Caller [sent a picture to my phone]:?ÿ I'm buying some property from X and need a survey.?ÿ This should be an easy one.?ÿ I just need that one line I have drawn in surveyed.?ÿ What would that cost and how quickly can you get to it?
Me:?ÿ Well, it looks like you are planning to buy a portion of X's property with the line you have drawn being the new division line and the remaining lines being the other neighbors property lines.?ÿ What you will need to accomplish that is a description of the whole?ÿ ?ñ13 acres; which means I'll have to survey much more than just that one line.
Caller:?ÿ But that is the only new line, so why do you need to survey anything else.
Me:?ÿ Because, just like the picture you sent me, there may be differences between what is either on the tax map or in the deeds that I can not sign my name on until I have measured it properly.?ÿ For example, the line you want me to survey - it CAN NOT be run the way you want it to.?ÿ The tax map you drew it on is not accurately portraying how the properties line up in that area.?ÿ As you drew it, you are trying to run a line out into property owned by the United States of America.?ÿ That probably won't fly.
... I'm very familiar with the area. I provided a price and explanation of what needed to done.
Caller:?ÿ Is there any negotiation on this price.
Me:?ÿ Yeah.?ÿ I would be glad to go higher if you would prefer.
Caller - proceeds to tell me what he had been planning to spend (because of course he has knowledge of what it should cost apparently), asks could we meet in the middle
Me (getting grouchier and less patient each year): No.?ÿ I don't negotiate my pricing.?ÿ I'll text you a colleagues name and number who can do the work for you.?ÿ Best of luck.
Caller [very quickly]:?ÿ Oh no no no.?ÿ I'm sorry, I'm in the car business and I just enjoy the negotiation process.?ÿ It's a common business practice all around the world.?ÿ Now I know, no negotiating with you.?ÿ Please get the work done at the price you quoted.
?ÿ
I do not think he would like me as a car buying customer.?ÿ I do my homework thoroughly and do not participate in negotiations.?ÿ I've walked out of many dealerships because they started playing negotiation games.?ÿ Turns out he is at a dealership where (many years ago) I went in and made a very fair offer but they started wanting to negotiate and I left, went down the road to my very close second choice vehicle, made an offer, and was out of the dealership in short order with the new vehicle.?ÿ Negotiations, store discount cards, etc... HATE THEM.?ÿ Just charge me a fair price up front and let us both get on with our day without wasting time haggling!
I was shaking my head reading this and the first thing that came to mind when you talked about him wanting to meet in the middle was hey, we're not talking about a used car here! When you explained that he actually is a salesman, my bubble was burst.
The way I approach it is that my price is my price and it is firm. I'll be more than happy to provide you the contact info for other reputable surveyors but if you happen to circle back to me, my prices will be higher.
I don't think I'd take that client after the way it started.. In my experience, they don't really get better.
Maybe he thought he was going to take back some land from the government to make up what had been stolen by LBL decades ago?
Me: Yeah. I would be glad to go higher if you would prefer.
I literally lol'd
T. Nelson - SAM
I've had some weird car/truck buying experiences. They get so pushy.
The nanobot windshield coating is the best ever.
That guy's first name is Robert. But, he doesn't look like the Robert Young I've seen on television.
This fellow had a passing acquaintance with the 18th POTUS whose first name was Hiram.
I don't think I'd take that client after the way it started.. In my experience, they don't really get better.
I can't really blame him, Andy. After all, negotiation is what he does all day. It wasn't at all a high pressure or hostile discussion. He just assumed everything is a negotiation - and it probably could be with some other surveyors as well.
As for the rest - as I explained each thing to him, he understood (or at least accepted) the why for the things I was telling him. Since he probably doesn't have to get property surveyed too often, I can't really blame him for not knowing what needs done.
I'll see how it goes. If it becomes a hassle, I'll come back and let you know I should have taken your suggested path.
@jon-payne good points! I hope you were able to educate him and it all works out.