Just something to consider, if you can get the work done well and locally, it could save you a lot of $30 each way shipping expenses that would quickly raise the cost quite a bit.
30 dpi is nice, not too abrasive even for tender hands for 200-300 rounds in a session. It is what I have. If you are looking for some really down and dirty, grip your hand and not let go no matter how much mud, sweat, tears, blood, or oil is on your hands, say for a gun that is your primary defense gun, the go with 20 lpi. It has a very aggressive feel, but by golly, it ain't letting go until you do, no matter if your had has turned to hamburger!
If you want a particular person to do the work and they are backed up for a while, go buy some skateboard tape as an intermediate tool until you get the okay to send in your gun. For roughly 30 cents, you can give your front strap excellent gripping. I know it isn't considered terribly attractive, but I like it. I have it on a Colt that I eventually want to have checkered. I won't send it in just for the checkering, so I am using the tape until I have several mods made to the gun. I was surprised to find, I really like the tape. Plus, you can customize the amount and layout of the tape to suit you. If you spend a little more and get a bigger sheet of tape, you can try one pattern, take it off, then try another. It may help you to determine if you want your checkering to go all with way down to the mag well or not. My checked gun has it to the mag well and I don't like that aspect. I wished it would have stopped 1/4 above the mag well.