, thanks.

[Dizmm]

i was looking at exhaust pricing on ebay, seems their prices have went down.

[VPT]

So you said "going" up.. when is the cut off lol. I still need you to alter my ic piping, or take a look at it anyways.


I'll probably be asking you what you think about my exhaust and ic piping as well.




I will have some time after june 9th if you guys can wait?

[VPT]

i was looking at exhaust pricing on ebay, seems their prices have went down.



Yes they are, you should buy one and then bring it over to get fixed.

[devlish]

Overhead includes electric, gas, tooling, consumables, etc. Not just the garage. A guy would think you would know this running a business and all. well i honestly haven't noticed THAT much of an increase in gas/electric. we did keep the shop a few degrees cooler last winter and i made sure to turn on the lights if i wasn't working in that area, but otherwise, our monthly expenses were on par with last years. as for consumeables... yes, i have noticed increases in some area... however, my boards (mostly aluminum) have stayed the same! Shocking huh? i've also noticed if i price shop my vendors i can usually score an even better deal by working them a little. & If i get a good buy on a large quantity of stuff i know i'll use up, i take it. I have been able to keep my prices exactly the same... I guess it's all in how you run things, and how you manage your overhead.

Time to hire an assistant to help you organize and manage things a little better VPT :-)
then you'll have more time to do more jobs at the same price, equalling more money in your pocket, and more happy customers! and more happy customers means more word of mouth advertising, which just completes the circle, putting even more $$ in your pocket!! (and if you find an 18yr old co-ed blonde assistant with a small waist and big boobs, tell her i'm hiring too!)

[Dizmm]

Yes they are, you should buy one and then bring it over to get fixed.

I’ve never had an issue with my items I bought on eBay.


I think you need to become more efficient VPT. increasing rates in this economy doesn’t work too well. I found things to become cheaper when purchasing in quantity, so if your business is expanding, things should become cheaper.


also not trying to know your business, but some of those prices are higher than the name brand stuff. Most of the name brand stuff has some R&D and dyno graphs backing it up. Do i get that stuff when i buy a VPT I/C piping kit?

[devlish]

I think you need to become more efficient VPT. increasing rates in this economy doesn’t work too well. I found things to become cheaper when purchasing in quantity, so if your business is expanding, things should become cheaper. well said.

[WhiteEightBall]

I will have some time after june 9th if you guys can wait?
Haven't got the motor in yet. It'll have to wait. haha.

[snoxracer183]

I personally was thinking of having you do an exhaust for my car but your prices are kinda crazy now. There have been a few exhausts that have been developed for my car now by the big name companies, cat-back single with dual after the rear axle, full polished stainless, that can be had for $750 retail and around $600 when they run a sale.

In my financial situation in this economy, I would be trying to go to someone local to make me an exhaust because it should be cheaper IMO. I'm all for helping out a local business rather than someone who doesn't care about my name, but not when it is going put me in a worse situation.

[mrslysly]

VPT, do you take payment in college women?

[Getsideways]

I would never have vpt do anything on my car its so expensive ,,,, errr

[ZXTUNER]

wow thats a low price

[Deadly_Evolution]

I will have some time after june 9th if you guys can wait?

Yes I can, my stock IC stuff will just fine for now.

[VPT]

lol

Boughten exhaust will always be cheaper than custom and it always shows.

Dyno numbers? Yes I have them, my CRX that I have fabbed everything for put down 80% more power than stock.

Manage my overhead? Buying stickers and boards for signs is nothing like an automotive/fabrication shop. I have to look for quality metal or else it is unweldable, will rust, crack, etc. Quality metal cost money, why do you think scrap metal prices are up right now? Consumables, a very short small list: Aluminum, stainless, mild steel welding rod, 2% thoriaded and non thoriated tungsten, argon gas, gas shields, ceramic cups, copper collars, and electricity is ALL just for the welder. Hole saws aren't cheap and don't last long, band saw blades, sawzall blades, 6" grinding wheels, 6" wire wheels, bench stones and wire wheels, drill bits, brake cleaner, PB blaster, wd-40, liquid wrench, tap lube, taps (no they don't last forever), Etc. Than there is maintenance costs for everything and tool breakage. Say I burn up my 6" grinder when working on some car and have to buy a new one, thats $230.00 and all my profits. Do you have any idea how much electricity a shop running all kinds of 1/2-1hp electric motors, welders, grinders, drill presses, etc costs? This is only part of all the constant costs of the shop. Not to mention equipment purchases that need to be made to have better work results. Like right now I need to get a new welder with more adjust-ability so I can have better finish welds. That new welder is minimum $3500.00.


More work makes more customers which makes more word of mouth which makes more customers? This is one of the many exact reasons for the price increase, I already have way to much work load. Raising prices weeds out the price shoppers so I have less work load but still make the same amount with less wear and tear on my equipment and me. It is common business sense. Don't forget I come from a life long background of running a business with my parents.




I appreciate the business everyone has given me in the past and I do my best to make my customers happy. I stand behind my work and warranty everything I build. If my customer breaks something I will bust my ass to get that car in and fixed. Will ebay do that for you? I will go out of my way to go out and haul cars in myself that have broken down. Plain and simple I am here to help ebay isn't. Custom work fits right every time and is exactly how you want it to look and is completely unique. When you buy you get what you get if your happy with it or not. For most people that is just fine, for the people that care there is me.

I am sorry if some of you are upset about the prices but from my research my prices for custom work is still LOWER than the rest.

[VPT]

I would never have vpt do anything on my car its so expensive ,,,, errr



http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1622/evo001.jpg


:P

[VPT]

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080405215258AAxecAz

[VPT]

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p288/9bells/IMG_8398-1.jpg

Nice work, how much was the Sti exhaust? I'd never find a customer willing to pay that much for those tail pipes!


Not enough, but it's a bit of a statement piece. $1700. Likely about 6 hours not accounted for.
I mean it's no Eisenmann, or brabus, but it looks alright.


Between 13 and 15 hours. Plus mufflers.
2G would be more realistic for the next one like it.
Live and learn. First time doing quad tips, they took me over 2 hours.

[Getsideways]

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1622/evo001.jpg


:P
Isnt it supposed to be in the garage being converted to a 2 door or something more sporty

[VPT]

Isnt it supposed to be in the garage being converted to a 2 door or something more sporty



Yup, you should be able to pick up those extra rear doors by tonight. I'll have the car shortened and turned sports car by the end of next week.

[05Saab]

Just like these
http://www.lancerregister.com/mlr_images/news/ndswb/nd_evo2.jpg

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i101/willkeegan/evohatch_2_JS.jpg

[Getsideways]

the green one looks okay but the hatch version is fugly

[TomKat]

Aren't those cars the same?

It looks awesome except the gray one needs a wing. I wish Mitsu had made a 2 door hatchback version of the EVO8 and 9.

[Getsideways]

Look at how much longer the rear end on the green one is..
the chopped back on the gray one just looks really weird

[VPT]

I agree, I would have went shorter in front of the back wheel and not behind the rear wheels.

I think those new sti hatchs look decent.

[devlish]

Manage my overhead? Buying stickers and boards for signs is nothing like an automotive/fabrication shop. ... actually, you're wrong. an automotive machine shop is nothing like buying "stickers" and boards... my customers want quality products too. being competitive on pricing means i shop for the best deals on my boards, banners, inks, rolls of vinyl, etc. which, by the way, cost more than the sticks of metal you play with. :-) the difference here is, there are other sign shops in town, there aren't as many fabricators that i know of. you have an advantage there. If you own your market, you can charge what you want. Look at Charter Cable/Internet! assholes.

That new welder is minimum $3500.00
well... your 1/5th of the way to just ONE of my printers. (not including the computer and programs needed to make it run) and well under half of the price of my laminator. now don't forget i have one more printer, and one more plotter as well. lets not get into a pissing contest on cost of equipment and inventory on hand. :-)


Dyno numbers? Yes I have them, my CRX that I have fabbed everything for put down 80% more power than stock.

now if you only had 50 more CRXs in town that wanted the exact same thing done, you'd be set for life!!! or the next year or two at least.

I already have way to much work load. Raising prices weeds out the price shoppers so I have less work load but still make the same amount with less wear and tear on my equipment and me. It is common business sense. congratulations on all the work, it'd be nice if we all had the same problem as that. however, your last two sentances are NOT common business sense. wanting to do less work for the same profit is LAZY business sense. real businesses sense is going after all the work you can and making MORE profit. the whole point of a business is to make profit, not to be comfortable where you are at. Now i'm not saying that is bad, being comfy and staying put. personally, i feel the same way. but that is NOT what a business is about. business is to make money, and increase yearly profits, so you can expand, not stay where you are at.


I appreciate the business everyone has given me in the past and I do my best to make my customers happy. I stand behind my work and warranty everything I build. ...for the people that care there is me.

now after all this aruging, i will say... i'm very pleased with my bike exhaust, and i'd do it again if i ever need one! fit and finish is exceptional!!! no arguement there! THanks again for the sweet exhaust!
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn157/devlish/2010/ZX6R%20VPT%20Exhaust/DSCN0259.jpg

carry on.

[VPT]

actually, you're wrong. an automotive machine shop is nothing like buying "stickers" and boards... my customers want quality products too. being competitive on pricing means i shop for the best deals on my boards, banners, inks, rolls of vinyl, etc. which, by the way, cost more than the sticks of metal you play with. :-) the difference here is, there are other sign shops in town, there aren't as many fabricators that i know of. you have an advantage there. If you own your market, you can charge what you want. Look at Charter Cable/Internet! assholes.

Material for material I highly doubt vinyl, ink, banners, and boards cost more than the stuff I work with. You get vinyl rolls by what 100 feet? That is enough to do many many jobs which in turn is good profit. If I ordered in the same amount of material to do the same amount of jobs my shop would be filled up and cost more than a new CRZ.


well... your 1/5th of the way to just ONE of my printers. (not including the computer and programs needed to make it run) and well under half of the price of my laminator. now don't forget i have one more printer, and one more plotter as well. lets not get into a pissing contest on cost of equipment and inventory on hand. :-)

If we are talking about other things in the shop I could go on and on. The welder is just one piece of equipment and a rather cheap one compared to some of the tools in my shop. The $3500 wasn't an accurate estimate. This would be the minimum welder I would get as an upgrade from the machine I have now on sale for $4400. http://www.weldingmart.com/item/Syncrowave_250_DX:COMPLETE_200/230/460_50/60HZ/2111

However if I had the money I would go for the fully adjustable TIG that sells for $8000. but I can't afford that.

But lets not get into a how much worth is in our shops pissing match because I honestly believe I have more invested than you and I am not willing to share with the world what is in my shop. Guarded by attack dog and shotgun mind you. (not kidding)


now if you only had 50 more CRXs in town that wanted the exact same thing done, you'd be set for life!!! or the next year or two at least.


Its not just that one car that makes power. Once you understand flow, cfm, velocity, and how engines work I can make improvements on any engine just by knowing what I know and it WILL perform. Engine flow technology hasn't changed since the combustion engine was invented, once you understand it, you just know it. Its like riding a bike, they are all the same.


congratulations on all the work, it'd be nice if we all had the same problem as that. however, your last two sentances are NOT common business sense. wanting to do less work for the same profit is LAZY business sense. real businesses sense is going after all the work you can and making MORE profit. the whole point of a business is to make profit, not to be comfortable where you are at. Now i'm not saying that is bad, being comfy and staying put. personally, i feel the same way. but that is NOT what a business is about. business is to make money, and increase yearly profits, so you can expand, not stay where you are at.


Out of 15 different bait dealers around the point area we are 1 of 3 that have survived over the years because of good business knowledge. I think I know how to run my own business.


now after all this aruging, i will say... i'm very pleased with my bike exhaust, and i'd do it again if i ever need one! fit and finish is exceptional!!! no arguement there! THanks again for the sweet exhaust!
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn157/devlish/2010/ZX6R%20VPT%20Exhaust/DSCN0259.jpg




I am very happy that you are happy with the bike exhaust. In the end what matters to me is the customer is happy.

Are you going to the dells tomorrow for go-cart day?

[devlish]

Material for material I highly doubt vinyl, ink, banners, and boards cost more than the stuff I work with. .

I have roll of vinyl here that costs me $1300 each. just depends what the project is i guess huh? i can order 10yd rolls at a time, just not worth the price difference.
if you could order 100ft sticks at a discounted price, you would too. it'd be hard to ship though. but my guess is if you ordered 13 - 8ftpcs at a time (giving you 100+ft), you get a better deal than ordering 2 at a time. just a hunch. most of the boards i have are used for one job, lots of 4x8 signs, very common size.


However if I had the money I would go for the fully adjustable TIG that sells for $8000. but I can't afford that.
day? not to share with the world... but the laminator alone costs more than that. and it's a necessity for quality projects. I understand that it's hard to go out and buy new expensive machines until there is cashflow to allow for it. my next purchase will have to wait :-(

But lets not get into a how much worth is in our shops pissing match because I honestly believe I have more invested than you and I am not willing to share with the world what is in my shop. Guarded by attack dog and shotgun mind you. (not kidding) i would honestly beg to differ on this one. and while i don't like dogs, and dont stand guard with a shotgun, i probably should. letting the world know would be a double edged sword... it'd back up your price increase, but also let people know what's in your shop. understandable. however, a most businesses have insurance for that sort of thing... another added necessity expense. don't wanna be left without your investment incase something bad happens.

Its not just that one car that makes power. Once you understand flow, cfm, velocity, and how engines work I can make improvements on any engine just by knowing what I know and it WILL perform. Engine flow technology hasn't changed since the combustion engine was invented, once you understand it, you just know it. Its like riding a bike, they are all the same.

but having proof on one car is NOT the same as having proof on the next car. they are all similar, but not the same. you need to have an understanding of it, yes, but it will vary from car to car. and you should know that too, which i'm sure you do.

Out of 15 different bait dealers around the point area we are 1 of 3 that have survived over the years because of good business knowledge. I think I know how to run my own business. Oh, my mistake. all this time i thought you were talking about your machine shop, not live bait. i really have no clue what minnows cost. speaking of, when you get minnows from the lake/river, who do you pay for them? DNR? this is a serious question actually... i assume you need a license to get them, but do you pay each time you go out, or just a yearly license?


Are you going to the dells tomorrow for go-cart day?
no, i highly doubt it. I have some work around the house to finish up, and get my car ready for next weekend. I'd really like to swing down for a couple hours, if grandma and grandpa are up to the task, we might just make it down for a bit early evening.

[VPT]

I have roll of vinyl here that costs me $1300 each. just depends what the project is i guess huh? i can order 10yd rolls at a time, just not worth the price difference.
if you could order 100ft sticks at a discounted price, you would too. it'd be hard to ship though. but my guess is if you ordered 13 - 8ftpcs at a time (giving you 100+ft), you get a better deal than ordering 2 at a time. just a hunch. most of the boards i have are used for one job, lots of 4x8 signs, very common size.

I could actually say the same that titanium for some jobs costs me $1500 a pound.

not to share with the world... but the laminator alone costs more than that. and it's a necessity for quality projects. I understand that it's hard to go out and buy new expensive machines until there is cashflow to allow for it. my next purchase will have to wait :-(

Big machine purchases suck, but they are needed for the business and even though they are expensive they should pay for themselves. That initial purchase is hard to take though.

i would honestly beg to differ on this one. and while i don't like dogs, and dont stand guard with a shotgun, i probably should. letting the world know would be a double edged sword... it'd back up your price increase, but also let people know what's in your shop. understandable. however, a most businesses have insurance for that sort of thing... another added necessity expense. don't wanna be left without your investment incase something bad happens.

Insurance on my small tool box alone is $25,000.00


but having proof on one car is NOT the same as having proof on the next car. they are all similar, but not the same. you need to have an understanding of it, yes, but it will vary from car to car. and you should know that too, which i'm sure you do.

They are all the same, they all pump air. One car is the same as the next and most all the cars I have done work on have been on the dyno and ALL have made improved numbers.

Oh, my mistake. all this time i thought you were talking about your machine shop, not live bait. i really have no clue what minnows cost. speaking of, when you get minnows from the lake/river, who do you pay for them? DNR? this is a serious question actually... i assume you need a license to get them, but do you pay each time you go out, or just a yearly license?

I was trying to explain my business experience background. As for the bait, we have to buy a yearly license yes, but we have to have every catch tested and tested again every month after that. The expense in the bait business is fucking insane! The expense has more then doubled after the department of agriculture and the DNR started getting their noses into things and making us do all kinds of truthfully useless testing and extreme measures that don't make sense. The very very sad thing is, they get grant money for testing for VHS, BUT we are the one doing the testing and WE are the ones paying for the testing! Where is their grant money going?


no, i highly doubt it. I have some work around the house to finish up, and get my car ready for next weekend. I'd really like to swing down for a couple hours, if grandma and grandpa are up to the task, we might just make it down for a bit early evening.

Supposed to be a nice hot humid day tomorrow, I bet there will be all kinds of bikinis and short shorts running around!

[ragdoll]

Supposed to be a nice hot humid day tomorrow, I bet there will be all kinds of bikinis and short shorts running around!

Central Wisconsin bikinis and short shorts? *shudders*

[VPT]

NO! I am talking about good looking women!

[Extremedsm]

Neither of you damn clowns know how to run a business. Sitting on the internet bitching. Get to fucking work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ragdoll]

Hahaha!!

[devlish]

the DNR started getting their noses into things and making us do all kinds of truthfully useless testing and extreme measures that don't make sense.! i can agree with this. if left in the wild, the minnow would get eaten by the big fish. once sold as bait... the minnow will get eaten by the big fish. once you catch the big fish, it will probably be killed and eaten by human. WTF do you test for?? everything in that chain of life DIES!!!! well, except the human. unless the fish is poisoned. but regardless if you caught that fish with a minnow or in a net, you're still eating it. so what's the difference? ack! DNR just being greedy.

[EVILUTION]

VPT has some competition...
http://www.binaryeng.com/products%20-%20brake%20ducts.html

[Getsideways]

I like that guy on the forum he is always one of the most informative and backs up his data with facts

[DirtyBird]

People who raise prices suck.

[VPT]

Yes they do!