14/12/2020
A customer asked me how much it cost to do this job....
I answered him: £1500
He said: Thats too expensive!
I asked: How much do you think it should cost you?
He answers me: £800 maximum... That's a pretty simple job right? !"
- For £800 I invite you to do it yourself.
- But.... I don't know how to.
- For £800 I'll teach you how to. So besides saving you £700, you'll get the knowledge for the next time.
- It seemed right to him and he agreed.
- Okay! Tuesday to start then.
- But I can't on Tuesday.
- I'm sorry, but I'm only available Tuesday to teach you and lend you my tools. Other days are busy with other customers.
- Okay! That means I'm going to have to sacrifice my Tuesday, give up my tasks.
- Oh, I forgot. To do the job yourself, you also have to pay for the nonproductive factors.
- That is? What is this?"
- Tax, vat, security, insurance, fuel etc.
- Oh no!... to accomplish this I'm going to spend more money and waste a lot of time!
-You'll also need to collect the materials on time.
- I'll order you all the materials you need. Truck loading is done Monday evening or Tuesday morning you'll have to come by 6am to get it on the truck.
- At 6??? Nope! Too early for me! I used to getting up later...
- You know, I've been thinking. You would be best to get the job done. I'd rather pay you the £1500 actually.
If I had to do it, it wouldn't be perfect and it would cost me nearly as much money and time i dont have.
When you pay for a job, you pay not only for the material used, but also:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Study
- Tools
- Reputation
- Contacts
- Quality trade materials
- Punctuality
- Accountability
- Professionalism
- Accuracy
- Guarantee
- Problem solving
- Sacrifices
- Safety and security
- Marketing
- Payment of tax obligations
No one can denigrate other people's work by judging prices. Only by knowing all the elements necessary for the production of a certain work can you estimate the actual cost.
Sharing this post to support craftsmen, builders and entrepreneurs.
