A Different Twist

[NS'Creter]

I got a call this evening with a bit of a different twist. This person is apparently an accomplished DIYer and wants to acid stan their 24'X26' garage floor and have me cut it into tile. I'm "iffy" about doing it. Yes, it would be easy money, but first what to I charge?...and second; I don't want to be associated with a botched job. If the guy does a good job and all is well, no problem. If I cut it and his stain and/or sealer fails anybody who knows I was there will associate it with me. I'm gonna go look at it and talk to him...kinda feel it out. I'll also try to explain my concern without coming off like an arrogant jerk. Anybody else do this or have thoughts about it?

[alexwright]

How much do you feel like making? If you really don't want to do the job then bid it high. If he still wants it then you are getting good money for not wanting to be there and you feel it's worth your time. I would love to just do cuts. You can charge $1.25 or $1.50 on larger jobs you can charge a dollar. It's really all up to you. Or you can go two dollars. If people are there in his garage then they will for sure be talking about it with the owner and he will let them know that you did cuts and he stained and sealed it. It's going to look nice at first for sure I would imagine and he's going to want to take credit for it so he's going to let everyone know he did it. Down the road when and if it comes up those same people will already know who did what. Then they will know to call the professional if they want it done and they will tell others. Mean while do the cuts and enjoy the money you get from there. If you don't want the money just give it to the wife. She'll find use for it. Winter is eventually going to get here and every penny counts.

[NS'Creter]

Well Dammit!! I went to check this job out...just got back. I'll not be working there! The homeowner has a "helper"...that little weasel that works for one of the municipal works departments that has been drivin' me crazy for a couple of years is in on it. He placed a doorstep, a walkway and the garage pad...under the table...cash, no insurance, no warrenty, town's equipment, no expenses. Now he's gonna "help" the homeowner acid stain the garage floor. This is also the town that wants me to fix his mess, the one that hasn't called about that big sidewalk project. I wish this wasn't Friday 'cause my ugly mug is the first thing the boss would see at his office tomorrow. I can't compete with a guy that has no expenses or liabilities. Well their stain was there and I've never heard of the manufacturer. He has no instruction and no idea. He plans to use a water based sealer on a garage floor. Go for it! It was all I could do not to rant while I was there. That little s.o.b. isn't gettin' a look at my gear and watchin' how I do things...no damn way. They're on their own and the town boss will be hearing from me. Rotten little weasel, s.o.b., piece of under the table crap-headed no talent turd!

[cfs1]

Rotten little weasel, s.o.b., piece of under the table crap-headed no talent turd!

now tell us how you really feel

[NS'Creter]

;D Mmmmmm....that pretty much sums it up.

[alexwright]

Well, I stand corrected. I'm on your side after this revelation here. You definitely don't want him to see you working and getting to know your secrets. Plus you don't want to work for people like that.

[xscash]

i agree. i kicked around consulting on a couple of jobs...but that leads to low end competition. so i try to stay away. i also try to work without the customers watching, but that sometimes seems impossibel.

[NS'Creter]

Well, well, well...hmmmm. I have received 2 phone calls and 2 emails from the homeowner that I spoke of at the beginning of this thread. As it turns out, Jacques, the under the table weasel hasn't impressed him with his abilities...or lack thereof. Heh,heh. When I was there I left just enough info to show that I know more than Jacques. About this anyway. Well, apparently, it worked and the homeowner wants me to do his garage floor...completely. ;D ;D ;D

Maybe I need a really cocky decal on my tailgate that reads something like, "The Real Deal"....too much?

[cfs1]

bump up the price a little for that "I TOLD YOU SO" factor

[alexwright]

Good for you. The plate is good or "...no imitations aloud!!!"

[alexwright]

oopps Allowed

[NS'Creter]

;D Yes! Good one Alex. I'm goin' to that place tomorrow...I think that the homeowner was a bit baffled by Bullshot. He knew what he wanted and that jerk came recommended. The homeowner is new to the area and I'm sure that whoever recommended the jerk meant well. I'm gonna go with those thoughts anyway and do my very best not to misplace my hostility toward the jerk onto the homeowner.