Saw a fellow this morning who had called yesterday about surveying a few acres out of one corner of a quarter section. ?ÿI had surveyed that entire section about 20 years ago. ?ÿI had also cut out two small tracts for him along one side in 2005. ?ÿHe wanted a firm price. ?ÿI hemmed and hawwed a bit then shot him a really low number as a favor. ?ÿHis wife immediately complained, "That's $200 more than the last time." ?ÿAs I am a really nice guy I did not say anything back to her.
Normally I would have explained that the earlier tracts were far simpler for several reasons. Today's number was far below my usual price for a similar job anywhere else. ?ÿAlso, there has been a tad bit of inflation in 13 years. ?ÿThis is what I get for giving them a break on their work in 2005.
?ÿ
This is what I get for giving them a break on their work in 2005.
I actually think about this when I quote. In addition I ask myself, "What would my other clients think if they heard the price?"
These thoughts often, but not always, save me from myself.
Steve
?ÿHis wife immediately complained, "That's $200 more than the last time." ?ÿ
"I came up a little short last time, and my wife won't tolerate that again."
No one will ever hear about you doing a good job for a fair price that is profitable for you.
They only hear that you are $xxxx more than the lowballer.
An electrician friend of mine shared his policy: "When I do work for friends, I either charge what it's worth or I do it for free. Anything in the middle I get burned every time."
Story from client:
There was this guy, who was able to fix most anything. He was especially adept with air conditioning.
His pat answer (back in 60's and 70's) to the question "how much is this gonna cost me?" was:
"Aw, probably nothing $400 can't fix"
He was not well dressed, and he really did not "look like he could" fix it. But, he was quite good.
So, I think that may be a good answer. "Nothing $5000 can't fix".
🙂
N
I don't even try to be a nice guy and I refuse to survey for friends. I will for my kids or immediate family though.
A long time ago I began engaging people in idle chit chat when they call about having any work done. One of the things I always ask is what they know about surveying, if they have gotten any other prices or talked to other surveyors. It opens the door to letting them know that my price is gonna be higher than they probably expect but not as high as I want.?ÿ
It's just business, I feel their plight but I don't give a rats patooie if they cannot afford it. I have offered to survey their property for some land instead of money. I have not had any takers but some day maybe so.?ÿ