7TH STREET SHOPS POLICIES

We charge labor by hourly Shop Rate. Depending on type of job the following rates may apply

• Shop Rate 1 - $60 per hour . (Applies to the first 12 hours all jobs except as noted)
• Shop Rate 2 - $55 per hour (Applies to all remaining time charged after first 12 hours except as noted)
• Shop Rate 3 - $50 per hour (Applies to all ongoing Custom Building - kits, scratch, Patterns making. Rules of Shop Rates 1, 2, do not apply)
• Shop Rate 4 - $40 Drafting Services - model railroading ONLY.

We no longer offer any flat fees. Weathering and DCC Installs are billed by the hour. Parts are no longer included in an installation fee. Therefore they are charged to the job (we cannot accept customer parts). Below is a general expectation of how much certain jobs may cost but we must charge what the job requires. WE HAVE A MINIMUM CHARGE OF 1 HOUR @ SHOP RATE 1

                                                              SCHEDULING YOUR JOB

At this time no more jobs are scheduled long term. (Price changes never affect jobs that are still pending on our schedule board.) We ask that you send the model to us in order to hold your place in line. We do not accept payment in advance. We live by the labor of our hands and expect payment upon completion of the task; AFTER the fact.  WE will initially examine the model  and provide you with an informal report. We will begin your project as soon as we can. We require all contact information with the model. Please include the  following information with your model;

• a list of the expectations for your model.
• information about the prototype to demonstrate what you want. (Books and photos are returned in good order with the model.)
• the era of your model which may affect the paint, numbers and other details. 
• All of your contact information. 
• Do not send partial models (unless pre arranged). 

We work for the model - correctness matters. We charge for research; the more you do the less we charge.  

                                                          BILLING & PAYMENT POLICY 

Our Major tasks are;

• POWER TRAIN (motor, gear box, mechanism, brass repair), 
• PAINT & FINISH (prep, colors, lettering, finish, glazing) and DCC / SOUND 
• INSTALLATION (we will NOT  install electronics in an unpainted model).
• We also perform minor repairs (any of the sub categories of this list and much more) to Brass only.

This can cause a  job to span several billing cycles. An invoice will be issued at each completion point. Invoices are conveyed by email only. PLEASE PROMPTLY ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT of an invoice as our bills are DUE upon receipt. Our primary method of receiving payment is by Check or Money Order in U.S. funds. If we do not receive payment within 15 days we consider the invoice overdue and at our option a 15% late charge may be applied.  We may cancel the job if payment is late twice. No Model is released until every invoice is satisfied. A model is considered abandoned when an invoice is 60 or more days late and we may do with it as we see fit to satisfy the outstanding charges. If you have issues with covering a bill please contact us - we are willing to make special arrangements

                                                   SHIPPING & SHIPMENT SUGGESTIONS

Your model is at greatest risk in the hands of a shipper. We have the following suggestions

• Where ever possible always use the original (manufacturer's) box
• If the original foam is wimpy stuff it with additional bubble wrap 
• Close the box tight (NEVER USE TAPE DIRECTLY ON THE BOX!) and vigorously shake it the length of the model. If you feel any movement STUFF it some more. 
• Place the box in a larger box with at least 3 inches of padding around the model box.
• Never ship a model without an inner box - even if it is a substitute. (Do not place any parts loose in the outer box.) 
• Always insure your model.
• Do NOT ship USPS. No matter what you pay for insurance you probably won't collect.
• We use FedEx
• You are responsible for ALL shipping costs.

                                                                        GUARANTEES

We guarantee our work with the following limitations;

• Paint, lettering, and finish - 90 days (this is subject to a variety of handling conditions and modern paints that are increasingly inferior under government regulations).
•  DCC Installations - Labor only - 1 year. The manufacturer guarantees their parts. (Note; any guarantee by 7th Street Shops is void if the model is opened by any other service. Please Do NOT open our installation without contacting us first.
• Power Train - labor and only parts we made  - 1 year. Please keep the gear box and mechanism lightly lubricated. Parts are guaranteed by the Manufacturer. 
• General Guarantee;  we are always willing to work with you. Please contact us about specific issues.

The following are ball park expectations offered only as a "feel" for what your project may cost

• Power Train replacement, Steam, rigid frame +/- 5 hours plus parts
• Power Train replacement, Steam, articulate +/- 15 hours plus parts
• DCC / Sound  +/- 10 hours plus parts - we do not accept customer supplied parts.

Our product is our service and many decades of self taught experience. We work for the model as if it were our own. For this, we often charge a lot of money; but you get the very best available. No model is ever sent out of house because if we can't do it, it can't be done. And we have stories... Oh! We do have stories.