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Not to long ago ....... after
giving the client an estimate ......... I received this
email
He wrote to
me:
Brian -
Thanks for the update. I wasn't anticipating a crating
charge - that leaves the project a bit over budget.
Do you have any flexibility in your prices, or are they
firm?
Thanks,
John Doe
I wrote him back with this
email:
Dear John,
(with tongue in cheek) I asked myself ................
Why not use mill-run Redwood rather the Old Growth Vertical
Grain Redwood?
I would ask you to please call every building materials
store in NY state and see if they have "old growth Redwood"
..... they won't.
Why not provide the door unfinished ??
...... and the customer can deal with that even though I
would oil the door, panels, and jambs 4 times before placing
the panels into the door.
Couldn't I save a few bucks by not using the finest
industrial glue and stainless steel fasteners for the
stops?
Then ......... why not wrap the door in some inexpensive
padding and sandwich it between cardboard with steel
strapping (and a prayer) ?
You might wish to compare "the cardboard box" with my
shipping case at http://www.MendocinoDoors.com/ShippingCase
and ........ I'll bet if I send it on a common carrier, it
may not be insured for the full amount, but I can sure save
a "chunk" on shipping!
Finally ......... I can remove that sappy comment on my
website ..... "craftsmanship above compromise"
......... and then I can finally have something called .....
a large profit margin ..... which I don't
........
BUT ...... worry not ......... I took my tongue out of my
cheek and asked myself one question
............. "If I don't take the time to do it right ...
when will I have time to do it over ??"
(also on my
site)
I do understand my estimate exceeding your budget and
I certainly don't wish to cause any difficulties in anyone's
life. The making of a door is supposed to be fun and
beautiful .... for both client and maker.
Thank you for considering me for your door project and thank
you for visiting my site.
My regards
Brian
707-964-0635
He wrote back:
Brian -
Fair play to you. I am an inexperienced door purchaser as
you can well imagine; and I want to purchase the best door
possible while keeping costs somewhat under control.
Based on our conversations, emails back and forth, and the
craftsmanship I've seen on your website, there's no doubt in
my mind you're a top notch craftsman. It's still difficult
for me to get a firm grip on pricing, but having asked the
question and seeing your response, it appears to me that
your margins are as tight as your business allows.
So let's go ahead with the project.
......................................
Thanks,
John D
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