another situation arose with the dipshodiot from the amphitheater project. I think it illustrates perfectly why A professional company should ask the proper questions when submitting bids. I got called to bid on 161 unit townhouse complex, scope of work includes exteriors, sidewalks, curbs, roof blow and gutter clean out all units are two story. Last time complex was done two years ago they paid 13,500. They were prepared to pay the same amount again for this project.I was invited to bid, and submitted for 14,700, but a honestly a little too busy, so I called my best friend and arranged for him to bid on the project with the property manager.he submitted about 10% lower than my bid, somewhere in the $13,000 range.
property manager needed a third bid, and found the new hack online. She had already called him for a quote and he immediately responded, since he doesn't have a book of business to keep him occupied. I was talking to the property manager, she said he did not ask any questions just simply quoted her a price on the phone. Did not think he even went out to look at the project. He probably pulled it up on Google maps. This price was $7500, this moron left $6000 on the table!!!!! The management firm was really prepared to pay around $13,000 for this project!
If you're going to have a business, run it like a business. One simple little line of questioning would have turned this into a profitable job rather than a break even job.
BlueRidge said
Jun 13, 2015
It is so important to look at ALL commercial projects and meet with the owner/manager. Some simple conversation goes a long way!
SprayWash said
Jun 13, 2015
Low baller wonder why they can't stay in business or be profitable...
Fred W said
Jun 13, 2015
Ray....I think he will take care of himself in the long run but I am surprised they hired him after the manager made the comments she made.....
Art O said
Jun 13, 2015
Every time one low baller goes under. another one shows up
SprayWash said
Jun 13, 2015
It's actually kind of comical and someways Doug. He has another large apartment community he just got it section 8 housing, 21 three-story buildings. He did a whopping $7000 on that job. So this guy has basically got himself booked up for five weeks with $15,000 worth of work. I kind of like it, it keeps him out of my hair. He'd probably crap if he knew we were having an $8500 weekend.
SprayWash said
Jun 13, 2015
Doug, also the problem with these property managers is there a legally compelled to show all bids they get to the homeowner association. They can plead my case, but it's just a foregone conclusion that the H OA will take low bid.
Fred W said
Jun 13, 2015
I have never understood the mentality of it. Homeowners are one thing but municipalities and organizations should really know that paying less will often cost you a lot more.
BlueRidge said
Jun 14, 2015
Baton Rouge Roof Cleaner wrote:
I have never understood the mentality of it. Homeowners are one thing but municipalities and organizations should really know that paying less will often cost you a lot more.
I have been saying the same thing for many years Doug. In my years of remodeling/cleaning I can't count all the work I have redone due to the cheap guy who screwed something up. In then end they paid more than if they hired me in the beginning!
Doug said
Jul 7, 2015
I run into that alot we do a few apartment complexs and some seem to go to the lowest bidder no matter what I spend more of my time explaining how and why we are the best for the job how and why my methods are better and so forth and the guys who low ball to get work seem to disappear when they run there self out of bussiness ive got 2 im bidding on now and I try to go to there meetings and present my bids it works for me
ginty said
Jul 8, 2015
I agree with all above .
but a got a victory against a low baller .
garage clean tommorow yeas a got it .
well he went in last week tried his method that works on some surfaces .just DI water on to metal cladding which has been HAND PAINTED man its bad .
well he tried a patch at the back with his high reach window cleaning system..ha
nothing happened .
so he got a pressure washer tried that and paint came of .
ohhhh ..hahaha
well 2 days after he did his test and stated that if its washed with a pressure washer only way also ..it will need re painted .he never got back with a price .
he usualy cleans offices internal hoover and polish cloth .
well long story short a leafleted it a week later so Gary the manager how i meet with then did a quick little demo on the back .then said my price ..
now hoover guy usually charges 300 a side on units ( pri $&)
Me a said 1400 on wash .
alone .
then rust removal will be 5.00 per mark on panels .atleast 80 of them little drip marks .and gutter clean and check will be
250 .
Gary looked at the test patch and then asked when i can fit it in informed him thursday this week as next week is booked out and some of the next ..woow loving it .
he wants it all done ..
evans halsaw garage.
Is a big outfit .plenty of garages .
a also used my new DRAGON JUICE from Andy Vickers. .
thats better than my usual amino for surfactant .
Thanks for the knowledge and confidence a have gained from this group ..
One day all wash that old castle in edinburgh .
another situation arose with the dipshodiot from the amphitheater project. I think it illustrates perfectly why A professional company should ask the proper questions when submitting bids. I got called to bid on 161 unit townhouse complex, scope of work includes exteriors, sidewalks, curbs, roof blow and gutter clean out all units are two story. Last time complex was done two years ago they paid 13,500. They were prepared to pay the same amount again for this project.I was invited to bid, and submitted for 14,700, but a honestly a little too busy, so I called my best friend and arranged for him to bid on the project with the property manager.he submitted about 10% lower than my bid, somewhere in the $13,000 range.
property manager needed a third bid, and found the new hack online. She had already called him for a quote and he immediately responded, since he doesn't have a book of business to keep him occupied. I was talking to the property manager, she said he did not ask any questions just simply quoted her a price on the phone. Did not think he even went out to look at the project. He probably pulled it up on Google maps. This price was $7500, this moron left $6000 on the table!!!!! The management firm was really prepared to pay around $13,000 for this project!
If you're going to have a business, run it like a business. One simple little line of questioning would have turned this into a profitable job rather than a break even job.
It is so important to look at ALL commercial projects and meet with the owner/manager. Some simple conversation goes a long way!
I have been saying the same thing for many years Doug. In my years of remodeling/cleaning I can't count all the work I have redone due to the cheap guy who screwed something up. In then end they paid more than if they hired me in the beginning!