Seen a lot of good discussion here lately about clients and work load. After almost 47 years in the business all I can tell you is "work is where you find it".
And the type of client really has nothing to do with whether the work will be profitable. I generally stay away from realtors. Same for attorneys. But I have been through enough of them and actually have a handful of clients that fit in those categories that are always good for a big project or two. I guess the only type of client I try and keep a good distance from is construction. Did it for 35 years. Can't stand the conditions and the inevitable "crisis-ho" that usually runs the job.
But I got to thinking...who was my bestus client that paid quick and always had a butt load of work? The answer surprised me after I realized it had been an outfit that managed several cemeteries.
A number of years ago I got a cold call from a gentleman that needed a few gravesites located. These were in a cemetery with a recorded plat. I thought it would be a quick one-day ordeal. It took about three and I was worried about the bill. When I talked to the client he showed me some invoiced from other surveyors...I didn't feel so bad. Money wasn't his concern, scheduling was a priority. For a number of years I kept things tidy in four or five local "marble orchards" and totally enjoyed the work. One job turned into a month long mapping and location expedition of an almost 60 acre cemetery.
So if someone was to ask me who was my best all around client?...I'd have to say the cemetery management folks. And the place is always peaceful, Never got one ounce of friction from any of the neighbors either.
"ain't that the truth" 😉
In the development world, I've found that there are two kinds of clients.
1) The good ones that plan to make money on the "back end" (from the purchaser). They typically want to keep their "team" happy so future projects go smoothly.
2) The kind that want to make money on the front end (or both ends for that matter). They negotiate to get the lowest price on all professional services related to the project. These are the ones that have NO loyalty and don't care if you make a dime.
paden cash, post: 389140, member: 20 wrote: I try and keep a good distance from is construction.
Not me, I jump right into the middle of it. All of my prices are per a contract signed prior to construction with all fees spelled out. I receive payment via "work orders" which are preprinted for regular routine surveying and hourly rates also pre-established for all the "emergencys" that occur during construction. In business for 28 years and my accounts receivable has NEVER exceeded 0-1% at year end. Construction has been berry, berry good to me. 🙂
I hate layout work. I did one layout job where the GC was one of those old hard a$$es that liked to run the job by intimidation. Tried to scare me with a threat of physical violence. When that didn't work for him, he called the architect I was working for and he ultimately came around to my way of thinking.
When the threat of physical violence came up, I drew one my upbringing from my father (an 11Ch Vietnam Vet 68-69) and got nose to nose to him and said if you feel froggy, then leap big boy. 🙂
I really hate construction work too. It pays well though.
Kris Morgan, post: 389301, member: 29 wrote: I did one layout job where the GC was one of those old hard a$$es that liked to run the job by intimidation.
My experience with those "types" is that they never learned to communicate properly. The "my way or the highway" method doesn't work anymore.(at least in central FL.)
We have been invited to work on some construction sites, and try to turn them down, but occasionally they offer enough money that we slip up and agree. It is not the work we want to be doing, so we make sure we make money on the deal, and look for extras too, like piles of scrap lumber, waste dirt, use of eqipment on weekends, ya know, perks...
FL/GA PLS., post: 389306, member: 379 wrote: My experience with those "types" is that they never learned to communicate properly. The "my way or the highway" method doesn't work anymore.(at least in central FL.)
Did work that day in small town East Texas either. That was probably 7 or 8 years ago.
paden cash, post: 389140, member: 20 wrote: Can't stand the conditions and the inevitable "crisis-ho" that usually runs the job.
Failure to plan on your part does not constitute a crisis on my part.
Lee D, post: 389326, member: 7971 wrote: Failure to plan on your part does not constitute a crisis on my part.
Depends on the client. Sometimes it is a crisis on my part. 🙂
When it comes to construction I try to remember, I'm the where department , not the who , when , why or how department.
Kris Morgan, post: 389301, member: 29 wrote: if you feel froggy, then leap big boy
:frog:
:manhole:
:skull:
Monte, post: 389316, member: 11913 wrote: We have been invited to work on some construction sites, and try to turn them down, but occasionally they offer enough money that we slip up and agree. It is not the work we want to be doing, so we make sure we make money on the deal, and look for extras too, like piles of scrap lumber, waste dirt, use of eqipment on weekends, ya know, perks...
My buddy that works pipeline construction says they call the "perks" thieving rights".
It was probably so peaceful bc everyone is always sleeping there!
