[jamesn162]

Client calls me two weeks ago about an estimate for a fall clean up. I go out and give the estimate. All of the leaves on this guys property still havent fallen mind you. I tell the guy that hes around 250-275 range. I tell him to call me when all of the leaves have fallen because i cant really give him a final written estimate with out being able to see the full extent of the project. Tonight i waste my time and money and stop out at the property to see about 2 more hours of work. I call the client when i get back to my office and tell him the situation in a professional manner. The final estimate is 350.00 being a 75 increase. He starts freaking out and keeps saying hes not going to aruge with me on the phone and the whole time i am explaining the situation to him and he keeps telling me he can do it hmself but then at the end asks me when i could be there to do the work and i tell him saturday weather permitting and then he says no i'll do it. maybe it matters to some of you guys maybe it doesnt but this guy lives in a house that is at least low seven figures.

[Stonehenge]

What is there to do? Chalk it up to not doing a great job prequalifying that client, figure out what you can learn from it, then move on.

BTW - my in-laws lived in Skaneateles back in the late 80's early 90's - nice area.

[VoodooChile]

and be happy that you never actually worked for the jerk.

[site]

We had a similar occurance. We put in a $100K landscape for this guy and its about 75% plants. Tightly spaced, with lots of ground cover on a steep hill. the next year he calls and asks for a price to re=mulch. I say $5000. I know how much work it takes and it's a fair price. He calls me crazy and says he'll do it himself. His poor 5' tall wife was out there ALL SUMMER with her cheap plastic wheelbarrow and pointed shovel. Since that summer he calls me every time for mulch, and pays what I ask. Stick ta yer guns me boy.

[Inspired]

Red flag... Always be very careful dealing with people who get angry even before you work for them. Later on, when they owe you money, they will very probably be angry again. You will have to jump through some stupid hoops and bark just right to get paid.

Voodoo is right on, IMO.

[GLAN]

I agree with the prequalifying on the phone.........I've gotten better at it......it's a time and aggrevation saver.

All people are different.......all react a different way for all sorts of reasons.

Sure.....this guy got sticker shock when you told him the final price.....I don't see it as a reflection on you.......you're doing your job.

What if this guy calls you in the fall of 08?

Are you not going to provide an estimate?..........you never know........he just might say OK with no further hassles

Yes......Red Flags are important to be aware of and know how to handle them.....I don't think we have to go through encounters being guarded about the property owners reaction........You buy gas......are you not sticker shocked?........

[jwholden]

A concept that we should all keep in mind is you are never going to get every job. If you do you are charging way to little. I agree learn from the experience and move on. Don't make your future customers pay for one guy who was not the right match for you.

You are never going to please everybody, and if you try you are going to get an ulcer.

[sandim]

One thing we do with fall cleanups is we do 2. We explain to the clients it's easier on their wallets and better for their property. We also tell them that we charge per man hour. We give a relatively rough estimate, but not a solid bid. We always try to estimate a little on the high side allowing for any weather issues. If the leaves are wet due to a wet fall, we tell them it's going to be more b/c the leaves are wet and they're harder to move.
I agree with the posts above though, some people you just can't please. We've learned early on that we are not going to get the jobs from people who are shopping for price. Fine with us, we'd rather do a better job and get better clients who appreciate our work. The people shopping for price wouldn't appreciate your quality hard work anyway. Be done with the bugger and like Voodoochile said, be glad you didn't get the job.

[jamesn162]

thanks alot guys this winter u have not been posting much but rather acting like a sponge and soacking up all the years of experience and knowledge on this site and for that a big thanks to everyone who has even made a helpful post on here

[stunutt]

Dunno about leaves,but I've always found there are two prices for any job . . . Doing it right,and doing it cheap.

A lot of potential customers want the second option and that's their choice. Some come back next year to have it done properly