Very, very informative tips. Something most people should know, though, is that if they're looking for a simple single-color gloss paint job, some powdercoating places may be able to do it for cheap. I was lucky to find one locally (SE Michigan) that'd do it for $30 a frame, $30 sandblasting, and $5 for each additional part (stem, fork, etc.). It's good if they specialize in bikes, because then they'll know how to paint the hard-to reach places like the seat cluster and the bottom bracket area, and they'll know how to keep out of the bottom bracket threads and headset if you leave it in. And powdercoating is generally more durable.