Hello,
This question is out to my fellow contractors. I have kept track of the stats and have actually done some research and worked out an alarming ratio. I am worried about the burden of "tire kickers" and HGTV faithfuls. I have found that 70-75% of all free estimates I have performed have been to those that had no seriousness in their postings. I says that based on that same percentage of projects from the past that I have checked back on were never even brought to fruition by any contractor.
Does anyone else ever get down on themselves and worry that people aren't taking our profession seriously?
Secondly; I remember back in the 80's when "all mechanics are thieves" was the normal outlook from the general public. It wasn't true then or now and it feels to me that our industry is now plagued with "all contractors are thieves." I'm just trying to make a living and I wish some people could see the lengths I go to and the "cost of business"
Just venting.
Cheers
I hear you Ang. It's a challenge for sure. Hours of valuable time spent on customers with little or no intention of proceeding with the work described. I'm not sure how to fix that. I do my best to screen serious clients over the phone before engaging in site visits and complicated proposals.
It's strangely comforting to know that I'm not the only one with this problem.
Good luck man!
wages
insurance
gas
payroll burden
workers compensation
advertising
truck payment
supplies
benefits
phone
free estimates
tools of the trade
tool replacement
AND PHSYCOLGICAL THERAPY
cost cost of doing business
It's a tough gig Angelo. As another gentleman said, "learning to screen potential projects" can save you a lot of time and money.
You hear contractors are scam artist or rip or people, but allot of time its the bad clients. You have to figure out the bad clients and try to weed them out or you pay for it in the short term or the long term.
We generally will weed them out by a verbal amount roughly, but if that works we can fine tune the pricing. This does weed out allot of tire kickers.
Angelo, you have a good point and thanks for doing the research. I have found that many "potential" clients are just shopping around. It is annoying and frustrating when I do an estimate only to see someone else get the job or when the client does nothing. Another issue is that estimates need to compare exact products and time. An example is that a deck is more than just a deck. Material choice, height, design, location, ground make-up, etc. all have to be considered. What I tend to do is ask for as much specific information as possible and then present a "ball park" estimate. I explain the possibilities of a variety of costs ... but the differences between quality and cost. If my client is sincere, we establish an better working relationship and I inform them of and suggestions or changes as the work proceeds. As to the thief thing, you are correct in that the average client has no true idea of the costs. I just try to be up-front and like anybody else, I don't like surprises. We are not thieves, but we are in the business to make an honest living. Again, thanks for looking into the stats.
This is unfortunately a common challenge for the online business. As the other colleges has mentioned above is to try to screen the potential serious inquiries over the phone first before wasting the time to go and sometimes without even any appreciations from the clients which is really frustrated.
It's a common issue for any contractor working through online leads
To all of those who read and post replies to this comment
We have been tainted by media, television and internet alike.
After 25 years I am still learning about my business and am glad for everyday because I have the opportunity to work with people that teach me something new everyday
For example
I learn from my subcontractors; brainstorming and ideas that inspire me to create and learn.
I learn from the TV; like mom always said, don't believe everything you see on that thing. I challenge Mr. House to single handedly do something's I have done.
I learn from the internet that anyone can say anything and simply get away with it.
And I have learnt from my clients that amongst the bucket full of great clients and now becoming great repeat customers and most importantly friends; it only takes one bad apple to spoil the bunch
Never get down on yourself. This is what you love to do, this is your passion and don't let anyone pull you down, especially those whom don't respect you enough to know that like the people who stop you for speeding or the people that run our government.....your just doing your job
Hello
It is an interesting subject. I asked myself hundreds of times how to deal with this problem?
Many of contractors belive we should screen people before turn them to a customer, which is true. But we never can know who is telling the truth over the phone even in Home visit I never was able to read their mind and always got lies from people. They never tell any truth about their budget. We always drive on their road with head lights off.
But besid all this problem the biggest problem is us. We never help each other and our industry. Never respect to each other so customer take advantage of us. For instance have u ever seen a doctor or lawyer speak bad about other co-worker or even competition? Remember Mike Holms who shows all contractors bunch of crooks?
When a contractor price a job another contractor jump in and bit the price with %50 then guess what people may think about industry. (Bunch of crook isn't it)
When a contractor face into problem with home owner another contractor become superman a take over the project with lower price without any questions why or what.
So the main contractor even have no luck to get the money from the home owner. Who is fault is it?
We do the worst to each other more than customer to us.
I am blown away by these responses and am incredibly saddened by what i am reading. Unfortunately i believe as another member has wrote that in the end we are to blame. There is no training or special licenses required to do what we do, and although those of us that run a reputable business are more skilled at the process of renovation, almost any blue collar retired person, or those without any experience can pick up a drill and do what we do. I know personally people that are doing that very thing. Retired janitors and maintenance personel working for cash. They cut into our market so bad that we can't run a business with the expenses as listed by another posting to this thread. Being in Ottawa, I am very close to Quebec and believe me.....they have it right. In quebec, every renovator must have what they call "Carte de Competance" What this does, is turn it in to an apprenticeship and you have to pay for it. So a contractor can apply for multiple cards for multiple skills or just to lay tiles, or flooring and so forth. Then, they must accumulate hours and do training like an apprenticeship. I am certain that this will weed out those people that are renting tools and u-hauls and working for cash rates that we could never compete with. Something has to be done.
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