ECN Forum
Posted By: Redsy Itemized proposals? - 06/17/01 02:34 PM
A new barber shop requires the following elements:
1- Genareal area lighting.
2- Receptacles for barber stations.
3- 240 Volt AC ckt.
4- A ceiling fan.
5- Restroom wiring.
6- Exit sign.

Question--
Would you give one total price, or itemize each aspect with separate pricing and then show the total cost?
Posted By: sparky66wv Re: Itemized proposals? - 06/17/01 03:13 PM
I like to itemize down to the wirenuts and screws...

It only protects me from the unseen circumstances and change orders.

Giving someone a set price without itemizing what the price covers is a recipe for finacial disaster.
Posted By: Redsy Re: Itemized proposals? - 06/17/01 03:16 PM
I think it also helps minimize "sticker shock". Customers are able to see how it all adds up.
Posted By: Tom Re: Itemized proposals? - 06/17/01 08:30 PM
I give a very detailed bill on time & material work. I do not break down any of the costs on bid work unless specifically asked to do so.

Tom
Posted By: sparky Re: Itemized proposals? - 06/17/01 09:12 PM
I will detail finely on T&M, I will itemize bigger jobs ( big for me) as to what work is to be done & major materials in sections similar to your list Redsy.

It makes it easier for the customer to 'veto' any line item.
Posted By: spkjpr Re: Itemized proposals? - 06/23/01 05:24 AM
I saw this and had a question. Have any of you been burned by a D-I-Y er who used your proposal as his material list and you lost the job? This has happened to me several times. I work in a combined city (has to be inspected) and rural setting ( no inspection). Seems to happen more often on the rural side.
Posted By: sparky Re: Itemized proposals? - 06/23/01 09:52 AM
spkjpr,
yes i have, and as a result i will purposely draw vauge prints , or write up proposals that detail the work involved more than the specific parts involved.

[Linked Image]


[This message has been edited by sparky (edited 06-23-2001).]
Posted By: Bill Addiss Re: Itemized proposals? - 06/23/01 12:39 PM
I've heard that some people (not big jobs) will work up the numbers and only give a verbal quote unless the customer will sign a contract or they are compensated in some way for providing a written one.
I've seen a number of times where the only purpose of the estimate was to satisfy an Insurance claim. They have no intention of hiring anybody, or certainly not us.

Bill
Posted By: sparky Re: Itemized proposals? - 06/24/01 11:13 AM
The thing about 'customer service' is that there always seems to be a different customer on the horizon
© ECN Electrical Forums