ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Business Related Discussion Lowest Price or Better Service?

Do you concentrate on providing better service than your competitors or a lower price? I try to provide better service and charge a higher price.

It seems to me that too many businesses are trying to operate their company so that they can charge less than the competition when they should be trying to operate their company so that they can charge more than the competition.

[This message has been edited by A-Line (edited 11-21-2004).]

[This message has been edited by A-Line (edited 11-21-2004).]

I agree 100%. When I first started out I always tried to be the cheapest to give the customer the best value and make sure I got the job. I soon learned that value isn't always represented best in the price, but in the service. I knew I could raise my prices when my customers would get the invoice and ask "are you sure that's enough?". Now I don't compete at all on price and don't want the customer that's only concerned with price. It scares me when I find out we're low bid now, I wonder if we forgot to include something(like profit).

[This message has been edited by Electric Eagle (edited 11-21-2004).]

I also strive for better service, A-Line. Lowest price will leave you starving. Isn't the whole idea of having your own business (aside from independence) to earn a decent living?

Dave

I think that link A-line provided sums it up the best.http://www.pmmag.com I'm in this business to make money and provide good service,the discount price guys don't stay in business long.(though they're always very busy right to the end)

Well we try to offer wat better service than our comp and keep our prices somewhat down but after it is all said and done we have to pay all our bills and make a living. we also understand that no matter what we cannot contend with the hacks out there, you know the ones that claim to be pro handymans the ones that say they paint build plumb wire powerwash walk your dog etc..........