first price whiner of the season

well, well, here we go, i knew it was going just too good. he calls,he says, "hi, i need a quote for grass cutting. i have a local chain doing the fert, but, i will LET YOU clean my leaves in the fall for $135, if you cut my lawn, for $25." at first, i thought it was one of you guys playing a trick on me. the man goes on, "you see the problem is, my current service , the owner is no where to be found, he sends these mexicans over, they use riding machines, they are tearing my place to shreds. i need it done properly. and, i don't want it cut when it doesn't need it in the summer." i stand there, speachless for a moment, part of me wants to slam the phone real hard, the other is reminding me that i'm no part timer anymore, things need to be handled proffesionally. so i say, "sir, if you want a quote for service, i'll be happy to give you one, but, if you are making me an offer, i'll have to decline." we talk, he tells me, he doesn't have alot of money, if i do it for $25, and he likes me, then next year he will allow me to raise the price. i was waiting for the guy to jump out from behind my couch and yell, "SMILE, you're on candid camera," but it didn't happen. i agree to take a ride over, and call him after 6 to discuss the price. i took the ride.5k lawn, with lots of wacking, and obvious drainage problem. the house, in the 600k range, i think his mailbox is worth more than my house. i have to get $30, can't do it cheaper. part of me says its a waste of time, the other part says it's a great way to sharpen my salesman skills. what do you guys think? it's not like i'm busy or anything. would you call him later to discuss the price, or just blow him off?

 

Tell him $30, you will promis to always speak english and not tear his yard to shreads.

 

Run Bobby Geld, Run

 

Tell him $40 but since he will use american labor you will split it with him $32.50 and if he's not happy he can always get the taco's back.

Mac

 

If I were you I might try calling him back and saying something to the effect that for my company to do it I would normally charge $35, but the best I could do is $30. It seems as if he may have just tried to start the "negotiating". As long as your happy with $30 its only a 5 minute phone call. Worst he can say is no thanks.

 

Tell him that you can improve his property value overall because of your superior skills. Your value is $40, but you'll do it if he's willing to sign a contract for 2-yrs, next year's prices being higher, and that you have suggestions during the year to help his drainage

 

take it for $30 although its worth more
why? use it as a test case to see if you can keep your frustration with him in check for one entire season...if you do, then you are better for it..but I dont think I;d take more than one of these if I were you

 

I would run...far and fast. He will be a PITA from the start.

 

$30 is a good solid price for me and that lawn. about 22 min gate to gate. i think i'll try to sell it at $30. nothin to lose right?

 

ROTFLMAO!!!<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/12/12_12_3.gif' border=0></a>