[HomeGuardPaints]

I was on another board, and this guy asked for referrals for a countertop installer. He basicly said "I want granite, and perfect craftmanship, for cheap". then everyone responded about how bad everything turned out in there experiences with contractors and they don't understand why things aren't regulated better and why contractors make so much money and always do a bad job. DONT THEY REALIZE THAT THE PROBLEM IS THEM AND THEIR DESIRE TO GET EVERYTHING FOR NOTHING? It's just so Fkn irritating that we have to fight everyday for work against the lowballers that ruin our industry's with poor craftsmanship but they will always be there because of homeowner greed. Everyone has to make a living, why should a painter work 8 hrs a day, balance his books at night, pay for advertisizing, pay for ever increasing fuel costs, ect... for nothing?

I guess the worst part is that the cycle won't end, lowballers will always be there, we will always have to compete with them and there prices. When we land a job, every detail will scutinized because we get someone who has been burned in the past.

rant off

 

[JNLP]

We go through this every day.

Oddly the past couple days me & Tim had two customers say, "you get what you pay for" when it comes to contractors prices. It was heaven to the ears hearing a homeowner say that. It's a rare thing. We got one of them sofar & was $1240 over the other company.

 

[vermontpainter]

I guess the worst part is that the cycle won't end, lowballers will always be there, we will always have to compete with them and there prices.

I dont think they will always be there. In our area, they are already starting to drop out of the race. They don't market or advertise and they sell on price only. They have no business structure in place that can help them navigate a more challenging market climate. More than anything, they are an annoyance. Once in a while they find their way into painttalk and on the first post want to know how to get leads...and we tell them, and they say they can't afford to advertise or market...that is the cycle and they are the ones who are in it...circling the drain.

 

[painttofish]

I have dropped "FREE ESTIMATES" from my advertising. The economy here is so bad that many customers are going with price as the perceived value. I lost a job with one of my clients because they thought I was to high. I figure if someone would call me because they saw free estimates I don't want to waste my time and money. Estimates are costly, and my time is even more. It would be great if all us contractors could charge $25 for an estimate. It wouldn't cover our costs but would discourage or eliminate the 3-5 estimate folks. But, back to reality. I am glad to have enough people who value my service and realize "you get what you pay for".

 

[HomeGuardPaints]

Some people see the value, don't get me wrong, but there are too many that tell you " i want quality, price is less important" and then take a bid thats 40% less thinking "what a deal, i made" or they ask "is that your final price" ---"well now that you asked let me drop it to the real price, of coarse its my price:yes: , no I won't negotiate:no: , yes there is a contract:yes:, yes i require a deposit:yes: , no you can not supply the paint:no: . why? because my brush is allergic to Behr paint.:thumbsup: "

VP; the ones that drop off due to no plan are just replaced with the next low baller, or the neighbor, or the off duty fire fighter.

 

[vermontpainter]

VP; the ones that drop off due to no plan are just replaced with the next low baller, or the neighbor, or the off duty fire fighter.

Homey

You're right, there is an endless supply. It is unfortunate that alot of homeowners cant see the difference between a real paint company and others.

 

[johnthepainter]

the old saing "you get what you pay for" isnt always true

there are many inexperienced estimators/newbies or con- men that deliver a terrible product for top dollar (plenty tuition painters horror stories out there)

so when i hear people say you get what you pay for, i would still advise them to beware

and yes lowballers are out there,,,,,but try to set yourself apart from these fellas,,,,,,,the calls you want to generate are the ones that say "i didnt call you because i wanted a low price"

i know that times are tough, and people shop,,,,,,,

this is why its so important to develop a great referral base,,,,,these great ladies/homeowners will sell your service for you to their neighbors and freinds

dont feel like you have to give every estimate,,,,,weed them out,,,,,qualify you potential customers,,,

you can do less and make more $$$$ if you position yourself well

this time of year can be rough,,,,,,theres a lot of starving painters coming off a rough winter, and whoring themselves out for some cash,,,,,,so i like to line up my first 2 months of exteriors during the previous fall and winter

just my 2 cents from a dumbazz house painter

 

[Brian]

the ones that drop off due to no plan are just replaced with the next low baller, or the neighbor, or the off duty fire fighter.

I regard the low ballers like the gnats that buzz around my head when I'm in the garden. They are annoying for a little while, and when I ignore them they cease to be an issue.

Brian Phillips

 

[CApainter]

"You're right, there is an endless supply. It is unfortunate that alot of homeowners cant see the difference between a real paint company and others."
__________________
Scott

This is why I appreciate the professional values that posters often convey to this site ,like , Brian, VP, and others. For example, I'm not a contractor, but a painter who works 40 hrs a week. I'm often asked, by employees and others, if I have my own business, ( which means do I do side work for cheap). I have to explain to them that I have no time to work on weekends, and suggest they contact a contractor who can handle their project much quicker.

No matter how professional we try to be, most people think we're simple minded brush jockeys that'll do anything for a buck.

 

[painttofish]

the old saing "you get what you pay for" isnt always true

there are many inexperienced estimators/newbies or con- men that deliver a terrible product for top dollar (plenty tuition painters horror stories out there)

so when i hear people say you get what you pay for, i would still advise them to beware

just my 2 cents from a dumbazz house painter

There will always be exceptions to the rule. BUYER BEWARE

 

[vermontpainter]

No matter how professional we try to be, most people think we're simple minded brush jockeys that'll do anything for a buck.[/quote]


CA

This is true. Whether you are the owner or the apprentice, we fight the perception that we are monkeys who will ***** ourselves out for a buck. That is because there are so many monkeys doing just that.

Its great that you are soaking up as many different perspectives as possible. And good for you, for not burning yourself out on the weekends for an extra buck.