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#194431 06/02/10 12:44 AM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 356
Niko Offline OP
Member
background on the project: 1200 sqft game room addition being built by a handyman.


Customer: My handyman thinks that the price you have given me for the electrical is too high.

My comment: it is too high compare to what?

customer: well he says it is too high.

my comment: I will call you back with a different quote.

how would you have reacted or responded?

Thanks.



Be kind to your neighbor, he knows where you live

Latest Estimating Cost Guides & Software:
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 402
J
Member
If the quote was acurrate then tell him that's the quote. He doesn't have to accept it. He can get someone else.

Some people always try to get a better price no matter how good the deal is. Maybe review it and come back with an even higher quote.

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
My "quotes" were always "FIRM" & "FINAL", especially in the situation of a handyman being involved.



John
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
J
Member
Who is the handyman to judge your price? What qualifies them to know your cost of doing business?

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
I would venture a guess that the 'handyman' also does 'lectric wirin'. He now knows what a pro wants to do the job & he can do it a lot cheaper!



John
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 362
Member
I would tell them that is the price. I would next ask so what does the Handyman plan on doing? Does he have a permit? Liscense? Insurance? I personally would charge more to deal with the handyman. Might be a sign to cut and run. Its your call, are they pushing hard?


Choose your customers, don't let them choose you.
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 356
Niko Offline OP
Member
I held my self back and i didn't respond in a bad tone. Depending on the client i sometimes adjust the price.

I will stay firm on this one. I think the client is testing me to see if they will get the price for lower. I don't mind if the client wants to negotiate, but in this case it is a different story.

Thank you all for your replies.


Be kind to your neighbor, he knows where you live

Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 65
P
Member
niko, If you think your price is fair, don't budge. I agree with HotLine1, the handyman is looking for more money in his own pocket. Were any permits pulled?

Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 356
Niko Offline OP
Member
permits are not pulled, (customers choice) but the handyman is doing a good job, (as far as i can tell) all looks good.

i will let you know what happens.

Last edited by Niko; 06/03/10 07:00 PM.

Be kind to your neighbor, he knows where you live

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,273
T
Member
Sounds like fishing for price information...

Free-riding again...

With a handiman in the loop there was no prospect that you'd get such a basic job -- especially when the addition will occur without a permit.

In my jurisdiction, now that times are slow, the AHJ LOVES to cite un-permitted construction. Typically the handiman is an unlicensed GC.

Game logic may dictate that it's better to have this critter spanked -- and sidelined -- versus staying quiet.

The customer-prospect has zero value: you'll never see a dime out of him.

The construction trade is too crowded right now.

Do you want to survive or be part of the food chain?



Tesla
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