Into the Contractor Mailbag
Monday, August 25, 2008
I get email questions from contractors around the country. Here's one that comes up a few times and I wanted to address it here in the Contractor Update:"I sometimes feel guilty when I tell customers how much I charge? Any advice?"
Many contractors feel like they are asking a lot for their services. They're quite sure they're losing business to others who charge much less than they do. Since many homeowners and business owners don't always know how much your products and services cost, they balk at paying a higher price.
But if you provide a quality service and you are proud of your work, you should never feel bad telling clients your cost. It's important to not flatly state your prices and leave it at that. You'll need to sell your service to justify it. Even if it's just a quick phone conversation. Explain to a potential client that you do great work and they may find someone cheaper but that they will get what they paid for.
If you feel guilty or give in too quickly to a price reduction, you'll only cut into your bottom line or into the quality of the work you do (to finish under budget.) Be proud of what you charge and your clients will sense that confidence that they have found the right professional for the job.
Have a question? Email me at Tim (at) ConstructionDeal (dot) com
Labels: Contractor Advice, Small Business Advice
