Experience has taught me the BEST way to do leaves (and really most any job) is on what I call the 'open estimate,' meaning I give the customer the price after I am done, and they basically agree to pay whatever it costs, whatever it takes, just DO IT.
I tell you what, the un-bridled feel of working with open estimates RULEZ !!!
HayO silver and schitt, lol.
It's gotten so lately, it's the only way I do things anymore. My auto mechanic taught me this little trick, with him I never know how much it's going to cost OR how long it is going to take to fix my car, but by the time it is all said and done, I usually find the price agreeable AND the car is always fixed right... Hmmm, how interesting, I thought to myself.
Why this is so:
- When estimating, I tend to go higher to compensate for risk variables, some of which never materialize, most of which shouldn't bother me.
- Once estimateD, the owner has the problem of completing the job WITHIN said quote, something I noticed tends to slow me down, just like bridles slow the race horse, the estimate in effect exerts control over me, and this control throttles.
- With the open estimate, first I get paid exactly what it is worth, second they pay no more and no less, and last but not least, I can work my @$$ off for all it's worth.
It really is the fairest way, plus I get a virtual HO when they say Yes, I'm all over that stuff like flies on stink... I have never worked harder than on an open estimate, maybe it's just me but the unbound feeling is something I think everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime
So in the end, everybody wins: I get the most $/hour while they get the most work done/hour, we BOTH come out ahead as they pay less for the actual work while I get it done faster than ever before, I get paid good, too.
The secret:
When a customer agrees, make SURE you do not fall for the temptation of trying to get a little extra: Charge what is fair and no more. Doing so should either build or keep their trust in you, failure to do so can destroy you.