Ain't no bargains around here. ?ÿPassed off two jobs to other firms today. ?ÿToo much work and too little time to enjoy the money.
While getting together a proposal for construction staking on a large project I reminded the superintendent there will be overtime added in. He replied sure, "no need to be tired and poor"!
I refuse to get into some hand wringing justification for the costs of my surveys. It is my fee and I have no guilt and feel no need to justify it or explain it. I could always choose to charge more.
I think that is right. I have gone so far as to invite people to cruise by the surveyors office of their choice to count the BMWs. That number will likely total up to zero. Unless the surveyor shares space with an architect.
Rule #1 about owning a survey company:?ÿ NEVER take your?ÿPorsche or the soft-tail to the office.?ÿ?ÿNever have any pictures on your desk of you on your catamaran in the Caribbean or your cabin in Cripple Creek.?ÿ Deny owning any of the above.?ÿ?ÿDaily use of?ÿyour oldest and most worn-out field truck is highly recommended...particularly when meeting clients on site.?ÿ
- My experience is most people want it now and they don't care what it costs. If they do care what it costs I send them to the Cheap guy down the street.
My favorite answer is, "Because my children are tired of eating dog food for breakfast." What I don't tell them is that my children are a 75lb. Lab-Hushy mix, a 90lb. Yellow Lab and a 95lb. Chocolate Lab.
We only accept US Dollars!
"Machete rental won't add that much, but we have a half-day minimum."
?ÿ
Just texted a potential client a quote; his response was "I'll need to cut my nuts off to give you that"
Trying to think of a good response...
Probably no response at all ??ÿ
"Maybe we could help you by stretching things a bit".
Just texted a potential client a quote; his response was "I'll need to cut my nuts off to give you that"
Trying to think of a good response...
Probably no response at all ??ÿ
We can cut them off for you, for an additional fee.
Maybe I should stop texting potential clients...
Me: Hi, your property was surveyed in 2000, I can retrace this survey for $xxx, if I need to record this survey it will be $xxx more plus the recording fee. I will need a signed contract and 50% deposit to put you on my schedule. I am 6 to 8 weeks from being able to start
Him: I would like to meet you in person and have you look at the property. I would also like to know what the difference is
Me: Yes, I can meet you when I come out to survey the property. State law requires I record the survey if I find a discrepancy
Him: I'm not sending any money to someone I have never met man. There is no way you can do this soon on a weekend or something? No one hands out money to someone they have never met
Me: I'm sorry I won't be able to help you. Please let me know if you change your mind. John Doe is a good surveyor in your area, he might be able to get to you sooner. Thanks, Doug Casement, PLS
Him: Can you give me his number
Me: 555-555-1234
?ÿ
Maintaining restraint can be difficult sometime; maybe texts and emails aren't so bad; gives you time to think...
He wasn't planning on paying anyway, even if it was $100 total. ?ÿClearing that sort out early is a great idea.
?ÿ
Him: I'm not sending any money to someone I have never met man. There is no way you can do this soon on a weekend or something? No one hands out money to someone they have never met
I've been doing some work on my house and I can assure you, one and all,?ÿ that every contractor demands a payment before starting work. It's not unusual at all.?ÿ
Have any of you fellas ever tried to offer payment terms?
The reality is that survey costs can be a shock to folks and I'm kinda wondering if you have ever done it for say
50% upfront and the balance in 3,4,5 or 6 monthly installments and upon final payment release the survey and record it.
Have any of you fellas ever tried to offer payment terms?
The reality is that survey costs can be a shock to folks and I'm kinda wondering if you have ever done it for say
50% upfront and the balance in 3,4,5 or 6 monthly installments and upon final payment release the survey and record it.
No, never carried it past final completion. Maybe consider taking a credit card instead? Be less risky than carrying their debt for them.
All of the contractors I have used recently (floor, plumber, electrician, tree service, termite killer) have billed me after the work was done.?ÿ They told me how much up front.?ÿ The first few floor projects the floor company asked for 10% up front then they just did the work and billed me afterwards.
Did one many years ago and received $10 payments for a loooong time. ?ÿThe lady of the house wanted the survey. ?ÿHubby did not. ?ÿShe was scrimping money out of her grocery allotment to get me paid.
I do take credit cards. I also accept precious gems, gold and jewelry. I have recently offered to do the survey for a couple acres of land.
?ÿ