Design for the brake
Bend radius, flange length, hole-to-bend distance and tooling access decide whether a part is straightforward or expensive. Shops will flat-pattern your model and tell you quickly which features force extra operations.
Hardware and finishing
Self-clinching hardware, welded studs, insulation, gaskets, silkscreen and powder coat are common add-ons. Confirm which of these the shop does in-house — outsourced steps are where lead time usually grows.