FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I am pretty straight forward in my pricing. People have to remember that I am in business to make money, not to work for free or to just break even. My method works like this. I have a daily rate of $937.50 per day for myself and my assistant. I add 30% to whatever my labor and materials comes to in order to get my total. Example would go as follows. I have a project that takes two days. $1875 labor I have $2500 in materials on the job Gross profit would be $1875 Making the total cost of the project $6250
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I typically start out with a fairly detailed phone conversation with a prospect. Based on the conversation and if I feel we will be a mutually good fit I set up a time to meet on site. During the meeting I can give some fairly accurate ranges of what things are going to cost. I give a verbal quote on site and if they agree that they want to move forward with me I will send them an itemized breakdown of the work and associated costs. I will get a 10% retainer on the job to hold their place in line. Once we go to contract I will receive an additional 40% to cover materials and odds and ends. Once the job is complete I do a walk through with the client and they sign off on the various line items. Once they sign off we settle up w final payment.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I must admit that this is a far cry from my political science degree I went to college for at East Carolina. However I have taken design and Hort classes, and have to take continuing education courses in irrigation, horticulture, masonry, and business management in order to keep credentials current. I do these to stay current with the newest techniques as well as to stay current within trade associations. If I can become more efficient the savings can carry over to the customer