The Waiting Game

Mellison

Dropped of a proposal this morning to a guy I was recommended to by his mother.
A nice job if I get it.
Bidding against three other contractors.
Let the waiting begin.
I hate this part of being in business.

__________________
"Enjoy Every Sandwich" Warren Zevon

ChrWright

Hope you get it.

Do you know anything about your competitors? What's the vibe from the HO?

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Christopher Wright, CR: President @ WrightWorks, LLC/President @ Central Indiana NARI, Named to the 2010 REMODELING Big50
www.WrightWorks.net - Facebook - Twitter - Carmel Remodeling
Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling Contractor - You Can Get There From Here

480sparky

Some folk don't even have the common courtesy to let you know one way or the other.

At least call me and tell me I didn't get the job. Be polite or not, I don't care. "Well, you were just a little high", or "You were way out of line with your bid" or, if nothing else, "Drop dead, go to hell and eat shît".

At least let me know so I can make plans.

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Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

strathd

Yeah we all hate that. I you do get it maybe you could suggest to the HO to let the others know. Email or text would work as they might be uncomfortable on the phone.

Mellison

Yea, I know at least on is a contractor he has worked with in the past. That sucks but he did use my architect as opsosed to the last contractors.
We shall see.
I am taking off to Philly this afternoon for the weekend so at least it won't be on my mind. Yeah right.
Nice weeken all.

__________________
"Enjoy Every Sandwich" Warren Zevon

CookeCarpentry

Hope your waiting game turns out better than mine has.

Bid a breakfast room remodel - removal of all windows and replace with french doors with elliptical transoms. Was recommended by someone they work with (as well as have done work on their street for a neighbor).

Called this morning to follow-up, to find out they are soliciting bids from a craigslist contractor and "just someone we found in the yellow pages".

Enjoy your weekend in Philly.

480sparky

The flip side is even worse. You get the job, but they don't tell you.

I've bid jobs that I never get an answer on, even after calling and asking. So I assume they got someone else.

Then 3 months later, they call and start screaming, "Where the hell are you? We're pouring the slab tomorrow and you need to get your underground done!"

I respond with, "Excuse me? Who are you?"

__________________
Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

JumboJack

Fixed it for ya'.

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in texas with framing and cornish people will do it for 3.00 a foot. What do yall think about that? Just laber

Leo G

Or they call up 3 months later and tell you that you got it and you need to start on Monday.

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Sawdust Follows Me Everywhere

http://lrgwood.com
Custom Cabinets in Hartford County Connecticut

thermax

this is what you do:
wait about 5 days (if he does'nt call).
you then call to "follow up" just to make sure he understands everything in the bid and if he has any questions.
you then say lots of customers request a "modifaction" in order to stay more in line with their budgets.. you only bring this up if he says its expensive..of course you say he is paying for craftsmanship,a very responsible contarctor,as well as quality materials that will actually last; not cheap home depot garbage. then say, "when i complete your project,its going to look very nice,you will be very happy".

Mellison

Turns out I was bidding against 4 other contractors.
It's just me and another outfit now.
We shall see.

__________________
"Enjoy Every Sandwich" Warren Zevon

Darwin

Four (4)! other contractors are bidding? Really?

This usually means the HO are price shopping. I would rather not bother with these kinds of customers. It will take a lot of extra time to convince them what the value of your company could be to them. If they are serious (i doubt it), then they must be schooled and convinced. When all is said and done, they may still not hire your company- when the sole reason for getting 4 other contractors, is price--not value.

When I talk to H/O's -- I suggest 2 contractors to choose from when deciding to hire a contractor. Then research those two companies. License, Liability insurance, Worker's Comp., creditors, references, have they ever been sued, etc., etc. - They must be willing to ask the contractor hard questions. After all, potentially, thousands of dollars could be involved. Most HO don't do their homework and research all parameters of a company. If H/O's did their due dilligence in selecting a company, then really, 2 companies would be enough to decide.

A lot of times the contractors get bad publicity because of running off with the H/O's money, no contracts, unrealistic time schedules, not licensed, not finishing the job, etc., etc.,for being incompetent, etc.. But what about the incompetent H/O who doesn't prequalify a contractor and hires a con artist?

We contractors need work in a tough economy, however, every legitimate contractor's overhead is different-thus, you get different prices. Long as the H/O compares apples to apples, then they will come out fine..

Good Luck!

Mellison

Thanks,
Actually, he just seems to be taking this very seriously (as he should be).
He provided me with a very detailed bid sheet to work off which was helpful.
We shall see.

__________________
"Enjoy Every Sandwich" Warren Zevon

dinthecreek

Ya thermax is right - like a job interview - call with a follow up, lets people know you interested and concerned about how they are handling these quotes. If you have time ask them if they would like to have a clarification of these other quotes - you will learn what "others" are doing and have an opportunity to explain why you are the better choice. If they are price shopping - they are not ready to move on it yet and it can take months or worse - years. If you need the work and need to keep cash flowing - make some cuts and get it - if you do good work with quality materials - they're word will spread - I have sometimes told them that "they got a deal" and ask them not to reveal my pricing for them - They almost always do!!! The word speading out is great!! BUT... poor, incomplete work speads like wild fire - keep to the VERY detailed list of mats and work and you will be fine! HOPE YOU GET THE JOB!!

Mellison

Not this time,
The HO called and had these words: Mike, you were by far my favorite. Unfortunately, the other contractor came in about $20,000.00 less.

Basically, the cost of my plumber, electrician as well as the cost of us painting the apartment is was what put us over.

Funny thing is I know that at least one other contractor came in about 20k higher than I did.

He assured me I would be hearing from him and his family down the road.
We shall see.

Oh yeah, just to add a little good news: I am waiting for the Workers comp auditor to show up this morning That should be fun.

__________________
"Enjoy Every Sandwich" Warren Zevon

ChrWright

Sucks on both counts. I can't stand those audits, either. The last time for me, the guy seemed pretty decent and I bent over backwards to give them all the info they needed--only to have them try to overcharge me $3,000. Just one more thing to keep track of... one more headache.

__________________

Christopher Wright, CR: President @ WrightWorks, LLC/President @ Central Indiana NARI, Named to the 2010 REMODELING Big50
www.WrightWorks.net - Facebook - Twitter - Carmel Remodeling
Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling Contractor - You Can Get There From Here