Some interesting answers here:
I always work on worst case scenario when quoting, it means I don't get a lot of jobs, but equally it means that I don't get stung - I have underquoted badly in the past and learnt from my mistake.
If I'm unsure I won't quote there and then I'll get someone else that I trust in for an opinion, some would say this is a weakness, I don't think it is.
In a sick kind of way it's quite satisfying when you see someone else doing the job for peanuts and struggling, it makes you realise you've made the right decision. It does annoy me when others quote and then move the goal posts by asking for more money, and I have had people come back to me when others have tried to do this.
The other day I did some work for a mates dad, I was always intending to be cheap as I wanted the job, so as long as I made some beer money I was going to be happy. I quoted for a hedge again worst case, 2 people for a day, he didn't go for it. I'm still happy with my price. I'm sure someone would quote cheaper but it could take forever, he's decided to have ago himself.
He did go for a few tree removals. I again put a day on it for 2 people thinking it would be a morning, I was glad I built in the extra as it was an into the afternoon job. Now this was a job where I intended to be cheap, I nearly didn't build in the safety margin. So glad I stuck to my guns!
As for not knowing what you getting into, I can understand that in the first few years. After that climb the tree/hedge have a look. Look at it in the dark, but if your ot 100percent go back the next day to make sure.
I think skyhuck's point is that a lot of people are being to cheap then whinging when it all goes wrong. If your working hard don't be afraid to charge a fair price.
Just my thoughts different people have different ways. I've not got much work on but have a reasonable standard of living. I'm not flat out in reverse, and I feel for the people that are.
Anybody can buy work
Rob