I want to buy a plane in Boondock, USA. Do you travel? How much does that cost?

I travel to all 50 states to perform Pre-Buy's. I typically travel to three or four states a month!  

Every project is different however the cost structure is fairly straightforward. Keep in mind I am based in Southern California and travel requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis.

The cost of the actual Pre-Buy, regardless of where I perform it, is always the same for single-engine airplanes under 1850lbs. For aircraft beyond a 50 mile radius of KSNA travels I can provide you a quote for travel fees. These fees begin at $50 for long drives to airfare and hotel for planes that are out of state. Contact me for free quote!
 
All Pre-Buy Inspections include the same services. I will always call you on the day of the inspection with my general impression of the aircraft and 24 hours to deliver the completed report.

I charge the published cost for flight, hotel, and parking fees - No markup!  (Flights departing SNA do not incur parking fees). I fly economy class on the major airlines and stay in cost-conscious hotel chains.

(Sorry, I do not allow clients to use their mileage program to book my travel, or to pay for my travel outright. I've been down this road and it is always a disaster.)
 
Out-of-area Pre-Buy's require two nights hotel. It's important that I have a full day for the physical inspection of the aircraft. Neither of us want me to be under pressure of getting to the airport and skimping on opening up that last panel so I can catch my flight home. 
 
I use Uber, Lyft, or the airplane broker's transportation when available, however a rental car is sometimes necessary. I will always use the cheapest option. Again, there is no markup for transportation (I don't even charge you for the driver tips or gas!).

I do NOT charge for incidentals like meals or baggage fees.

Every situation is unique. Sometimes it's cheaper to drive outside of California, sometimes it's less expensive to fly to places in California. You will always have a written quote before work commences. I don't do surprises.

I'm a reasonable person and the travel portion of travelling typically isn't profitable for me. I travel because my goal is to offer my services to as many clients as possible! I will always provide you a quote (in writing) before we proceed with the inspection.

How quickly I can perform your Pre-Buy is dependent on my previously scheduled clients so please contact me as soon as you're thinking about purchasing a plane! I understand you need your inspection NOW! and it's not unheard of for me to head out within 24 hours. However, 3-5 days lead time is more common. (UPDATE 2023: As you probably know the market is bonkers right now. Depending on location I'm typically at least a week out right now  for pre-buys. I get cancellations so it's not hopeless! And you never know, it's happened more than once where I had a pre-buy scheduled in X state and just totally coincidentally got a call for a different plane in the same local area and I can fit them both in! Call me and I'll get to you asap and work with your broker or seller as necessary.)