Well, this has finally turned inside out..... the way most of them do these days.
We do quite a few police departments in our area... and municipal vehicles and we get paid well from each of them and usually within 10 days or less. They generally can't take that many cars out of circulation at any given time, unless they are new and not in service yet. However, cars being given a face-lift, they usually can't spare more than two at a time. So, you're not gonna have an assembly-line kinda deal... and that will impact on your getting them out on a regular schedule. For de-lettering, cleaning, prepping and lettering... I think you're leaving money on the table at $600.
What we get is one thing and what others get is another, but you have to get what you need to keep your doors open, make a profit and be there next year to do more cruisers.
I think you are only quoting on everything if everything goes 100% right. You're not leaving anytime for unknown factors. The unknowns are what eat you alive. If you have them figured in and you don't need them.... it's gravy. If you need them..... you'll be so happy you included that major factor.
Ever wonder why so many people are trying to figure out where the can get ink 15¢ a liter cheaper, or pay less and use calendared when cast should be used ?? It's cause they got caught with their pants down so often and don't prepare themselves to do it correctly. Then they have to skimp. Is that why you wanna use calendared or go in so cheap ?? You wanna get the job, but not produce it professionally and if something goes wrong..... scrape even more ??