Yesterday, I bid $430 to remove a 18" DBH birch in a front yard - about 45 feet tall. The lady, over the phone from her work, says to do it if I can do it for $400 even. Not too drastic a request, so I said okay. We agreed on a day.
She calls our home 30 minutes later saying someone in a club - supposedly licensed, would do it for a lot less. And I don't think the guy saw it.
When I got the message, I called to at least ask her to make sure he is licensed so the bidding in on closer footing.
AND - I told her our policy. No more free bids. We don't even promise any free estimates. Usually they are free. But not repeats. That breaks the chain of bargain shoppers. Even if a regular hires someone on an occassion, the break in the cycle means they pay for an estimate.
Our prices are about 3/4 of what's the highest, and our quality is among the best. So I figure - I want people that are looking for someone they want to do long term business with. Not price shoppers.
I got real ticked at a 10 year customer that went with another tree guy at $1450. to remove 3 trees. The customer said he liked my work, but that my $1840 bid was "extreme" compared to the other.
He said he'd call in the winter to still have me do his fruit trees and roses - SUPRISE, WAKE UP BUDDY...can't wait till he calls.
Each winter for 10 years, I've done his 5 apple trees and 2 pear trees for about $115 (that's right - 115) Never raised the rate. And I do a 150' row of large rose bushes that's 3 rows of plants in width, planted solid for $60.
Two years ago, due to tight access, I bought a small trailer just to do his yard in the winter so I could turn around.
Just wanted you guys to see the picture.
He should have paid the "extreme" difference.
I'm dropping customers like this like flies.
To get back in the loop, they must get an estimate and prepay for it - check in the mail.
