I've got a particular client that deals in apartment complexes and I have done several ALTA surveys for them the last few years. About a year ago I was asked about doing a small one. I did a little online reseach and we went back and forth about exactly what property they were purchasing. I gave them a price and they replied that they would let me know if they got a contract. Well today I got an email asking if I could do an ALTA on a small apartment complex. The name sounded familiar so I looked through my notes and found that it was the same one I priced last year. However, this is the kicker. When they asked today if I could do it, they wanted to know if I could do it for $X. $X is 33% more than the price I quoted last year. Now I know for a fact that I am not the only surveyor they use, but I have a hard time believing that they like me so much that they just want me to beat the second highest price. Has anyone ever had anything like this happen?
I would definitely visit the property before returning the call.
A lot can happen in a year that could change everything you remember of your original plans.
:8ball:
Maybe they don't plan to pay you.
Likely mixed up your quote with another firm, however, maybe, just maybe they are a good client, and knew the quote was a year old, and added some inflation.
Maybe they lost your proposal... and asked a proposal from someone else, and then at last minute, wanted to see if you could do it... they were happy last time....
Tommy Young, post: 433700, member: 703 wrote: it was the same one I priced last year. However, this is the kicker. When they asked today if I could do it, they wanted to know if I could do it for $X. $X is 33% more than the price I quoted last year.
This reminds me of a joke:
A young lady goes to see a lawyer regarding a minor matter. After consultation, he notes the bill will be $100. She gives him a crisp $100 dollar bill and leaves. Sitting back, the lawyer gives the bill a flick and notices that the bill was so new and crisp it had another $100 dollar bill stuck to it. Now he was facing the age-old ethical dilemma ............. ......... should he tell his partner?
Tommy Young, post: 433700, member: 703 wrote: I've got a particular client that deals in apartment complexes and I have done several ALTA surveys for them the last few years. About a year ago I was asked about doing a small one. I did a little online reseach and we went back and forth about exactly what property they were purchasing. I gave them a price and they replied that they would let me know if they got a contract. Well today I got an email asking if I could do an ALTA on a small apartment complex. The name sounded familiar so I looked through my notes and found that it was the same one I priced last year. However, this is the kicker. When they asked today if I could do it, they wanted to know if I could do it for $X. $X is 33% more than the price I quoted last year. Now I know for a fact that I am not the only surveyor they use, but I have a hard time believing that they like me so much that they just want me to beat the second highest price. Has anyone ever had anything like this happen?
Back in the 80s dad so a lot of subdivisions. He would do his own site work estimates, then bid out to one contractor. On the drainage for one, the contractor came up 50 percent short so he called asking for the bid sheets. He was told they were proprietary until he said they were low. Turns out the contractor forgot to add labor. He said he gave the bid and would do it for half and the old man said no, he did not want a sloppy job. During construction, there was a patch of clay that had been unknown right where a leach pit was sited. The contractor excavated down to sand and shimmer the pit without a surcharge.
Sometimes it pays to pay the right amount.
Perhaps the seller is actually paying for the survey? Around here, time frame seems to be more important than money. I have been offered serious bonuses if Mr. X gets moved to the top of the pile.
Tommy Young, post: 433700, member: 703 wrote: I've got a particular client that deals in apartment complexes and I have done several ALTA surveys for them the last few years. About a year ago I was asked about doing a small one. I did a little online reseach and we went back and forth about exactly what property they were purchasing. I gave them a price and they replied that they would let me know if they got a contract. Well today I got an email asking if I could do an ALTA on a small apartment complex. The name sounded familiar so I looked through my notes and found that it was the same one I priced last year. However, this is the kicker. When they asked today if I could do it, they wanted to know if I could do it for $X. $X is 33% more than the price I quoted last year. Now I know for a fact that I am not the only surveyor they use, but I have a hard time believing that they like me so much that they just want me to beat the second highest price. Has anyone ever had anything like this happen?
When I worked in the northern part of New Jersey most of the major clients would try to beat me up to feel like they got a bargain. It didn't take long to figure out the game. I began inflating my proposal fees by 20% for certain clients, and, without fail, after receiving the proposal they would call and try to beat me down. I would speak with them and tell them I will revisit my numbers, wait a few hours, then call them back with my real numbers and they thought they got a bargain. Always hated playing that game but I always ended up where I needed to be on the total fee.
