[PSUscaper]

Over the past couple years, I've been noticing a funny thing about irrigation pricing. Its very loose to say the least.

I just bid a job out recently and had my own irrigation company bid it out........he came in with a price of about 19k, and had spec'ed out 70 rotorary heads and 120 spray heads.

The client wanted second opinions, so they got one.......the next company came in with a price of about 14k, (which didn't surprise me as I knew my guy was a little high) but then spec'd out a total of 260 heads (something like 80 rotary's and 180 spray heads.

I trust my guy fully with his estimate, and have enough knowledge myself to know that this company is out of their minds with the head count.

What puzzles me is this is not the first time. I've been on many jobs before where other companies have done similiar. I've had jobs where my guy specs out 40 heads, and the others spec out 60, and then even come in at a lower price.

What amazes me is the clients NEVER count the heads. I just can't see how they get away with it.

I know that landscapers may do this with such things as mulch and what not, but to me, this is like telling someone you're going to install 100 plants and then only put in 50. I don't think I could get away with it.

Wondering if anyone else has noticed this. Personnally, I just am amazed at the irrigation industry. They seem to get away with things that no one else can. Maybe there's just not enough competition out there. I don't get it.

I've only been on one job where the client did catch on........
my guy came in at 5k, spec'd out about 45 heads.....another company came in at 4k, spec'd out about 60 heads.....

well, sure enough, the people noticed it and all hell broke lose. They immediately asked for a refund and wanted to know why they got 15 heads less than spec'd......in the end the contractor ended up taking an additonal $1200 dollars off the job. I don't think he did to well on that one! But I can't say I feel one ounce of pitty for him either.

steve