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The counter argument is that you might get the reputation for charging way too much.
I prefer to be honest and say I can't do something, whether it's down to time or just not something I want to take on. You never know who they might pass you on to, but not if they were annoyed by a high quote.
Pricing over the odds is not good practice for the reason Paul says above.
Just wondering tho, why you don't want the job. We have always run on the basis of 'pushing the boundaries' and not regretted it. I can think of a good few jobs that have woken me in the night with the thought of 'how the hell do we do that?' But I tell you what, completing a sticky one to everyone's satisfaction is doubly satisfying.
Oh its nothing to do with pushing boundaries, infact just the opposite. We aim for the more interesting jobs. Ones we can design and create beautiful spaces. Ones where we can push the boundaries and try new features etc. We have just built an outdoor living room complete with working fireplace after seeing one at chelsea.
This job in particular is taking up old pavement slabs and just relaying them in exactly the same place. Its not inspiring and doesn't interest me in the slightest, however I would do it for more money than I usually charge to make it more worthwhile and leave it to the winter months when it may be a lot quieter (weather permitting of course)
It's a nice position to be in to pick and choose work, I like to push my boundaries but I also accept my limitations.
ChaseLandscaping said:
Being known as a contractor who charges decent rates is better than being known as a cheap one!
I'd rather one well paying job than multiple low cost jobs.
So, you charge what the/your market conditions allow.
On one-off or special jobs we operate differential pricing.
I've lost count of the times I've put in a higher quote and still got the job, in fact it sometimes makes me think my other quotes are too cheap!!
If we are mad busy my quotes get more expensive because I don't mind if I lose a few jobs, when it's quieter I'm more conservative. Makes sense to me?
It's great to get varying views, but how many will change mind sets? I think we are a stubborn lot and what has worked (very well) for us and given me a very good living for many years, may not work outside my location and it is up to everyone to understand their catchment area and tailor their business to suit. Only time will tell if you have it right. Every town/city is an accumulation of 'villages' and word can travel quickly - good, bad or indifferent - only time will tell if you have it right.
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