Gary wrote:
Bottom line, it's a waste of time dealing with explaining WHY you charge what you charge. Simply say , "This is what it costs to do the job correctly." Who are they to argue? Are they the flooring experts? Who has the license and the credentials? I tell my builders the correct way to do the job from the git-go. If they are not interested in doing it correctly, then they sign a waiver. And they rarely wish to do that so most of the time they relent and meet my recommendations based on each job. I walk the job, make notes and take measurements and readings and present to them a recommendation, based on the job and the clients wishes. They can decide whatever they want. I do not waste my time dealing with penny-pinchers or control freaks. Bottom line, I am the expert and I know my craft and product better than any builder. So it is I who determines how and when the flooring is installed. There is no negotiation in this regard but I do try to be flexible and accomodating without sacrificing quality.
It's not really about that. The problem is that customers don't understand how the material is purchased. Typically you will buy x sq ft to do the job, end is story. They bought whether it's under the cabinet or a small pile of left over scraps sits in the garage after the job is done.
Carpet comes in one width, you have to buy x feet by the width of the roll regardless what you use. Same concept.
It's not about arguing with the customer it's about explaining to them. If you told me that "that's what it costs to do the job correctly" you'd be fired and I'll be looking for another contractor. Because you came off as a jerk and poor customer service. Not you personally but I'm just saying to make my point here!
But the way you describe your method doesn't come off as friendly. After all the customer is paying you to work, not the other way around.
Ever read that Gaundie quote about the customer ?
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