ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Itemized proposals?

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?

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.

I think it also helps minimize "sticker shock". Customers are able to see how it all adds up.

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

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.

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.

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.




[This message has been edited by sparky (edited 06-23-2001).]

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

The thing about 'customer service' is that there always seems to be a different customer on the horizon