How to Get Better Quality Clients as a Contractor
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- Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
- You are interviewing your future clients as much as they are interviewing you. If you get
some vibes that you are uncomfortable with, it's OK to politely decline!
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The advice of asking them about previous jobs is very wise
This is key. In some instances you can show up to what you think is a bid and in reality the potential client had work done recently by someone else which either didn’t solve the problem or caused another problem and now they’re looking for anyone to blame or make liable by going in after the fact.
This is how you can be scammed by the client instead of the other way around how the stereotype portraits.
I started my own business 2 years ago. I had a client asking me if I could do a job in 2 days instead of 3. I knew the job would take me 3 days so I ended up not taking it. My work quality would suffer on a 2 day timeline. He might have been fine with 3 days in the end, but it wasn't going in a direction I liked, so I didn't take the job. I try and follow my gut feeling as much as possible.
People's expectations are insane now. I get people calling me wanting their bathrooms remodeled starting day of phone call and being completed in a day or two lol
People think that 35 to 50k for an all in, not top of the line, not high design, but a NICE bathroom renovation is absurd. These same people own two million dollar plus houses and exclusively luxury cars.
I tell them “I’ll be there in about fiiiiive minutes”
Then don’t answer after that 😂
@@joshfrench6426Amazon prime mentality, get it all the time now. They should know that anyone worth hiring will be busy and have plenty of work friend of mine is booked up for next 18 months and doesn't advertise.
@@joshfrench6426 they see these renovation shows on television and expect it be done instantly
Learning how to fire bad customers was the second most valuable business lesson I ever learned.
A customer needs to be " vetted
Dude I just had 3 months of this cause it was for a family friend and I couldn’t back out and had to finish. It was pure hell, I wanted and needed to walk off the job on the second day but could not do it. Don’t let yourselves get in this situation, and of course they want more work done but NOPE!!
@@ArcConAK oh cripes that is the worst, specially when it's people you actually like, otherwise.
There are a few types of goods and services I straight up stopped accepting no matter from where or whom or for what, because I found that 99% of the people who wanted that type of work were always nightmares on legs.
What’s the first most?
@@benjaminfowler3406 a subject EC has discussed often in his vids - Learning how to confidently charge a fair to the customer and profitable to me price for my work and or goods.
As a young contractor trying to get my own business off the ground.
These are absolute gold.
For me too …🎉 good luck buddy
Yes. But when you’re starting out and a prospective client complains about even one previous contractor walk away.
Get a bookkeeper before you do anything.
@@Tryagain205 those 2 points are pretty good. But mostly the last one :
Bookkeeper and accountant. Learned it the hard way this year
I’ve never lost money on a job I didn’t take.
I wish that was true
I hear that
Notice he said a job he did not take
@@brucerummel2291 yep and yet I have wasted money on fuel and software and prototyping and lots of other ways for jobs I didn't take
@@brucerummel2291 Yep, just the other day I went and looked at a big deck job, and the client was just not being realistic with the price and what he wanted to be built. I drove over an hour to see him, paid about $20 each way in tolls and maybe the same in gas, and in the end, I just got a bad vibe from the guy, he wanted me to build his deck over a parking area but he did not really want to build it well out of good materials to "Save Money". I will give him a fair quote but I'm sure he will not want to pay that, so I'll walk away. I'm basically booked up with good jobs with clients I know and like until the middle of November at the moment, I have time for one to two-day jobs here and there, but the majority of my time is already booked, I don't need the headache of a client who wants to fight me over price on the first time I meet the guy, no thanks.
That is what I mean by "not losing any money on a job I did not take".
Cheers!
10 years in, and this is _the_ most valuable skill to learn.
You _will_ get stung, just learn from it, quickly.
Ive been in the contracting business for over 25 years, and oh man is this a lesson i had to learn the hard way. I had a customer who needed a walkin soaking tub installed for his wife, who was nice and enthusiastic, and appreciative, but ALSO went on adnauseum about how "every single contractor he had ever hired before me was a crook and a liar and a terrible person and woe is me ect." I finished my job, got my check and even though he had a lot more work, i never went back, because by that time I KNEW it was WHEN I would get added to his poop list, not if. Im probably on it now, despite everything going well. The short version of this very important video is this: When people tell you who they are, listen to them.
What if those GCs WERE crappy??? Believe me they are easy to find! Let’s be honest For every PITA client there is a dishonorable builder.and for every cheap client there is a rip off artist builder.
I'm well aware there are bad contractors out there, I've cleaned up enough messes in my time, but in this case it's just statistically improbable. It's POSSIBLE that he hired 15 terrible people in a row, it's just very unlikely. Occam's razor applies I'm afraid. It's like the old saying, if you run into a jerk first thing in the morning, ok, well, you ran into a jerk. If you run into jerks all day, you're the jerk.
Charge for estimates and find out quick who is serious or not
You can apply this wisdom to nearly any business that relies on long relationships with clients. Thank you, Scott.
absolutely. not many gigs exist where you dont need to read people, manage expectations, sell, be willing to write off bad business, appreciate the truly great clients, etc. and pareto distributions can be found all over the place.
yet another valuable topic broken down by scott
@@jimmyconway3814put a law firm on the list
My cabinet shop is most of the way through a 500k job on a $10m new build. The architect and homeowner are making this nearly unsurvivable. The insight here is very beneficial. A saying a heard a few years ago applies… the rich work for the poor and the poor work for the rich. This big job seemed like it would be a game changer for us, turns out we are going to be lucky to break even.
Ouch - on such a big job too. That hurts, hope it ends well!
Just finished a renovation exactly like that, barely survived. Tested our abilities, did a phenomenal job, but we were always the bad guy, probably didn’t charge enough so communication suffered.
I can relate. I'm one of the few remaining actual stone masons in our area. I got invited to spend 7 years working on a 200,000 sq ft house. I was super excited at first after doing a site visit. Then the financial logistics of trusting a shady uber-wealthy with my well being kicked in. No thanks! I prefer normal people who pay their bills!!!
"The rich work for the poor and the poor work for the rich." Just like Scott's examples of lawyers and teachers and clergy, you can't draw bright lines around any particular group, including "the rich" or "the poor". If you do, you'll miss out on a lot of valuable customers. The goal is to learn to identify those in each group that should be avoided. In my personal experience (ymmv), the group with the highest percentage of difficult customers has been 40+ single/divorced women.
Sucks but piece of advice for the guys. Successful general contractor is gonna be someone with lawyer-like qualities and training NOT a builder or worker.
This is also valuable to hear for tradesmen/sub-contractors that work for contractors. Crap rolls downhill, and if your boss is taking on bad jobs and clients, you're gonna feel it as their employee.
I did a job for 2 school teachers when I was done. They gave me a $500.00 Daller tip. I received 1 referral from them a couple more teacher's that stift me for the labor. 100%.
Same 80/20 rule applies to sales. A demanding price focused customer is not worth selling to. Let em pass to someone else. This content is spectacular.
They refer to us as "contractors" for a reason. In my 36 years of experience, I have never had to return money, been sued, or had my bond affected, although there have been a few close calls. It is crucial to recognize that people often hear what they want to hear, which is why it is essential to have everything documented in a written contract. Personally, I do not identify as a contractor and always correct anyone who uses that term to describe me. I consider myself a Craftsman or Carpenter.
Moreover, it is imperative to include the phrase "to the best of my abilities" in all bids and contracts. This small addition can provide significant protection if you ever face legal challenges.
To the best of my abilities is the same as the gravel truck having not responsible for broken windows.
In my state it is assumed legally that if you accept work you are able to perform such work to the industry standard.
@@tysleight Comparing a truck to a windshield is not appropriate; one should possess the discernment to understand the difference. When discussing industry standards, it's important to recognize that they can vary widely. In my experience, the key to my longevity in this industry has been my commitment to working "as unto the Lord." However, in all aspects of life, including work, one can only perform to the best of their abilities. This is a fundamental truth.
@@theartistone5860 the lord has zero to do with this. This is a cut and dry legal matter. Guessing by your age you have had a new hip shoulder knee.... To the best of your abilities is not ok it is it better be up to the standard of care. If you suck you need to move out of the way.
We accept trash work on high end homes that would never pass on a commercial job and just chalk it up to well they tried. When it is homeowners didn't want to go to court
Getting everything documented in writing is so important. It’s protection for both sides. Sadly the days of a deal by a handshake are long gone, never to return. As you complete jobs, think about what needs to be improved or updated in your contract. It will likely be an ever-evolving document, improving with each business lesson learned.
Scott's advice is always on the mark. With unfamiliar customers, I always got money up front and then invoiced every week. With established customers, no money up front but I still invoiced every week. No check = no work. I don't think this is allowed in all states, so be informed. Most customers are going to have a story to tell neighbors and friends about their project. Most of the time, you can recognize if they will tell positive or negative stories just by talking to them. Negative people will be negative about you even if you do a great job. Walk away.
When I started contracting for fences when I was 19, I had a picky client. After I finished the project she kept say "I want to pay you, I really do, but you need to do this extra thing for me". She owed me a lot so I took an extra day an did it. Thankfully I didn't get stiffed, but I learned a ton about clients. I manage expectations and give everyone all the information about the fence, and I also ask for a 50% deposit before I start. Puts me in the driver seat.
Why should you be in drivers seat more than the client??! Why not have a clear mutual symmetrical fair contract?!
@@johnwhite2576Because not all people are "clear, mutual, symmetrical, or fair" and that was the entire point of the video.
On the other hand - when you are providing services to clients/customers/contracts, it’s good mental practice to not only realize good boundaries in your contract, but also realize the boundaries in the contract are your escape because until the final check doesn’t bounce you are NOT in the driver’s seat.
I took me a while to not just take the next job. Building a house is a long and stressful affair, many people are not emotionally or financially prepared for.
School administrators are on the dark side of education. Classroom teachers are more likely to have blue or green lightsabers. 😂
School administrators go for the job for the money.
If their dog is vicious the customer probably is too
Not sure if professionally possible, but bring your own dog with you. If they avoid the person you meeting that tells you a lot about the vibe someone is giving. Sort of to confirm your own feeling.
Thats a good one
So true. I had a customer say, "sorry, my dog is a jerk"... The customer was passive aggressive.
Pretty good point …
Boy, this guy can really sum things up in an organized, manageable way. These are words of wisdom in the contracting trade that I can relate to deeply. I can vouch for his sincerity and accuracy in this business. Big fan of the channel. The Essential Craftsman always has some insights and perspective that I can grow from if not re-realized and turn over again!
Thanks Scott!
I have worked for myself since 1997
And this may be some of the most truthful words ever spoken.
I couldn't have said it better. Your wisdom and experience seems to be unmatched on UA-cam. I love all the tips and tricks that you share on this channel.
Thank you!
As a lifelong small business owner, I can attest to the validity of your words of wisdom! You are spot on
… and absolutely applicable to just about any type of customer centered business, not just contracting!
Had a contractor friend tell me it’s easy, don’t work for school teachers
Flush up! As an attorney, I do not take them either - especially Elementary School teachers. The worst. Crunching and grating from every angle, all the time.
@@wmickinley Yep 100%, dated an elementary school teacher for a few years and had to finally walk away. Most disrespectful person I've ever known personally.
I sure wish you had been a UA-cam maker in the mid-80s. (I know - there wasn’t even an internet yet!) I was on the other side - trying to hire contractors for several major projects. I had maybe 50% success, with several re-do jobs mostly at my expense.
I guess I had unrealistic expectations because my dad was a commercial refrigeration & A/C contractor. I worked for him & learned to treat customers as I want to be treated. As a consumer, I found the hard way that you really have to search to find contractors who treat customers like my dad treated his customers.
So I’m watching this ES segment to get into the head of a contractor with the value system of a Scott Wadsworth. At my age, 82, I’m not likely to hire many more contractors, but learning what a contractor looks for in a customer is good mental exercise.
Man, you have hit this right on the head!
I was an independent sales rep for 16 years, (no sales = no paycheck) I spent so much time chasing sales and found out the hard way about listening to what they are saying in between the words they are saying- and watch for the red flags that sometimes hitting you right in the face!
Alright, I'll comment on the other side of this equation. As a person who has hired great contractors, and S%#@@*Y contractors- Did the contractor show up-I don't mean just 30-60 minutes late, I mean at all. Did his truck look like it had to be repaired on the side of the road on the way to your house-or is it neat/clean and organized? Does not have to be new. Neat and organized. Is the guy presentable-well groomed, clean clothes? Hand shake-(big one), good eye contact? Does he speak your native language? Did he constantly check his phone when talking to you-like you don't deserve his full attention? Two way street my friends. By the way, I really love what you do EC. Keep up the good work!
Hey man I’ve been a carpenter for 7 years. My old boss that I did my time under was a lot like you described, his work van (which he finally upgraded to a pick up) looked ready for the scrap heap. His van was extremely unorganised and things would fall out every time he opened the door. He was very scruffy looking and often would even talk to clients with crumbs still on his face from lunch. But what I can tell you is he was an absolute master carpenter and even today, despite how much pride I take in my own work, I aspire to be even half as good as he was. Even today he has work 18 months out, at all times. I’d hate to think of someone like him being judged right off the bat, that’s where I would say word of mouth/referrals are much better than websites and image
I love your genuine empathy and teaching
All this info is very good to keep in mind. But sometimes there are zero signs and it comes out of no where. I’ve been a successful GC for about 5 years now. My two absolute worst clients were referrals from previous clients AND return clients who seemed to be very happy with the first job I did for them. One got his full deposit back before I even started and the other I stuck it out because I was too deep into the job and needed to get paid. My tip is to never work for older men (I’m a young looking 30yr old) who claim they have done construction and can do it themselves but just don’t have time or are too old now to do it. Only things these two customers had in common. Hope this helps somebody!
Really underrated topic.
A lot of the same could be applied to relationships in general. In particular the part about past relationships.
Always ask what happened to the people before, are they still on good terms how did the relationship break down, etc.
You can avoid years of heartbreak and potential bankruptcy just asking the right questions and a bit of spatial awareness.
Praise God for you and your advice bro. I will be constantly vigilant about that vibe and about their work history as well as the stereotypes. Thanks again.
This is simply the best piece of advice that everyone needs to hear. Thanks Mr Wadsworth, I have had a few tricky customers in my time.
Thanks for all the amazing content and great videos!!
The concepts and wisdom behind so many of your videos can be transferred to so many other fields of work. I recently gave a talk on being 'good enough' to a group of doctors it was based on your video on the same concept.
The most valuable piece of advice in the world. Thank you Scott!👍
I appreciate these videos you make so much. Thank you and god bless you.
I've found that just because someone seems to have a lot of money, doesn't mean that they will pay you in a timely manner.
The rich looking (all front and no dough, paycheck to paycheck to make payments on that flash car) or genuinely rich (often badly detached from reality) can be the worst and most entitled. Had a guy who owned a transport company and just thought everyone who worked for him was a damn leech, his company employees or people working on his home. Spent his money on all kinds of frivolous crap, kids had 6000 dollar bicycles that they didn't care for etc. Kind of person who buys a Bentley but doesn't change the oil. Crazy. He refused to pay for someone visit to maintain his pool at his holiday home, expecting his friends to go round and do it. Well the robot cleaning thing ended up rolled up in the sliding cover, what a mess. Cost a lot more than just paying the pool guy!
@nothanks9050 Sounds like a real jerk,I've had to deal with some of those. I've also had seemingly nice people take forever to pay, my theory is when you're used to having a lot of money you don't realize that the guy waiting for the check could really use it.
@@dcrog69 Oh yeah it happens. Often they want to hold it over you and squeeze something extra out of you for nothing. Had the seemingly nice people turn nasty halfway through too. The other thing that amazes me is the people that don't learn, they just want cheapest, cheapest, cheapest without ever realising the difference between cheap and value. Wether they're buying something or hiring someone, they're genuinely surprised as to why everything sucks! Amazon prime mentality gets worse every year too, expecting everything done now, can't understand why someone good is booked up. Let them send in the clowns, best avoided!
I've been in business 38yrs in IT and developing websites. I agree with everything.
Thank you EC for your wisdom. It reaches places you couldn’t fathom.
I absolutely love your wisdom and calm, kind demeanor. You are a good man. I really do my best work possible, and I learn more from each job. And there are one or two people I will never do business with again. Just painful.
Best advice I've heard all year, maybe 3 years!
What a great share of wisdom ,,I’ve been a cabinetmaker for 10 years now started when I was 21 and I’ve been and still am one to think I have to say yes to everything I have a full schedule but I tell ya I’m miserable,,I appreciate you sharing this video essential craftsman I’ve learned a lot watching you over the years
Managing expectations is a great skill to have no matter what you do.
Great advice, i love the videos and the tips for life in general. Your candor on camera is refreshing and admirable.
This is free wisdom. Thank you and May Good bless you. Your video is like a father sharing valuable lessons learned .
Your videos are always exceptional. 🙏
Ive met everyone you've mentioned and againts my better judgement ive had to work with them, external preasures sometimes means you will have to. Boy do i appreciate the simple way you understand these dynamics and the effect they can have on your health both mentally,emotionally as well as financially. Time to show this video to my wife. 😅
I did a job for a church and was ghosted for about a year and until threatening them with filing legal action finally causes them to pay. Even then they wanted to negotiate the bill down. I only took the job because I felt sorry for them and they were my uncle’s church. While I wouldn’t take any rule to be 100% true as a contractor since the 90s I’d say go with your gut as some people will give off a vibe, especially with the entitlement mentality today. I’m glad to be in a position today to turn down more jobs than I take as I enjoy doing high level work and frankly won’t lower my standards to do something in the cheap or sub-par, though I’m fine with finding inexpensive solutions to some problems.
I like the sharing as passing on knowledge beyond just the trade knowledge is needed today with the actual life knowledge being needed by the newer tradesmen just as much if not more.
Thanks! I really needed this. You are an inspiration!
You are spot on!
Love the wisdom here, Sir. Blessings to you.
Well said. Everything you talked about is absolutely true. I've been to all of those places.
Great advice, I'm going to share your video with my friends. Thank you
This video was fantastic. Thanks for making my Thursday night. 😮💨😀🙏🏻
Wisdom like this is hard won and valuable beyond words.
Great content! Asking customers to describe previous work is invaluable. Are they grateful or complainers? Tells a lot about someone’s perception on life and is an indication how working with them would be.
While I was working as a contractor, like every one else, I had a few clients who seemed to be OK at first, but turned out not so much at the end of the day. While discussing this with a friend who is a phycologist, he asked me; what color was their house? I said, "what does that have to do with anything?" The worst client had a pale blue house and the interior was pastel colors. My friend stated that should have warned me. People who are very hyper tend to paint their homes with pastel colors because it is a mood leveler. However, they are still very hyper people! Looking back on my work, he was correct in every case. Yes on attorneys and school teacher.
Great advice!!
I agree 100%
A lot of this feels like what I've learned through my career as a tattoo artist. I have my own shop now and being able to read trouble is a big help.
love this advice
Those are some great lessons for me as customer/investor as well. And even though I'm based in Europe, many same priciples are applicable (as I've experienced through the years). This channel is a gem.
Great advice! Great video, i did a job for a judge i was thinking what I'm getting into. It worked out great. Pay attention to the vibe..
Dropping intense golden nuggets. Ty
I listen to you like a construction father, not having a dad at 60 .I listen to your insights. Thanks
Solid advice, thank you
Ah the Sage of Roseburg again offers us advice worth a fortune! I’ve had the good fortune of being able to fire clients even before they became such. But then there are those who just don’t listen to what you’re trying to tell them won’t work. Fired them too. Sir Scott thanks for the continued education and please pray maintain speed and course!
Thanks for your wise words.
Wisdom, thank you!
Thank you for your advice Sir. I appreciate that.
Words of wisdom
Spot on. I got rid of numerous customers through the years. It pays off.
This was a good lesson thank you jim
Thanks for the chat just going through it right now. Client doesn't want to pay the full invoice. I had a feeling and did it anyway. Live and learn.
So true !
Thank you for the video.
Good video, thank you for sharing.
Very well said, Thank you,
Subscribed. Great video!
Very true!
I have learned the hard way to trust my instincts. Every time I have taken a job where the vibe was off it has turned out to be a disaster.
The problem was that I wasn't comfortable with rejection.
Thanks for this video sir🎉
Oh I can relate to everything you spoke of. I’ve learned to be very guarded about people. Most people want something for nothing.
Very true advice.
Well said
This actually applies to bosses too. I had one once where I knew something was a bit off, from the very first interview. Was young, didn't really recognize the entitlement vibe. Took the job, painful experience, live and learn...
Gold advice!
Saludos gracias from Mexico
Rarely comment but this one was poignant and oh so spot on! If I were starting out instead of being retired well it would be one of those pivotal moments, one I had to learn the hard way. Good discussion!
Love it!
Minor ptsd moment as this subject brought up 2 bad experiences with contractors... One a roofer, a church member also recommended by my brother in law. The other a builder, selected from a news paper ad.
Some years later standing in line at home depot. I struck up a conversation with small wiry man buying a sawsall. I commented that he looked like a plumber to me. He was. I hired him to do some repair work with no further vetting; had a vibe so to speak.
He turned out to be the best plumber ever. He did a couple of jobs for me and gained some additional work from neighbors that saw him working at my house. (R.I.P. Dewey.)
A piece of advice i have only just started to actually implement after 15 years is dont be afraid to walk.
Sometimes the 20% sneak through and once the project begins all of the tell tale signs start cropping up.
Dont be afraid to return a deposit and void a contract and take a small loss rather than putting your head down and taking your lashings with the smile until you can get off the project. Just make sure you have language in your contract that allows you to do this.
thank you so much
I had a home inspection business for 20 years. At the beginning I promised myself that there would be potential clients worth walking away from. It most definitely was the initial phone inquiry where they were completing a checklist found somewhere on the net. After the third question or so I suggested they find someone else and I never had any regrets.
There are client scoring and rating apps in the works based on property addresses and names. Similar to Levelset but reflected on the customers rather than contractors
Great video & subject! This is the MOST KEY ELEMENT of all business.
If you master this one thing, you will be happy & successful, if not, you will suffer... Axe me how I know.. LOL
I love your videos the father lewisdom is just what we need.
Paying attention to those gut feelings when hiring a contractor is equally important. I live in a rural area where it is hard to find good contractors. Some have great websites professionally done, but it doesn't take long when visiting with them to realize the online professional appearance doesn't translate into quality service. At the other extreme are those who have no published address or phone number and only want to gather information from you online before contacting you. Potential red flags are everywhere in these relationships - pay attention. Someone who won't call you back to set and appointment to give you a bid won't likely be around to deal with issues that may arise after the work is done.
No published phone number minimises cold calling which can be insanely relentless.
The pre-qualification questions you wrote of are to filter out time wasters, because dealing with cold calls, and time wasters is a full time job in itself and we dont have the time or earn enough money to pay someone to filter all of that.
Does pre-qualification anoy me on a personal level?
Yes.
But as a business owner i understand some of the reasons why so i accept it and get on with it.
@@thebrotherofthunder I was self-employed most of my wage earning years, and there is no way I would have hidden behind a webpage, or considered potential client "time wasters". It is my well considered opinion that those who wish to put their business out in front of the general public should be prepared to deal with the public. If a contractor hasn't got time to at least have voicemail, and respond within 24 hours, he's either too busy to get to my job, or he isn't worth messing with. Things are certainly changing with the younger generations, and from where I sit, a lot of the changes are not good. Just watch them sign anything put in front of them without even reading or understanding what they are signing.
Speaking of "time wasters", I've been trying to hire a qualified flooring installer for over a month. I could go to one of the big box stores or franchised flooring companies and get the job done, but I want to give the business to a guy who is making a go of it to support his family. I've yet to find one who followed through with what they said they would do. One finally came out to take measurements and give me a bid but he never called back with the bid.
I had started the project with a family owned business but had problems. I'm a retired appraiser, so I know how to measure and calculate square footage. Their guesstimate for the job was about $8,000, which was about 25% less than what I figured it should cost. They came out and measured, then sent a bid for $13,000! They wanted to order 25% more flooring for waste/damage, and they wanted to charge me labor for installing the 25% overage which would not be installed!
I'm getting off-topic and venting at this point, but at 76 I wonder why things which used to be so simple is, with all the modern technology, such a pain.
I am now retired from a solo small contracting business, and all of my work was by referral. Referral cuts both ways, though: I had a few potential customers where I was advised to bid it high, because they could be difficult customers. Since my standards were generally higher than those of my customers I had relatively few problems.
Good advice. I've noticed if they're argumentative at all, they will give you problems. Yes, talk to them about other services and see if they complain a lot.
I always have the client buy the materials and have them delivered . Give an estimate for the labor and have them pay half upfront. Make sure half covers your costs so if they try to short you it’s not a loss.
I did lawn maintenance for my neighborhood HOA, the leader asked me if I could do the pine straw for the neighborhood, I agreed and gave him an estimate for the job (150 bales at $1300), then he says its too expensive, I ended up doing 75 bales for $600, it took me 2 days of hard labor and then at the end he didn't want to pay me because he said "the pine straw looks too thin". My mother ended up having a chat with him and I received my money.
I found to trust my gut!!! I have been a contractor for 20+ years and have learned the hard way to always trust my gut.
I was told by an old carpenter, i can go broke sitting at home or working for a bad customer, choose carefully.