Bid assistance request!

[Fisher]

Steve, there really is only one guy that I trust to even attempt a bid for me. I've went over my measuring methods with him a few times and he has watched me write up enough bids that I trust him as long as he sticks with the cheat sheet I have. I sometimes have to go by the prices I've written as well as there are some jobs that I would lose my consistency in pricing on if I didn't. I haven't ever had a problem with this process for me. On the other hand I have advised him to only give an approximate price and no actual bid If he had any doubts or concerns on whether something was right and even tell the homeowner a slightly higher price. (He's probably heard me mention a couple of times as well after the fact that I should have taken so and so into consideration) Then after he's passed all the info onto me I can go back and give an actual written bid If he hadn't already lower the price maybe $10 (he has yet to error with a price to low).

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Have you ever run into a situation where you had to talk to the customer and give them a price that was a little higher than what they were initially told? What is your thoughts on the best way to deal with that?

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[Fisher]

I haven't ran into that problem just yet. If I ever do I'll just have to point out whatever what may have been overlooked whether it was an access issue or materials pricing or mix up (possibly pricing mulch when the customer wants pine straw).

I did give a quote yesterday where the homeowner was referred to me by their builder. Turned out I was 10% higher than the previous LSO. The builder for whatever reason had told the homeowner I would be able to match the other guys price. When the customer pointed the price difference out, I reminded him he was looking to replace the other guy for a reason and it wasn't the price.

I will be doing a stamped concrete patio and hopefully have a maintenance agreement signed by the time I'm finished with it next week.

[Steve]

That is fantastic! Take pictures!

Did the customer tell you why they wanted the previous company replaced? How did that even come up?

That was a very good way to win your bid! Nice work!

[Fisher]

He didn't tell me why he wanted him replaced. It was brought up because of a driveway extension (pea gravel concrete) he had recently added and he wanted it sealed to match the rest of the drive. I told him that I couldn't match the rest of the drive as I hadn't done that bad of a sealing job in over eight years and then apologized for any offense if he had sealed it himself. He then told me that his landscaper had sealed the driveway. I told him I'd do the extension for $175 that's $.50 per square foot (i here some guys from other states can get $1.50 but here top dollar is about $.50) He then told me the last guy had done the whole driveway, sidewalk, patio, for only $500. (that was I figured no more than $.35 per sq ft) That's when I said I understand why he's replacing him now, ( though I don't think it had anything to do with the drive way) but if he really wanted it to match he may want to hire the previous guy to seal it for him..