Right or wrong.

[davy_G]

OVer here we tend to quote for fixing only. I usually ask at quoting stage about materials, if they are getting them from the tile shop then fine, the tile shop stands over the quality and I explain what I need, ie flexible, rapid set etc.
I offer to supply at a discount but try not to get involved if they dont want me to. No running around, and the shop is responsible for gear. Ive often sent muck back or refused. However most regular brands are OK and gives you experience at using them.

 

[marbleman]

labour adhesive grout is the normal way to do it per m2 , but does it matter really if you are getting business pricing it labour only and then offering to supply materials nearer the start time so be it, if it works dont fix it

 

[Colour Republic]

That is deception in my eyes; surely he can only do this on fairly small jobs? As materials can run into hundreds/thousands quite quickly. How does he get round to the customer "oh didn't you know we need 20 tile backer boards, 10 bags of slc etc etc"?. If I was the customer I would be pretty angry that a professional should think I know what is needed.

I still win 80% of my quotes (down from about 90%) and I am far from cheap. I’m not even the middle quote; I would think I’m near top end. I haven't lowered my pricing either. Some of this will be down to recommendations but most of it is down to honesty. I give the customer every single bit of information available to be able to make an informed choice. People are much more savvy nowadays and I do not take them for fools. I list all materials (including brand names) over £5 (anything under goes under Misc. or sundries). EVERYTHING is itemised, if it's something like a decorating quote I list every single coat of paint that will be applied! And I even tell them if something is not included that may be necessary depending on what we find and how much it may cost. So that when I give my estimate I also tell them that in order to accept the quote they need to bear in mind that it may rise to x amount if we find xyz. Everybody knows what is included and what is not, no argument. Hell, if there is part of a job we can do but are not set up to do, I tell them I happy to included it in my estimate but I can’t be competitive because other firms have the guys to do it on the books (for example Bricklayers, I’m taking extensions here not dwarf walls)

It also goes a long way to educating the customer how much work is involved in a job they may perceive as simple and quick, when it's listed like this they are shocked.

I know they look at my quote that can be pages long and put it next to somebody else’s that is a one line "we'll do it for x amount" and it puts doubt in their mind in what the other person is and isn't doing for that money and what the quality of the materials is they will be using.

I also spend far more time at the job when quoting than anybody else, going through all the different options, the costs involved and what level of finish they want (Perfect faultless finish, pleasing to the eye or just a plain freshen up), this way you give them a price suited to their budget. It also makes it easy to build a rapport with the client and for them to see how passionate and professional your firm is. They know a lot more about me and the team than the guy who was in and out within 5 mins. I would guess my prices are 15-20% higher than the competition but people are happy to pay for peace of mind.

It has to be said that my quotes rarely take less than 2 hours for a simple quote and larger 25K+ jobs can take a few days to put together so this does have admin costs attached but winning such a high percentage and charging more means, I effectively get paid for quoting.

 

[Aston]

the issue i can see is he is being vague with the customer when his job as a professional tradesman is to give a clear breakdown in the begining! as to what he is charging for.

this is why there is price wars and misleading quotes and this is why the customer should be asking for breakdowns of the work AND materials..lets be honest here, thats how it should be done and thats how we'd like our quotes to be done too..

you want to see what you are paying for? thats the ethical bit. theres no harm in selling your prducts ie adhesives and sealers and trims etc but it should be done the right way ie you make a bit and they save a bit.

i believe in honesty is the best policy. business is about making money But theres a right way and a wrong way and only your own conscience can tell you that..

i am sure he's a decent fella at heart just riding on a bit of a wave but would he like the same tactics done to him or would he like to know what he's paying for from the start?

 

[Dan]

I sort of see it like this, customers is asking for a price to tile their bathroom, and you give them one labour only. I know if you work close with a tile shop you can just say to the customer "so that will be £200 then, go [insert tile shop name here] to get your stuff and speak to Fred who will be happy to help you out". I don't think that's dodgy.

When I tiled we'd often price for the whole job but not tiles and adhesives as that's the shops bit and they deal with that. Though on some when the customers called us we'd perhaps get them to go in the shop and pick the tiles and get a price and then we'd go in and get them cheaper and either profit or split the difference with the customer.

it wasn't as dog eat dog then though to be fair.

 

[Colour Republic]

I have to add that it annoys me that somebody would use these tactics as to me it puts another little black mark against the way the builders/tradesmens conduct themselves and how the industry is perceived.

If this guy has a good name, I can only assume that his work is top notch so that even though the customer would be annoyed with the sting at the begining by the end they are happy with the completed job and the cost involved. So essentially I would discourage anybody taking this approach unless you can back it up with a faultless finish, but if that's the case why not sell yourself at the start?

 

[ricmrc]

i wouldn't do that. i'd be annoyed if someone did it to me so its not fair to do it to others.
i always give details of exactly what the customer is paying for up front, and if theres a chance of lots of prep work involved, then i always give worstcase price and if it doesnt need as much work as suspected then theres a chance of the cost being less,
its easier than going to customer on first day of ripout and saying this needs done and its going to cost you extra.

 

[tfs]

I have learned the hard when in the past when it comes to pricing. I now never entertain a price that I may not be happy with. There is nothing worse than having to stay on a job that you have underpriced.

If the figure isnt what you want or would be happy to work for then tell them this is your price, take it or leave it! You can normaly get the job by selling yourself a bit, show them proof of liabilty etc. Talk to them about anything that could be done worng by womeone who isnt qualified and suggest best practices/materials for the specific job.

Price the job right!

Never set a false expectation level! (if you do, then at least ensure that you have under promised and over delivered. Not the other way around)

Dont be pressured into reducing your price just to win their custom!

Remember your prices are based on your experience, knowledge, skill and prfessionalism so dont let your customer under value this.

 

[Aqua Tiling]

if i was the customer i would be peed off, it leads them to believe that its all in the price

 

[Aqua Tiling]

its like going to kfc and getting a burger, then they say, are you suppling the mayo and lettace or are we at extra cost

:lol::lol: