Thursday, January 30, 2014

Can You Estimate This Small Project For Me?

"Hey Justin, were loving the new kitchen and bathroom and wanted to know if you can help with an exterior door and some trim?"

I got this call yesterday from a great client. In 2012 I did a very large remodel to their house and now they have an exterior door and some finish work they want done. The scope is no more than $1200 and doesn't fall in line with my everyday work.

I know others have been in this dilemma..Do I install or refer out?


I figured I had some options:

A. Suck it up. Its my client, install the door and quite crying about not making money.
B. Call my Finish Carpenters and hand them over scope and client referral.
C. Man, Mrs. Smith great hearing from you but, I cant help right now...Maybe in 45 days I can get to it.

Do you have other options?

9 comments:

  1. Funny thing I just had a similar thing happen to me.Some times I suck it up and some times I'll refer it out.It all depends on how busy I am. Im just up front and honest with the customer .

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  2. Hey Dave, thank you for following and added your feedback.

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  3. Hi Justin, I have this happen on a very regular basis. We take care of painting and drywall with a bit of home Reno work as well. 90% of the time we will take on the job as it further solidifies your relationship with your existing client and helps to build word of mouth referalls. When you simply don't have time its always good to have your strong network of trades avail and pass it to them for a small commission.

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    1. Jordan Thank you for insight into solidifying relationship.

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  4. It has been my experience that if you can do the project, even if it means on your own time because you are very busy, the customer will be very likely to talk about how accommodating you were in addition to the great job you did. Word of mouth can be everything in today's market.

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    1. I agree on the word of mouth aspect 100%. But, there is no margins in smaller jobs for me. I would being making wages only.

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  5. Wages only. You can't always get the cream. Sometimes the small jobs count just as much to the customer. If you sub contract it out your friend you give it to might become their preferred tradesman so in effect your out the door.

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  6. Personally, once in a while I will bite the bullet. Give them your regalure price. Just so they know your rates. But then show a elderly discount for the work.

    To reset and exterior door is about four hours of work, the inter trim out looks to be around two hours, drywall two hours, paint two. Plus exterior.

    I would also explain that there is a good possiblity of not being able to match the green paint. Fresh paint over old very seldom matches. There is a additional market. Repaint a wall as a highlight wall or whole room.

    Be creative and you can all ways upscale them on little trinkets.

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  7. Justin, Justin, Justin. Wages Only? You get what almost everyone else referred to, the word of mouth and another satisfied client. So what if it is repeat client, you were accommodating. It builds your personal product! I have had this lead to other great opportunities or not, it does not matter. Work when you can get it and do it with pride and professionalism.
    Good Luck!
    Jeff Korkes

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