writing out work contracts

[cerneARB]

Wise words pete.

[arbormaster]

i often end up under quoting if pushed for a price on the spot so itry to avoid it. i always say i will confirm in writing

[Rupe]

Nearly always go home and think about it, I actually usually over price if asked on the spot. If I go home and think about what other jobs we have done similar or what other jobs we may have in the area I can think about how I can fit two jobs into a day or three jobs into two days and then how I would need to price it to make up what I need. It usually works out cheaper when I think about it.

 

You have to be firm though, if you win the job and the customer says yes but it has to be done in week X, then you say no I'm planning to fit in with another job nearby on week Y. Be in charge!

 

I write quotes out as word documents on headed paper which is saved into the computer. That can be posted or better still e mailed, then they can repley by e mail thus saving further conversations on the phone when they go over the whole thing again and discuss the neighbours cat etc!!

 

Express details carefully. All reductions thinings etc should be approximate. Trees removed should be to ground level so that the customer can't complain that the stump is still there etc.

 

If you've gone into a lot of detail on the day you could write "as discussed" but make sure you didn't actually discuss that you were going to stack all the wood in the shed 1/4 mile away!

[cerneARB]

cheers Rupe.