I'd definitely consider the consequences of unlicensed (more importantly, uninsured) work - especially if your're representing yourself as an independent entity

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A friend wants me to do a bid on his shop, and possibly his garage. I have no experience in the bidding process. I feel confindent in wiring the house from start to finish but can somebody out there smell what i'm stepping in?

If he's a real friend just getting an idea of price, that's one thing. Along the lines of what Radar posted, if he's reverse auctioning you, that's intolerable - especially if he's calling up the "buddy" card. I've been known to work at significantly under-valued rates for friends I might call for help one day, as well as family. I've never heard any of them (seriously) complain about the price, or quality of work.

As far as the union thing, the Union I belong to, while claiming to represent the "working man" (and woman) consistently supports candidates who favor more taxes be taken out of my checks... I don't understand that completely.

I was going to address Scott's point, but it'd sound waaaay too conservative. Let's just say I support unions to protect labor from misguided / malicious management, and I recognize organized labor's contributions to workplace safety, benefits, and work environment. I still have a problem with the union putting the union above the workers, and protecting slackers who IMHO deserve a kick in the pants. BTW, I'm not IBEW...

I'll stop now [Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by DougW (edited 06-17-2004).]