03/15/2024
CLIENT: How much will it cost to do this patio cover job?
CONTRACTOR: It will be $2,800 dollars.
CLIENT: That’s too expensive for this job!
CONTRACTOR: How much do you think it should cost?
CLIENT: Maximum $800! It’s a simple job!
CONTRACTOR: I can’t do the job for so little.
CLIENT: People in your profession just want to make a huge profit!
CONTRACTOR: I'm sorry you feel that way. Why don't you do the job yourself?
CLIENT: But, but, I don’t know how to do any of that.
CONTRACTOR: For $900, I can teach you everything you need to know to do the job. You can then use $800 to do the job, and you’re still saving $1,100. Additionally, you will acquire all the knowledge and experience for the next time you need to do this job.
CLIENT: Deal!
CONTRACTOR: Great! To start, you will need to buy tools. You will need a sawing machine, a nail gun, a laser, a drill, a mixer, ladder, PPE, and some other things.
CLIENT: But, I don’t have any of those tools and I can’t buy all that just for one job.
CONTRACTOR: Okay. I can rent my tools to you for another $300. You’re still saving $800.
CLIENT: That cuts into my savings, but I’ll rent your tools.
CONTRACTOR: Perfect! I’ll be back on Saturday and we can start.
CLIENT: Wait! I can’t on Saturday. I only have time today.
CONTRACTOR: I’m sorry, I only teach others on Saturdays. I have to prioritize my time and I need my tools for other jobs I have during the week.
CLIENT: Okay then. I’ll sacrifice my family’s plans on Saturday.
CONTRACTOR: Right, me too! Ah, I forgot to tell you. If you’re going to do the job yourself, you will need to buy the materials. There’s high demand these days, so your best bet is to get a truck and be at the hardware store by 6 a.m. before other contractors get there.
CLIENT: AT SIX IN THE MORNING? On Saturday? That’s too early for me. I don’t even have a truck!
CONTRACTOR: I guess you’ll have to rent one. By the way, do you have any helpers to help you load the truck?
CLIENT: You know what? I’ve been thinking. It’s probably better for you to do the job. It’s better to pay you to do the job right and not have to go through all that hassle.
CONTRACTOR: Good thinking. Sign here and let me get to work.
Here's the truth.
People are not just paying for a job; they are paying for the knowledge, experience, tools, time, family sacrifices, and other things you bring to the table.