[JTP]

Here is the set up:

I did a job over the winter for these folks. They are having 3 small ceiling sheetrocked. When completed by the rockers, I get to paint the ceilings. I quote the ceilings at $550.00. Keep in mind these folks spent $5100.00 with me this winter. Responses should be fun to read.

What follows is my partial e-mail response to the customer on this issue.
========================================================

You have given me a perfect forum to respond a bit more to the pricing question. If I were a plumber, would you tell me "heck John I can sweat the 1/4" lines together if you can't meet my pricing expectations?" If your electrician appeared to be over priced, would you say: "heck John I'll just do the wiring myself?"

I run into pricing issues all the time with folks who seem to think professional painters should be treated differently than other service providers. If you truly believe you will be satisfied with the painting work you do by yourself, than it's a moot point.

I try to provide excellent service, honesty, integrity, and a job well done to every customer. You are not simply purchasing paint on a ceiling or two. Reliability, accessibility, and credibility are purchased at a price.

I am positive you can perform an adequate job relative to your ceilings. I appreciate the fact you are offering $400.00 for the job. I cannot, however, make the accommodation. You have the ability to stay in your home and paint your ceilings whenever appropriate. I do not have that luxury.

I also know my stance is probably risking the possibility you will find another painter for your exterior work. That is the price I pay for standing firmly. This is not arbitrary, egotistical, or stubborn. I have a very full calendar, and never enough time to accommodate everyone.

I am always happy to be of assistance in any way possible. I try not to let business differences interfere with an amiable disposition.

Chris--I appreciated the work this winter. I would love to paint for you and Becca again. Please feel free to contact me at anytime to assess your needs.

With warm regards,

JTP

 

[EricTheHandyman]

I've been running into pricing issues more and more myself lately. Last year at this time, I got nearly every job that I wanted. This year, I find myself losing more and more to cheap hacks, even to past customers. I guess it's the nature of the economy that we live and work in. Money is tight for everyone.

You handled the situation pretty well. At least you're giving them something to think about and maybe making them feel a little guilty. I've been getting frustrated and just telling people, "okay, good luck with that," and moving on the the next price shopping customer.

 

[JTP]

I've been running into pricing issues more and more myself lately. Last year at this time, I got nearly every job that I wanted. This year, I find myself losing more and more to cheap hacks, even to past customers. I guess it's the nature of the economy that we live and work in. Money is tight for everyone.

You handled the situation pretty well. At least you're giving them something to think about and maybe making them feel a little guilty. I've been getting frustrated and just telling people, "okay, good luck with that," and moving on the the next price shopping customer.

Eric-- Thanks for your input. Professional painters seem to be the trade step children. "Yeah sure Sam, you can paint it anytime just about as well as I can. By the way Sam, you can't clean the BIN up with just water! and the crown molding you just messed up is about $5.50 a linear foot."

Cya Sam.

JTP

 

[HomeGuardPaints]

I can do it myself

I can do it myself

Thats wha this guy told his dentist

 

[slickshift]

You gave them a bid of $550 and they counter offered with 400?
LOL

Yeah...I've had that happen too...lol (...though I don't think for over 25%)
Mostly I just nicely tell them no...it's not negotiable...can't blame you for asking
Mostly they say OK and pay

If they don't...well then...I probably didn't want to work for them anyway

Can't negotiate the price though...well...I suppose somebody might work in an extra 25% on bids to bargain with and use it as a closing tool
I don't do it that way...I think it devalues my bid, my work, my profession

 

[vermontpainter]

I had an ongoing negotiation recently on a rather large repaint where the homeowner ended up asking me point blank if I could lower the price by, say, 20%. 15-25% seems to be about the standard that people would like to think we are all overpriced by. Honestly, I want to see our prices go up by at least 25%...every one of us. And some even more than that, as we know.

This phenomenon, I believe, clearly reflects the fact that the lesser skilled bidders out there are willing to work at a loss, and the rest of us are not. It is remarkable how happy of a customer you can have if you are willing to work at a loss, and throw in a little free work to boot.

JT - I appreciate the energy you put into consumer education on that one...its really important to make the attempt. You can make an impression. Sometimes, though, even if you lead the horse to water...it dont drink. Keep your head up, neighbor.

 

[timhag]

I can do it myself

Thats wha this guy told his dentist

Damn Homey, I'm in the middle of eating wedding soup and come across this. Thanks alot brother.