I got a call today to do 12000sf of new vct. But only one day to do it. As much as I hated to, I had to pass it on to someone with more equipment and tools. Ever have to walk on a biggie because of being unable to handle the job in the time framme allotted? At a buck a square, that was a heart breaker.
Bummer
- Thread starter Willy P
- Start date
hogjowl
Idiot™
You’re not the only Loozer here, ya know
Mikey P
Administrator
buck a square?
who are you kidding, Ladwigs and his new house staff would do it for .15 a square.
who are you kidding, Ladwigs and his new house staff would do it for .15 a square.
Maybe I should sub out to them. I charge even more if it needs stripping not simple prep like new tile. That was 3 full days with 2 helpers. They wanted it done in one.i couldn't make it happen.
F
FB7777
Guest
You don’t know anyone you can pass that to and get a taste?
I steer water losses all the time
I steer water losses all the time
Papa John
Lifetime Supportive Member
I just did a bid on commercial carpet. They told me I was 3 times higher than the other bids.
I retorted that the other company is probably doing a dry method. The contact said no, they said steam cleaning.
I wished them good luck and was sorta thankful I didn't need the job.
I retorted that the other company is probably doing a dry method. The contact said no, they said steam cleaning.
I wished them good luck and was sorta thankful I didn't need the job.
Cleanworks
Moderator
Never retort at a customer. A better approach is to ask them if you can look at their estimates to see where the difference is. In doing so, you can check if the measurements are the same and what the cleaning method may be. You can ask questions such as, are they prevacuuming? Do they include stain removal, etc. I am usually the high bid on commercial but I still get my share.
Papa John
Lifetime Supportive Member
The other guy is obviously a bottom feeder and doesn't know his cost of operations, or will cut a lot of corners.
I wouldn't touch that lower bid-- even if I still had my V and a three-man crew.
I'll still make the money with less headache doing my normal operations.
Cleanworks
Moderator
I'm not saying reduce your price, just make your service sound more attractive.
Papa John
Lifetime Supportive Member
With many commercial jobs-- price is usually the deciding factor.
I'll let you know if they end up calling me to correct or finish the job by the other guy.
Cleanworks
Moderator
I had one like that a couple of months ago. Guy undercut me by about half, then did only half a job.
Yeah I'll get a taste, but I like a healthy serving.
Rob Grady
Member
Pretty crowded at the bottom.
Mikey P
Administrator
Papa John
Lifetime Supportive Member
The money I could make if I didn't have morals or a conscience.--
Oh, wait- Having those have helped me get where I'm at.
F
FB7777
Guest
im Gonna drink myself unconscious and then take a jet ski over to Martha’s Vineyard
wish me luck !
Cleanworks
Moderator
They ended up calling me back because the low ball guy couldn't get the coffee stains out.
rather than giving the entire job to another company, why not do it with them, just split it up. Win/win
who knows, they may need help on a job in the future?
Personally, Ive never been offered a job I couldnt handle but if I did, thats what Id do.
who knows, they may need help on a job in the future?
Personally, Ive never been offered a job I couldnt handle but if I did, thats what Id do.
Lee Stockwell
FOJL
There's always a way. I've many times "bitten off more than I could chew", and somehow succeeded to finish it.
My first project at Murray State in 1979 was 46,000sf. No truckmount, no clue at first. My "help" was still a bit young, 3 little redheads 2,5,& 7 years old. So Theresa helped, as she often did then.
Still do lots of work for that account.
My first project at Murray State in 1979 was 46,000sf. No truckmount, no clue at first. My "help" was still a bit young, 3 little redheads 2,5,& 7 years old. So Theresa helped, as she often did then.
Still do lots of work for that account.
A long time ago, a cleaner from Milwaukee got a job to clean 13 floors of the Time/Life Building in Chicago. He calls me up and we did it together. Great experience.
