Front bumper repair

[rrrich7]

Hey everybody, I have a 1997 SL-1. I have been a bit rough on the front bumper, knocking it up against the curb more than a few times. Now it is loose.

Shoulda started by saying I have almost no mechanical skills, but willing to learn the basics, and I do OK once I slow down and try to fix things.

On the other hand, I often just take the car somewhere to get things fixed, it's quicker and simpler, though more expensive.

Several questions, starting with the most basic:

What is the scoop on body shops vs taking it to the dealer? Which will generally be cheaper. Of course like everyone I have heard a ton of opinions, from "the dealer is the only one who really knows how to fix things" to "don't take it to the dealer! they will charge you twice as much!". I don't believe I have used a body shop in more than 20 years and never for something that wasn't collision-related.

What would be a reasonable ballpark cost of repairing something like this?

How much sense does it make to do some sort of "jerry-rigged" thing myself - my basic idea would be to sort of tie the bumper on. I don't think it's gonna fall off, but it doesn't look good on one side, kind of hanging there loose.

Thanks in advance for all replies.