something, or nothing.

[treeman82]

Last week I got a call for storm damage "A large branch broke and it's too big for me to take care of on my own." It was a referral from an existing client with some bucks. The lady wanted a price for the large broken branch, and then a price for pruning the tree. Her house was outside of my regular service area, but I said what the heck and went to check it out, after all winter is gonna be here soon enough. Well I put a saw in the truck and went to check it out... Took me about an hour to get there, but I made it. The branch was about 5" diameter. Called the lady up, offered to remove the tree for a few G's, or prune & cable for a few G's... (silver maple topped about 15 years ago). She was hemming and hawing, so I offered to clean up the branch then and there for $150. I know that a storm damage call is worth a lot more, but I knew that I was either gonna make $150 or I was gonna make nothing. She went for the $150, took me about 20 min to put in the truck. My question to the masses is, in a situation such as this would you rather drive away with no money, or take less in order to at least cover some costs and time.

 

[STLfirewood]

Make the small amount. She might go ahead and call you back for the other work. In her mind your the last guy that took care of her problem.

Scott

 

[ozzy42]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbil5C1TKSk

 

[RAG66]

Sure if you could do the job quick, then and there. You definetly did good. I showed up at a guy's house once to do a bid. He wanted a take down only. I told him I would come back the next day with my gear. He then said I could use his saw... I would never do this except it was almost brand new, STIHL 260 PRO 18". The chain was almost shot, I sharpened it the best I could. I cut down the tree. The guy looked amazed and handed me a $100.00 bill. "THANKS MAN"! I would do that again any time.

 

[TimberJack_7]

I would definately punt for the field goal and try for a touchdown on the next drive....Oops sorry was watching football whilst typing.....but yeah it still applies.

 

[treeseer]

decision? what decision?

....

same price to remove or prune/cable?

 

[treeman82]

decision? what decision?

....

same price to remove or prune/cable?

Guy, it would have been pretty close price wise due to the amount of cables required. Difference of maybe 1K, however that's not the question I was asking...

 

[alanarbor]

It always pays to do something. She'll remember you took care of the limb, and be more likely to call you for the other work. It would not be a bad idea to check back in with her in a few days to ask about the other work.