Please Read

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.