FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I like to give a solid quote whenever possible, based on my own production rates. When it isn't possible, I try to anticipate whatever issues could come up and then give a price range. For example, I can give a flat price based on square footage for removing wallpaper, but I cannot always tell what the condition of the walls will be once the paper is off, so I will give a price range of what might need to happen in terms of patching or repairs. The customer has a lot of control over the degree of finish, and thus their financial outlay, in that situation. I really don't want to surprise my customers in the middle of a job.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
If the initial contact from the homeowner is through email, we will then usually have a 5-10 minute phone conversation about the project, and we arrange a time to meet at the job. When meeting with new customers, I like to spend enough time to get a feel for who they and how they prefer to interact, as well as getting all the information necessary to tailor a quote to their specifications. Sometimes a customer needs help determining what it is exactly that they want. I try to help with that, too.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have painted on and off since 1986. I started Handy Gal as a part-time business in 2002, and I have been at it full time since 2007. I am an art school graduate with a BFA degree in printmaking; during my time in college I developed an appreciation for the archival properties of a piece of artwork - its longevity as affected by the quality of materials used. That translated into a concern for the longevity and durability of the materials used for paint jobs, and using the right paint for a job. I studied color theory as well, and understand how colors can interact with each other and with their surroundings. During the ten years I worked in a public library, I learned a specific skill called "the reference interview," whereby a librarian interviews a patron so as to be able to direct them to specific resources. I use this same method when interviewing my customers about the job they want done. I have been lucky to work on crews with skilled painters and carpenters from whom I learned how to paint and use power tools, and more importantly, the necessity of cleaning up after oneself!