Fair Charges?

by **creia** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 11:33 am

acscolo wrote:Hmmm....working on neighbors' machines? My policy on that is keep it neighborly.

My son has had the opportunity come up a few times and has politely and professionally declined. They ALWAYS expect a free diagnosis and a significant discount because they are "neighbors". :roll:

No way he is doing either of those. In addition, if something goes sour or other "misunderstandings" come up with the repair you cannot avoid seeing them which is a mess and you may have destroyed an otherwise good neighbor relationship- Not worth the risk!
Michael

by **KE4AVB** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 12:16 pm

creia wrote:My son has had the opportunity come up a few times and has politely and professionally declined. They ALWAYS expect a free diagnosis and a significant discount because they are "neighbors". No way he is doing either of those. In addition, if something goes sour or other "misunderstandings" come up with the repair you cannot avoid seeing them which is a mess and you may have destroyed an otherwise good neighbor relationship- Not worth the risk!
Michael

Sometimes you need to explain to customers that are neighbors that this how you make a living and you must make a profit in order keep working . Tools, shop supplies, among other things are all part being able to provide the service. I personally spent over 2K last last alone on new tools and that don't even include the new 44" upper and lower tool cabinets. To some this may not seem a lot but me it is. These were badly need additions to make job easier and more professional. I have already budgeted another 3K for additional tools this year.

I recently started work on an UTV and customer was bragging to me about being able to get the parts through the internet for less than what I was charging. I had to have the discussion showing just the expenses were just to repair his machine. Although I grossed a couple hundred dollars, he know did why there was actually very little profit on his machine's repairs. Of that gross I had to buy two tools that I may or may not ever need again just take the magneto hub off then was electricity and cleaning supplies that used. I actually cleared only $30. I truly hope I need those tools again. After he went back and discuss things with his father he no longer had a problem with my charges.

I did write off a few hours due my inexperience but I did take away from the repair the experience that will help reduce time on my next tear down. It is my way showing appreciation for letting gain the knowledge. I also found a source for the left handed torque wrenches I need; even though I didn't need for this job.

by **bobodu** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 3:10 pm

I automatically add $250 surcharge if they say anything about " fair share" or " privilege" that doesn't come before " to be an American". :usa:

by **Franz** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 3:25 pm

Ya haven't seen my neighbor Mobey!

I want minimally $1500 ground impact charge for her first footfall on my land and $500 for each additional step.

Mobey and I ain't on good terms since she went crying to the Town about My tree hanging over her hovel. Tree was there when Mobey bought the place, and truth is it might not be my tree.

That issue went real bad for Mobey when I pointed out to the Town the Code section they cited me for very clearly says "except for farmers", and I happen to be a Registered Farmer (protected species). Now Mobey needs to hire a surveyor to absolutely prove who the tree belongs to, and roots don't count. Then she will learn it don't matter because there is no law says I gotta deal with it.

Now the neighbor on the other side has a far superior bod, but she's MARRIED.

FULL LIST PRICE both ways!

by **NO0C** » Sun Apr 10, 2016 11:38 pm

creia wrote:I am curious as to what was HER REACTION when you presented her with the bill for your work?
Michael

Not sure as of yet. I just propelled it across the street and hung the bill on her door knob as she was still teaching 4th grade at Park Elementary. She hasn't brought a check by, but I'm sure she will be as happy as a pig in mud. We were out of town Sunday celebrating a granddaughter's 5th, but she did mow her lawn Saturday and she got it all done, so it must have run that long. With the deck not going downhill, her lawn sure looked better than it has in the past

With the Personal-Pace cable adjusted correctly she probably didn't appear to be a plow horse pushing it either and hopefully she didn't have a runaway. After seeing the air cleaner element she probably had a little more power as well. A sharp blade no doubt helped as well. Now to have her keep her mitts off the HOC adjusters.

I do know that she would have paid a lot more downtown and gotten a lot less. I don't do it to make a living, I do it for the fun of it and to be neighborly. My wife might have to have her help organize things for the garage sale when I'm 6' under.

acscolo wrote:Hmmm....working on neighbors' machines? My policy on that is keep it neighborly. Certainly you have to charge for parts and maybe a little extra for a 6 pack just to let them know it's not for free.. There may come a time down the road when she can help you with something, like paint your fence, or help wash your car, or maybe just even holding the end of a tape measure on that deck you were planning to build.

I drink iced tea, don't have a fence (I had 2, the first and the last, a long time ago), the guy up above washes my old car and I just finished the deck in December 2010. :lol: