I run into this problem quite frequently and often feel like we are on trial trying to justify our prices/charges. On site doing an elevation certificate, client asked for a
project benchmark, and did not think he would be charged an additional item since we were already there doing elevation work. Does anyone else run into these type of scenarios?
All the time. I've used the electrician comparison to clients. If an electrician was hired to replace a light fixture, do they think he would put in an additional outlet for free because "he's there doing electrical work anyway"?
> I run into this problem quite frequently and often feel like we are on trial trying to justify our prices/charges. On site doing an elevation certificate, client asked for a
> project benchmark, and did not think he would be charged an additional item since we were already there doing elevation work. Does anyone else run into these type of scenarios?
All the time. Except my clients never expect the extra work for free. Why? I can point to a detailed agreement where what was needed was agreed upon before we begin doing the work. They know if something changes and they need something more, we can probably help. But, that is a change order and will require an additional charge.
The key is getting the detailed work order in place before you go to the site.
Larry P
That's what my boss explained to him. "If I was an attorney, you'd be getting a bill for this phone call" Sometimes you feel like a beat dog. But you better believe if a house was built to low because of our benchmark, we'd be the one paying for it.
I work in the office, so I try to stress to field crew members that if someone asks for something additional did you make them aware there is an additional fee? Taking care of it out of the gate alleviates the problem. People can handle what the know.
How about:
Client: could you throw in a benchmark while the crew is out there anyway?
Answer: "Good idea. We'll be glad to do it, and it will cost a lot less to do while we're out there than if you called us back to do that at a later time."
It seems like that would prep them for the fact that they will be charged for it, but that the charge is much less than if they hired your crew to come out on a special trip for the explicit purpose of setting a benchmark.
I know that if I asked an electrician to add another outlet while he's at the house, I would expect it to be cheaper than if I called him out for one outlet. At least driving-time cheaper.
You need to make it clear that there can be an hourly or some other type of extra billing for any extra requested on the spot with a one hour minimum per request.
> I run into this problem quite frequently and often feel like we are on trial trying to justify our prices/charges. On site doing an elevation certificate, client asked for a project benchmark, and did not think he would be charged an additional item since we were already there doing elevation work. Does anyone else run into these type of scenarios?
Side Comment: I would kinda assume a "project benchmark" would be included in the effort of running in levels... but I guess you do things different.
> You need to make it clear that there can be an hourly or some other type of extra billing for any extra requested on the spot with a one hour minimum per request.
My hope is we get away from charging for our time and start charging for our knowledge. The client does not care about your time. They care about the results.
Larry P
> The key is getting the detailed work order in place before you go to the site.
>
ahem.
we call it "scope creep"
^this^
I've done a ton of "freebies" in the field for various reasons. Benchmarks on EC, I don't know. I don't do EC's so it's like, whatever. However, I've located adjoining corners for adjoiners just to I had access to their land for whatever I needed. I've marked lines for people just to get my name in the door.
Lots of reasons to do it sometimes.
I am with you on that Kris- and its like Pete said- I would have a "project BM" on site anyway..
thanks for the feedback. I think at the end of the day communicating to clients the fees prior to the work is the key. In this situation ill feelings would have been avoided if we relayed the fee in the first place.
i gave someone a menu a few weeks ago
they were not sure what they wanted, but we knew there were conservation permits
base fee plan plus hourly for revisions
each filing has it's own fee
made it real easy when they chose to make 3 individual filings and several plan revisions.
:good:
:bye: If I am doing an Elevation Certificate for new construction, I always leave a benchmark, usually 1' above BFE, for construction. If it is for an existing structure, the floor elevation listed on the form can become a benchmark provided that whoever uses it knows which floor it applies to.
> > You need to make it clear that there can be an hourly or some other type of extra billing for any extra requested on the spot with a one hour minimum per request.
>
> My hope is we get away from charging for our time and start charging for our knowledge. The client does not care about your time. They care about the results.
>
> Larry P
:good:
