I agree with everyone above me, but let me try a different tact. Here's what I did that worked and what didn't...
Worked:
- Have a vision of what you want before you go. If you go with a "I kinda want..." you will be over whelmed!
- Bring pics for the discussion. I had ideas I couldn't vocalize, and showing Paul & the crew helped them to help me
- Get the form before you go, do a TON of research, and fill it out. As many have mentioned, MANY times. Tina is amazing at covering all of the bases, but IDK about you, *I* needed to do some homework to understand all of the questions she asked me. Having already done the form, I smartened right up.
- Again about the form: Think of the minutia. Knobs, pup rings, bird inlay style, color, etc.
- Ask questions! As others mentioned, tone, tone tone! If you *think* you understand tone implications, *don't* be bashful about looking for input on whether or not you're going down the path. You have the experts at your disposal, and they'll get as into it as you let them.
- Be firm in what you want, but be willing to listen to the gurus. I KNEW that the first few stains weren't right, when Paul brought out the last we ALL knew it was. I DIDN'T know the best middle wood for my tone, but they understood the tone I was looking for and immediately pointed me in the right direction.
- Again about the vision: If you can't picture it in your head, holding it, tone, feel (neck carve), look; you're not ready. This is the pinnacle of guitar craftsmanship - If the PS you receive doesn't make you crack a tear, you weren't ready to order.
Didn't work:
- Overly focus on the "big things", to the detriment of the small. There were a couple of things I liked that I didn't bother with (heel bird), that I should have. (Good news, a call a few weeks later got it included)
- I tried to understand everything before I went, and was afraid of looking like Doctor / Lawyer. (I'm neither BTW) These guys / gals are the EXPERTS, be specific in what you want, but humble enough to accept that it's OK to be a bit of a tourist your first time thru.
- I spent WEEKS researching other PS builds before finalizing mine. It. Was. Not. Enough. Spend MONTHS.
Last but not least: ENJOY the process!! Nothing is as cool as what you're about to be gifted with, have fun!!
EDIT: Added one of what I think is the MOST important things:
Work with a PS dealer that you trust / enjoy. This is a big deal, and the dealer will be your conduit w/the PS team. If you don't have a good relationship w/them, find another. If they're not as into it as you, find another. If they've never done one before, or haven't been in the vault themselves...
You see where I'm going.