people call all the time and ask for my opinion- Great But when I ask to be paid...
Often people ask me to give them reasons that their tree is dying, or ask for a ballpark estimate, on the telephone- I haven't seen the tree, sure I have listened to what they say, but i must see what I am talking about if I am to be effective.
Look people, I am a living organism mechanic, am like your car mechanic, I must see your trees, I need to see the location of them, I must take into consideration all of the hazards and how long it will take to work on it. Then if they want it in writing, I charge them for it- Sure, it has happened too many times, I give a bid, my customer whips out another bid, an the client sez, Look cuz' that guy said this much money- can you beat it? Because I like you... LMFAO
Sure, I do consultations all of the time, I charge more than average- I am worth it, and when I sign a piece of paper- I will go to court and swear on it. and be correct- to the best of my knowledge! People want a diagnosis of their trees, but don't want you to charge them for a good diagnosis-
..."so and so" climbs trees and he is an arborist, he says that the tree looks fine, so it must be- lol He doesn't have a credential, he doesn't have to agree to a code of ethics- he charges $ for the work, and he gives his opinions freely-
So I have this website- people call me because it looks professional- I ask them to fill out a contact us form- it details the charges I am going to expect by contract, it is published so every one can make an informed decision. But they overlook it often- sure they say they saw it, but could anyone mistake the part that says I am going to charge for a written estimate? and that a consultation takes my time so you must pay me for that time?
A couple of weeks ago I get a frantic call from someone saying they have an emergency tree removal, I listen to the person and I inform them, I am doing another project, and to respond to their emergency it will cost them. So this guy gets pissed off at me, he says the fire department doesn't charge for an emergency call,. Of course they do, each one of the fire fighters and technicians makes a fortune from the county- They have health insurance and wc, paid vacations, Benni's... do you think to be at your beck and call doesn't cost someone or many someones? These guys are on call 25-8, they are owned by the government- and us.
I have tools in each truck, my car and at my home- If I must respond to an emergency, i am prepared. How many times have I been out with my wife, when the call has come? too many to count- I charge to get there in addition to what the tree will cost to fix or remove. How many times have I been in a suit and tie, arriving to remove a tree on a house? I go through clothing like I own Blue Navy.
This is a rant but even with all I have espoused I still love my profession, with all of the dangers and even the clients that want everything for free, but these are the same people that hear what I say but do what they want any way.
THERE is another side as well- Doctors, Lawyers, White collar professionals- They don't want just anyones opinion, they recognize the fact every one has an opinion like every one has an a$$ole'. Important opinions may cost to get, but are worth the expense. I turn to these people and pay for their time to view my case, turnabout is fair play! Plus, if consultants were free no one would value their credentials nor their opinions!
I spoke to this lady the other day at length about what it sounded like she was describing, she said it was incredible that I was so knowledgeable, I told her I would be happy to give her a complete evaluation of her tree care needs and told her about my hourly rate- she gasped, and then gave me the old, I gotta talk to my husband before I invest $ in your opinion... I didn't form my opinions without an investment in time and energy at least.
<:chainsawguy:>
Charge a fair amount- do a great job, and never rest on your laurels, or pine about how tough it is to make money! Negotiate always, but be fair to yourself, don't get stuck doing it for too little dough.