I got a call today. A guy wants me to bid a job about 15 miles away, a basement remodel. Will I do a free estimate?
I'm trying to reduce my unbilled hours this year, so I ask him if he has a print he can fax to my office (he doesn't). I tell him there will be charges if I come to his house. He asks if I charge hourly or by the job (I charge by the job).
Then it's...never mind, he's already had two guys over to measure and bid, he'll have one of them do it.
My point is, if I didn't have some kind of defense for these kind of guys I'd still be running all over the county for free...for a one in three chance of getting a job with a guy who's looking for low bid. If I plan an extra outlet or two (as he has no plan), or install a higher quality sub-panel, etc. my bid will be higher (with all other things being equal). I typically do install more outlets than required by code, so it's a waste of time.
It's good to have better customers. Anyone else tired of these kinds of calls?
Dave
