<HTML>Noel How you arrive at a figure is up to you. As Mike indicated, there have been lots of articles written on how to do an estimate. If you want, I'll be happy to send you a hard copy of what my estimate form looks like. But it is written on a letter head, with the name of the customer, etc., name, model and serial number of the piano at the top (including the year it was built). Then I list the repairs to be done, the parts cost and the labor. I divide the repairs into action overhaul, action regulation, damper system overhaul, key work, pin block work, soundboard and plate work, stringing, and case work. Kind of like this. Work to be done        Action overhaul:                    parts           labor replace hammers, shanks & flanges,  $2400         $850  action regulation                                   $1600 damper system overhaul              $280           $340 You plug in your labor figure and parts. I generally charge double for the parts. My labor rate is the same as tuning. I take about an hour to tune, so when I do shop work, I want to get paid the same amount, per hour. I get one half the estimated cost up front, with the balance due upon delivery. Below is the "Terms and Conditions of repair work" of my rebuilding. I've used and updated these terms over the 25 years I have been in business. It used to be that you could do a deal with a hand shake. But now a days, you better have every thing in writing, even with a good friend.     Good luck Wim Terms & Condition for repair work 1. PRICE:  The total price is an estimate only.  Charges for additional work may occur. Before any additional work is done, your permission will be obtained. 2. DEPOSIT:  A deposit of one half the total amount of the contract is payable upon acceptance of this contract by you, unless other arrangements have been made, agreeable to both of us. 3. INSPECTION: You will be notified when the work is completed.  You will be required to inspect the finished piano at the my work shop, Room 187, Moody Music Building, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa,  or at a location as indicated by me. 4. BALANCE PAID:  Upon acceptance of the contracted work performed, you will pay Willem Blees RPT the balance due. It is understood that the piano will not leave my possession until the balance due is paid in full, or other arrangements have been made, agreeable to both of us. 5. INTEREST & STORAGE:  In the event the balance due is not paid within 30 days after you have been notified that the work as per this contract is completed, interest at 18% per year, prorated to the day, and a $5.00 per day storage fee, will be added to the outstanding balance. 6. MOVING:  You will be responsible for drayage.  Upon request, I will make arrangements for drayage, but will I will not be held responsible for any liability to your property, or the piano, while it is in transit. 9. COMPLETION DATE:  Because delays such as weather, labor strikes, injuries, etc. may occur which are beyond my control, the completion date should be regarded as a target date only, and not as a definite date of completion. You will be notified in the event of a delay of completion. 10. INSURANCE:  While the piano is in my possession, the piano is insured against loss resulting from fire, vandalism, or other acts of nature. The insurance will only pay for the actual value of the piano at the time of the loss. To assure that the piano is covered for its full value, it is advised that you check with your own insurance company. A written appraisal of the piano in its pre-contract condition will be made available upon request. A written appraisal of the completed piano will also be available upon request. 11. Definitions of terms: I, me, is Willem Blees RPT. You, yours is the person responsible for making payments, and/or the owner of the piano. Our, ours, is both Willem Blees and the owner and/or responsible party(ies). </HTML>