When I was restoring our Herse tandem in preparation for PBP, I asked around locally, and people recommded a company called Art Brass here in Seattle. They didn't meet their deadlines, their cost estimates were high and the final bill higher, but the results were worth it. When I got the tandem, the racks were painted red over rust. Considering these are tubular and very light, you see the problem. They got them close to perfect, with only a very slight waviness that you can see when vising along the tubes. Better than I expected. They did great on 77 bolts and nuts, too. The heads are perfect. I had to chase the threads, but that is to be expected. After all, you don't want them to polish them away! They also stripped the chrome and rust on the frame, and rechromed the fork crown. And a few other tasks. Don't ask me about the cost of the operation... I opted to polish the fenders myself, but I almost regretted that. They are nice, but it took the better part of 2 days!
Considering how much damage could have been done, I wouldn't consider a shop that doesn't 1) have experience with bicycles, and b) hadn't been recommended by other bicycle restorers who have used them.
I know some people send chrome-plating to Mexico where it is cheaper. I don't doubt that the craftspeople there can do a great job. But knowing the environmental enforcement in that country (a country I love, I should add), I think this is irresponsible. The money you save comes straight out of the health of the workers and the neighbors. As somebody pointed out, the reasons for the high cost of plating are valid.
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Jan Heine, Seattle
Editor/Publisher
Vintage Bicycle Quarterly
http://www.mindspring.com/