Red Flag #2 Future Work
Red Flag #2
Today’s example is…Client promises the tradesperson more projects in the future, and in return, give a good deal on this first project.
The problem with doing it this way is that when the tradesperson will give you a deal on the first one, and you hold him to the same pricing on the following projects when he thought he would be able to charge his normal rates once the first job is completed.
What ends up happening after the first project is completed, and you (as a client) make it clear that you want the same pricing. The tradesperson will be loyal to his previous clientele that have kept him working for years and you will probably not have your phone calls returned for a couple weeks.
That is an obvious tell that he is too busy to return your calls.
Besides that, it will definitely hold up your projects, not having your calls returned.
You might feel like you are not getting the attention that you deserve, and the tradesman needs to be as profitable as possible and keep his previous clientele happy or he will be out of a job.
British Columbia Tradespeople are extremely fortunate to live in such an abundant economy. Luckily some locations in BC are literally screaming for trades people to work on their projects, and will wait months for the trades to show up.
Remember! It is just as hard for a tradesperson to find a good client as it is for a client to find a good tradesperson!
My advise is…
Let your tradesperson know that you have future work available. This time get him to submit two quotes to you. A normally priced quote, and the quote for doing your first project. That way both of you know the numbers.
Let your tradesperson know your level of experience in the projects that you are doing and ask them how much experience they have in the trade. The reason for this is you both will “size” each other up and know how much work you will have to put into the project.
Ask the tradesperson if they know the other trades that could help on the project. You will notice that high end tradespeople work with high end trades, and low end trades simultaneously work with low end trades. Both spectrums of tradespeople are needed depending on the project and budget restraints.
Ask for constant communication. Weekly checkins, or site meetings, or zoom meetings. Whatever works. The more each trade knows what’s happening on a project is easier for everyone to schedule work to be completed.
This happened to my company one time long ago.
The job was stair access. Meaning a lot of lugging tools and materials (up and down stairs) and that resulted in extra labour costs. Trying to keep the older workers happy was impossible. I gave the client a deal on that house, but after I looked at how much money I lost (in labour), and a few of the “cake” jobs that we could have done in that time, the choice was obvious that we couldn’t work for that client anymore. We finished the job, and went our separate ways, on positive terms and still talk as friends and professionals to this day.
He is actually working on his last project right now and is retiring soon!
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
Have a successful day! ❤️
Cody Berg