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DIY and Save?

SHARING TO SUPPORT TRADESMEN, SMALL BUSINESSES, AND ENTREPRENEURS.

Author unknown. Not original content.


A customer asked me how much it would cost to do this job....


weld joint

I answered him: $1500

He said: So expensive for this job?

I asked: How much do you think it would cost you?

He answers: $800 maximum... That's a pretty simple job right?

Me: For $800, you may have to do it yourself.

Him: But.... I don't know how.

Me: For $800 I'll teach you how. So besides saving you $700, you'll get the knowledge for the next time.


It seemed right to him and he agreed.


Me: To get started, you need tools - a welder, grinder, chop saw, drill press, welding hood, gloves etc...

Him: But I don't have all this equipment and I can't buy all of this for one job.

Me: Well then, for another $300 more I'll rent my stuff to you so you can do it.

Him: Okay.

Me: Okay! I'm available Tuesday.

Him: But I can't on Tuesday I only have time today.

Me: I'm sorry, but I'm only available Tuesday to teach you and lend you my stuff. Other days are busy with other customers.

Him: Okay! I'll just have to sacrifice my Tuesday.

Me: I'll make you all the material you need. Truck loading is done Monday evening or Tuesday morning. You'll need to avoid traffic jams to be there by 6am to load the truck.

Him: At 6??? Nope! Too early for me! I usually get up a lot later. And I'll need to find someone to watch my kids.

.....

Him: You know... I've been thinking... Maybe you should just do the job. I'd rather just pay you the $1500. If I did it, it wouldn't be perfect and would cost a lot more.

When you pay for a job, you're not only paying for the parts and materials used, but also:

  • knowledge

  • licenses

  • experience

  • education

  • certifications

  • tools

  • fuel

  • services

  • time/labor

  • accountability

  • sacrifice

  • insurance

  • professionalism

  • accuracy

  • permits

  • warranty

  • safety and security

  • payment of tax obligations


No one can denigrate other people's work by judging prices. Especially when we do not know all of the elements necessary to complete the task.


****


HVAC is a specialized trade that requires a specific education and unique tools. Helms Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. strives to keep our customers comfortable - no matter the season - while remaining price-competitive, maintaining quality standards, abiding by the laws and regulations of our industry, and providing our team with the tools and education necessary to be successful.

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