Mark Bolam

Moving on, Husky or Stihl?

That's what I mean, mate. If you can make it work for you, great. I can't. Simples.

Don't forget fellas, Stevie does live in a different country. What works or doesn't work for us may be different for him. Why, just recently, I voiced my concern over the loss of both Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King at the heart of the England defence, and the man muttered something which sounded not unlike - "Fitba is pish!" When in Rome, and all that. Toodle Pip.

That's a quality shot, mind Simon. Hadders, Tommy B has rumbled you up your little Oak as well, with your Sugoi scabbard starched into a horizontal position.

In France, unfortunately. Have fun. I'll be thinking of you all as I'm chillaxing poolside, maybe with a cheeky little red in my hand. Why not hoist a small dog to the top of a tree so Plippy can win a speed climbing comp?

Every job is different mate. Conifer topping grown through with Russian vine? Price very high. Medium Sycamore fell with tea made by fit 21-year-old nympho daughter? Price very low. I have a figure I would like to achieve each day, then have to factor in labour, gear used, muck-away (or timber gained), hire costs (if any), distance, fuel etc. I also take into account risk and enjoyment factor. Nah, just look at the car on the drive and work out how much I can screw out of them....

Can't drive anyway. Who's the loser now, eh?

Stevie, I totally agree that all calls need dealing with in a certain way, and can all potentially lead to work. I think Mesterh is saying that this customer was not interested in listening to his reasons for not pricing over the phone. I've had loads like it down the years, and TBH this type of customer has never brought in much work. You see them as a no-BS straight shooter. I see them as an ignorant thicko. My nine-year-old niece would know you couldn't price tree work over the phone. That doesn't mean I wouldn't be courteous and try arrange to pop round and give them a quote, because you never know.... Call it a draw fellas. Some good and valid points raised throughout.

Right. That's it. I'm off to call Stephen Blair. Click.

How MUCH IS IT?

I like the wig he is wearing to hide the hideous kickback scars all over his head.

Just give me a price, can you?

How much is a car?

The Cheque in the Post.....

That's classic mate!

Deano, you could do Leicester pretty easily in your MEWP.

You did OK mate. At least you are going to get the chance to price it properly. BTW, I'd do it for £350.

I had a great time, always good to catch up with friends old and new, look at kit, and talk shop over a few beers. However, if we hadn't stayed on site doing security for Justin, there would have been no beer for me, and a hotel bill. Unacceptable! I don't think the AA owes the Bathurst estate anything. Paul, I think if you held a poll, you would find the majority would be keen to move venue, even just slightly more central would help. Oxford? Leicester? This would have an additional advantage in showing that the AA do listen to the masses! Lets make the show as good as it should be!

Sorry mate, couldn't resist. One of my mates is a driller, he works 2 months on 2 months off generally. Last time I saw him he was headed for a dodgy part of Africa, and been sent on some kind of 'pirate awareness' courses. Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrgggghhhh Jim Lad! There's no trees growing on the rigs, you know?

BP are taking on at the minute. They are looking for a guy with a massive thumb.....

Thinking outside the box there lad. You'll end up getting good at this and working abroad! Would have laughed if the little stem had pulled the big one backwards - CRRRAAAAASSSSHHHHHHH! Liked the Ash dominoes, did ya?! Keep them coming mate.

Lorry, top post about friends and family and that, mate. Made me think a bit, appreciate it.

Great thread, but it's taken me ages to get through it! Brodie, I'm on your side to a large extent, we all deserve to earn more IMO, but as an old boy once told me (when I was having a whinge) - 'The crack is worth ten grand a year!' I think the money you are after is fair for a decent SUBBY climber, but not on the books. I run my own company, and will never employ anyone. Using subbies gives me (and them) far more flexibility. If I employed you I would also be paying Employers NI, holidays, sick, paternity leave etc. The main thing is, though, I never have a consistent amount of work to do. 3 weeks ago was flat out, this week so far I have 2 days booked in. Competition has never been as intense, and I'm not just talking about pro tree firms. Example - recently quoted £700 to remove about 12 Leylandii, 2 days graft for 2 blokes, 2 (Tranny) loads of chip, 1 load of (crap) cord. Fair price? The customer (clever, rich, lovely folks I have worked for twice before) went with a quote of £350 from the bloke they get their logs from. Took him and his mate 4 days, and he had to hire a chipper! Not only can I not compete with that price, I have no intention of trying! That kind of thing is happening a lot right now, B&Q must be shifting loads of saws! It's tough out there at the minute, definately. You just need to man through it till the good times roll again. Would I price jobs cheap just to get them and wreck my truck, chipper and gear for nothing? No chance. Would I get out of bed for £50 a day and graft for someone else just to put food on the table if there was nothing else? Course I would. Good luck with it pal, whichever path you take.

Well done Jon. HAWAY THE LADS! Ross, give me a bell mate.

Fell. Replant. Awesome stuff guys.