As a contractor I do 2/3 down deposit, if paid by check I give a grace week to allow it to clear then they get put on the books and a round about start date. I also do the same with materials bc everything fluctuates horribly so you gotta be smart with prices. I found if people complain about the deposit or say they have had bad experiences with contractors then they are usually going to be a problem! It sucks but this is the world we live in now.
Todd my biggest takeaway from this video is that you have developed a level of maturity and wisdom to be able to discuss matters in a true adult fashion. This is an invaluable tool in life including business life. I was a plant production superintendent for a large manufacturing operation and I learned early on from bad examples that you really do catch more flies with honey ! The time invested in discussing difficult issues nearly always produces better solutions. I can totally agree with the decisions you made about the bush hogging. Not that my opinion matters. 😜 Great video 👍👍
Well that’s just GREAT! Now I won’t be able to operate the 309 when I come to visit. I will stop somewhere for some JB weld I guess. Roy! That was just flat out wrong…😡😡😡
I owned a hvac company for years and we always had customers pay for equipment up front period, I almost got burned once but they paid for the equipment and forgot they did (this was a big company) than they canceled on me last minute like 2 days before we could go pick up equipment that had just gotten built and had another company install a used unit 2 days faster it was crazy because they didn't even come to pick up there new equipment from my shop when it came in just crazy, so I agree with non refundable down payments 100 percent and now that I have an excavation business we do the same because people change there minds or they just find someone to come in faster and they don't care if you lose money or business do to setting time for them
Hey hey Todd.!! Heidi & I both like the camera view that shows a little bit of your face from inside the 309. Removing the drive handles gives a great view of the bucket doing its thing.!! We also love seeing the daily uploads. I picked up an antique 1973 ford f600 dump truck a month ago & I bought a mini skid steer yesterday. These will be a great addition to my mini excavator. My wife & I have learned so much from you as we fix the old logging roads on our 100 acres. Thank you and keep the videos coming.!! We hope Roy is behaving himself. Take care and ttyl.!! 👍🏾
Todd, i totally understand and agree with the half down policy that you have. Dealing with the public for a little over 40 years I agree 100%. Please keep up the good work.
Hey Todd, love the Videos! I got a 305 ng with a Tiltrotator and absolutely love the Machine. Did you ever thought about a Tiltrotator? And how did you set up the Machine in terms of Joystick Response and Implement speed (in the Monitor)? I don’t really like the Settings from the Factory.
I honestly don’t have enough use for a tilt rotator for the cost. I run everything on slow response most of the time. The thumb I typically have set at 20% flow rate
Never really understood the sticks when you have the pedals and joystick controls. Looks great with out them in you way, visibility seems much better from the cameras view. GREAT idea!
@DigginLife21 yes on both channels a couple times now I know it tellbyou who added your script you will see my name lately friend , it's taken a few subscriptions off me the past 2 weeks
Definitely interested in why the grease fitting isn't working and what your solution is. I have a fitting on the main boom of my mini excavator that has the same issue.
Maybe I am different, but I don't expect a discount due to friendship, but I also don't expect to be obligated to use them due to friendship. It is often the case that "friends and/or family" are the ones that do you wrong. One needs to remember that a person who is interested in your success doesn't want to get a cut rate price at your expense. .
Do what you got to do to take care of you and yours!! I usually require payment for materials up front in full, then if they back out I am not out nothing and I will drop materials off to them, for an added charge! I charge 50% for hauling up front, just to pay for fuel and maintenance on equipment and we know how high fuel prices are!! Keep the videos coming, I am learning at lot from watching them!!
Todd, I found that if a customer didn't want to give a deposit, refundable or not, he was able to keep shopping for a lower price, even though you both agreed, he was free to look around without commitment to you because so far he has no investment. For some their promise and hand shake mean nothing. By the way, all my deals were on paper.
In my 39 years in business, I have been bit for culverts, gravel and other materials, so it's a good idea to get the money up front for all materials and a fee for moving, I have two large companies that have been with me for over 20 years so they don't have to put down anything , because of our history but everyone else has to , In my state while the gravel is on your truck it 's yours but when you dump it on their land it's theirs, just food for thought;;;;;;;;;like the videos
Love the mods and view much better! I totally agree with you on the deposit issue that's just the best way to do it and not have big holes in your schedule. Great Channel!!!
Todd you ever thought about doing a podcast. Centered arund excavation contractors or site work contractors like yourself. Im one as well in Henderson county and hearing you talk about these deposits would make great conversation topics and even education joe public. You could even do sit down interviews with other contractors near us.
Thanks for the info on the deposit! Folks that dont do it dont really understand the "calendar gamble" that youre in. Scheduling is MAJOR and takes a ton of time. I liked the comment you made about "hiring customers" rhat really stuck with me. I liked that. . . A LOT
Todd I felt the same way as Murdock till you explained if you turn other customers down to do their jobs and the customer cancels on you it’s to late to fill the schedule for that spot and it gently forces the Custer that paid the deposit to follow through with the deal
Todd, I really like the idea of a non refundable deposit. I’m an electrician and have (thank you God}) not been screwed on the bill. Although have had people have me start a job then shop around for a lower, switch to another electrician (I’ve been paid for my time). I’ve also had people ask for information on certain jobs, I do all the research and pricing only for them to use it with someone else. I’m going start calling professor Todd just be you spend so much time trying teach all of us 👍
This happened to me recently. After the initial site visit, which included a thorough explanation of how to accomplish the work, I received an email thanking me for the advice and informing me that they went with someone else. I politely asked for the difference in my competitor's quote vs mine. We'll see if I get a response.
Was there no way of unbolting those controls? It’s none of my business what you do to your equipment, I’m just curious. Still entertaining on my end. 👍🏻👍🏻
Wow! Not one of Cat’s smarter ideas. I’ve only ran a New Holland 57 excavator, helping a cousin out occasionally, and the heel part is way too small. I hate the sticks on it too. You have to bend over the whole time you’re tracking anywhere.
Did you void the warranty on that machine by cutting those sticks ??? 😂😂😂 . Also maybe a bigger piece of glass with a longer or bigger wiper for a larger machine would work . Maybe wouldn't have that line where the 2 glasses meet in your view . IDK anything is possible.
Understand people.. If you are truly a standup guy like i beleive todd is.. And you have a customer that has a non refundable deposit.. And you truly are not out from any materials or labor. Or created a scheduling conflict.. You can choose to refund them.. Hell i have. Even if you withhold the hour or so it took you to bid. Nothing to say you cant give it back. But thats the exception not the rule. I beleive sticking by your bid price already speaks fairness and honesty. I have been in biz 3 years and everyone of my final invoices were less than my bid. Even if only 30 bucks. It builds a reputation. Except one job i lost on bigtime. So i stuck with the full bid price on that one. And by the time it was all over i made about ten bucks an hour.. Bottom line is find what works for your situation and sometimes its a struggle to get in your rythym
Mr. AJ removed his sticks a while ago. He said he recently fabricated and added the spacers for the pedals. I think he’s in Latvia. I really enjoy your videos, especially when Sophie is around to help you out! Keep up the great work!
Good morning Todd. I would like to comment on yesterday's video also. Mainly because I got side tracked and forgot. Anyway, it was about the pond bank. I'm not a contractor but I'm speaking from my experience. When I put new grass seed down I'll mix a good bit of winter wheat seed with the grass seed. Then put the hay or straw down. The winter wheat will germinate in about 2 to 3 days and it will hold things together untill the grass seed germinates and it will help keep things from washing out. Also, it's pretty inexpensive in our area. God bless and have a wonderful day. 👍👍🙂
Todd I appreciate you sharing your thought process on deposits and explaining it so well. I honestly hadn’t thought about it the way you explained it. There have been a couple instances I have had that to happen to me. I’m new to the business. And yes it’s been sort people you would think that there would be no problem. I haven’t took a deposit yet on a job unless it was going to include materials or dump fees etc. I did that on one occasion but I do appreciate the advice. It’s got me thinking how i would need to go about getting a deposit depending on what happens during quoting.
I have owned Construction Companies and managed them for many years. On the question of deposits, you have to do it. We always covered all the material plus ten percent of the total for overhead. Most of our jobs were Water and sewer Plants and lift stations, so that is a lot of money.
Boy we can see everything now Todd, and if you ever had to put them back in, yeah some round stock and a few tack welds, good as new, the ponds looking great.
I always look at requiring a deposit is to make sure the customer is real and are not going to shop your price and try and get it done cheaper and faster! Not to mention by someone that may or may not have workers compensation or general liability insurance . You and I know that it’s not cheap!
Actually had a customer agree on price only to turn around and say they had gotten someone else a few days before the start date. Live and learn. Thanks for the education, Todd.
As a contractor I do 2/3 down deposit, if paid by check I give a grace week to allow it to clear then they get put on the books and a round about start date. I also do the same with materials bc everything fluctuates horribly so you gotta be smart with prices. I found if people complain about the deposit or say they have had bad experiences with contractors then they are usually going to be a problem! It sucks but this is the world we live in now.
Well played Gary
Todd my biggest takeaway from this video is that you have developed a level of maturity and wisdom to be able to discuss matters in a true adult fashion. This is an invaluable tool in life including business life. I was a plant production superintendent for a large manufacturing operation and I learned early on from bad examples that you really do catch more flies with honey ! The time invested in discussing difficult issues nearly always produces better solutions. I can totally agree with the decisions you made about the bush hogging. Not that my opinion matters. 😜 Great video 👍👍
Your opinion definitely matters. Great to see you my friend
Well that’s just GREAT! Now I won’t be able to operate the 309 when I come to visit. I will stop somewhere for some JB weld I guess.
Roy! That was just flat out wrong…😡😡😡
🤣🤣🤣. I’ll get ya trained up on some footwork
Really love following along with you lately. It's like having a nice conversation with you.
I agree!!! I really enjoy getting in the comments with everyone
I love watching Your videos ! You explain how & what to do . TAKE CARE, Todd !! Love & regards to Your FAMILY . 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thanks again Mary!
I owned a hvac company for years and we always had customers pay for equipment up front period, I almost got burned once but they paid for the equipment and forgot they did (this was a big company) than they canceled on me last minute like 2 days before we could go pick up equipment that had just gotten built and had another company install a used unit 2 days faster it was crazy because they didn't even come to pick up there new equipment from my shop when it came in just crazy, so I agree with non refundable down payments 100 percent and now that I have an excavation business we do the same because people change there minds or they just find someone to come in faster and they don't care if you lose money or business do to setting time for them
That down to earth chat about deposits was great. Thanks for the insight.
Anytime Carson 👍
Hey hey Todd.!! Heidi & I both like the camera view that shows a little bit of your face from inside the 309. Removing the drive handles gives a great view of the bucket doing its thing.!! We also love seeing the daily uploads. I picked up an antique 1973 ford f600 dump truck a month ago & I bought a mini skid steer yesterday. These will be a great addition to my mini excavator. My wife & I have learned so much from you as we fix the old logging roads on our 100 acres. Thank you and keep the videos coming.!! We hope Roy is behaving himself. Take care and ttyl.!! 👍🏾
Thanks to y’all for being a part of the family 🙏🏻
Todd, i totally understand and agree with the half down policy that you have. Dealing with the public for a little over 40 years I agree 100%. Please keep up the good work.
Will do Charles!!!
Hey Todd, love the Videos! I got a 305 ng with a Tiltrotator and absolutely love the Machine. Did you ever thought about a Tiltrotator? And how did you set up the Machine in terms of Joystick Response and Implement speed (in the Monitor)? I don’t really like the Settings from the Factory.
I honestly don’t have enough use for a tilt rotator for the cost. I run everything on slow response most of the time. The thumb I typically have set at 20% flow rate
You are one of the good guys and that's why I keep watching your videos. Keep on truckin! Or is it excavatin?
Both!!! 🤣
Never really understood the sticks when you have the pedals and joystick controls. Looks great with out them in you way, visibility seems much better from the cameras view. GREAT idea!
Thanks Lawrence 🙏🏻
And here I go subscribing again , youtube is loving taking my scripts away from me lately
It unsubscribed you from me?
@DigginLife21 yes on both channels a couple times now I know it tellbyou who added your script you will see my name lately friend , it's taken a few subscriptions off me the past 2 weeks
Definitely interested in why the grease fitting isn't working and what your solution is. I have a fitting on the main boom of my mini excavator that has the same issue.
Video is up
@@DigginLife21 I appreciate it!
Maybe I am different, but I don't expect a discount due to friendship, but I also don't expect to be obligated to use them due to friendship. It is often the case that "friends and/or family" are the ones that do you wrong. One needs to remember that a person who is interested in your success doesn't want to get a cut rate price at your expense. .
Well said Scott
Do what you got to do to take care of you and yours!! I usually require payment for materials up front in full, then if they back out I am not out nothing and I will drop materials off to them, for an added charge! I charge 50% for hauling up front, just to pay for fuel and maintenance on equipment and we know how high fuel prices are!! Keep the videos coming, I am learning at lot from watching them!!
Thanks and will do Yancy 👍👍👍
Todd, I found that if a customer didn't want to give a deposit, refundable or not, he was able to keep shopping for a lower price, even though you both agreed, he was free to look around without commitment to you because so far he has no investment. For some their promise and hand shake mean nothing. By the way, all my deals were on paper.
Yep!!! Goes have some kind of commitment these days
In my 39 years in business, I have been bit for culverts, gravel and other materials, so it's a good idea to get the money up front for all materials and a fee for moving, I have two large companies that have been with me for over 20 years so they don't have to put down anything , because of our history but everyone else has to , In my state while the gravel is on your truck it 's yours but when you dump it on their land it's theirs, just food for thought;;;;;;;;;like the videos
Thanks for the insight Dustin 🙏🏻
Love the mods and view much better!
I totally agree with you on the deposit issue that's just the best way to do it and not have big holes in your schedule. Great Channel!!!
Glad you enjoyed!
Save the handles.
Some people love the handles... some people hate em.
True story
Todd you ever thought about doing a podcast. Centered arund excavation contractors or site work contractors like yourself. Im one as well in Henderson county and hearing you talk about these deposits would make great conversation topics and even education joe public. You could even do sit down interviews with other contractors near us.
I’ve not really considered doing an actual podcast. I’m honestly not sure how a podcast works 🤣
Mudnducs is clearly not a contractor nor have they ever been in business for themselves. That was an awesome and clear explination.
I try to be thorough
Another good video brother! I dont know how but for some reason, my last 2 comments have disappeared.
I think something weird is going on. I’ve had a couple people say they got unsubscribed 🤦🏼♂️
Thanks for the info on the deposit! Folks that dont do it dont really understand the "calendar gamble" that youre in. Scheduling is MAJOR and takes a ton of time. I liked the comment you made about "hiring customers" rhat really stuck with me. I liked that. . . A LOT
Yeah buddy!!!
Todd I felt the same way as Murdock till you explained if you turn other customers down to do their jobs and the customer cancels on you it’s to late to fill the schedule for that spot and it gently forces the Custer that paid the deposit to follow through with the deal
Yes sir 👍
We LIKE the Time Laps Vlogs !!! 😊😊😊
Glad you like them!
What was that app you where clocking in on called
I just make notes in my phones calendar
I agree with you deposits should be done!
No doubt
Thanks for another great video Todd.
You bet
Todd, I really like the idea of a non refundable deposit. I’m an electrician and have (thank you God}) not been screwed on the bill. Although have had people have me start a job then shop around for a lower, switch to another electrician (I’ve been paid for my time). I’ve also had people ask for information on certain jobs, I do all the research and pricing only for them to use it with someone else. I’m going start calling professor Todd just be you spend so much time trying teach all of us 👍
Ya know I had an 8th grade social studies teacher that called me Professor T.K.😂
This happened to me recently. After the initial site visit, which included a thorough explanation of how to accomplish the work, I received an email thanking me for the advice and informing me that they went with someone else. I politely asked for the difference in my competitor's quote vs mine. We'll see if I get a response.
Was there no way of unbolting those controls? It’s none of my business what you do to your equipment, I’m just curious. Still entertaining on my end. 👍🏻👍🏻
Not in my machine. The sticks are welded to the base of the pedals.
Wow! Not one of Cat’s smarter ideas. I’ve only ran a New Holland 57 excavator, helping a cousin out occasionally, and the heel part is way too small. I hate the sticks on it too. You have to bend over the whole time you’re tracking anywhere.
Did you void the warranty on that machine by cutting those sticks ??? 😂😂😂 . Also maybe a bigger piece of glass with a longer or bigger wiper for a larger machine would work . Maybe wouldn't have that line where the 2 glasses meet in your view . IDK anything is possible.
I tell ya what Michael if it did void the warranty…it would probably be worth it 🤣
@@DigginLife21the view is already 💯 better!!!
I learn so much from you. Thanks
Happy to hear that!
You da man!😁😁😜😜
No…you are!!!
Fantastic view now
I totally agree!!!
🪚🤪😫🥴
😁😁😁
Understand people.. If you are truly a standup guy like i beleive todd is.. And you have a customer that has a non refundable deposit.. And you truly are not out from any materials or labor. Or created a scheduling conflict.. You can choose to refund them.. Hell i have. Even if you withhold the hour or so it took you to bid. Nothing to say you cant give it back. But thats the exception not the rule. I beleive sticking by your bid price already speaks fairness and honesty. I have been in biz 3 years and everyone of my final invoices were less than my bid. Even if only 30 bucks. It builds a reputation. Except one job i lost on bigtime. So i stuck with the full bid price on that one. And by the time it was all over i made about ten bucks an hour.. Bottom line is find what works for your situation and sometimes its a struggle to get in your rythym
Well said Austin
Mr. AJ removed his sticks a while ago. He said he recently fabricated and added the spacers for the pedals. I think he’s in Latvia.
I really enjoy your videos, especially when Sophie is around to help you out! Keep up the great work!
Thanks John!!!! I didn’t realize he made the spacers
Good morning Todd. I would like to comment on yesterday's video also. Mainly because I got side tracked and forgot. Anyway, it was about the pond bank. I'm not a contractor but I'm speaking from my experience. When I put new grass seed down I'll mix a good bit of winter wheat seed with the grass seed. Then put the hay or straw down. The winter wheat will germinate in about 2 to 3 days and it will hold things together untill the grass seed germinates and it will help keep things from washing out. Also, it's pretty inexpensive in our area. God bless and have a wonderful day. 👍👍🙂
I’ll have to check to see exactly what’s in the mix. I’m pretty sure a little of everything 😂
Todd I appreciate you sharing your thought process on deposits and explaining it so well. I honestly hadn’t thought about it the way you explained it. There have been a couple instances I have had that to happen to me. I’m new to the business. And yes it’s been sort people you would think that there would be no problem. I haven’t took a deposit yet on a job unless it was going to include materials or dump fees etc. I did that on one occasion but I do appreciate the advice. It’s got me thinking how i would need to go about getting a deposit depending on what happens during quoting.
It takes time to figure it all out
Hi buddy
Hey Niklas!!! Still cool over there?!
@@DigginLife21 all good
I have owned Construction Companies and managed them for many years. On the question of deposits, you have to do it. We always covered all the material plus ten percent of the total for overhead. Most of our jobs were Water and sewer Plants and lift stations, so that is a lot of money.
Great input George
Boy we can see everything now Todd, and if you ever had to put them back in, yeah some round stock and a few tack welds, good as new, the ponds looking great.
Thanks Joe!!! Thanks for dropping in
👍
👍👍🙏🏻
I always look at requiring a deposit is to make sure the customer is real and are not going to shop your price and try and get it done cheaper and faster!
Not to mention by someone that may or may not have workers compensation or general liability insurance .
You and I know that it’s not cheap!
Wise words Curtis!!! Great to see you
Actually had a customer agree on price only to turn around and say they had gotten someone else a few days before the start date. Live and learn. Thanks for the education, Todd.
@bp5558 yep
I would’ve done that a long time ago
I wish I had Joe 😎
i have been looking all over for magnetic mounts like that. can you share where you got them? thanks!
Neewer Magnetic Action Camera... www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZY8DB11?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
@@DigginLife21 awesome thank you!
After taking those sticks off you even have a better view out the bottom window
Great isn’t it!!!
👍
👍👍
I can send you a hat
Po. 536
Swannanoa, NC 28778
What size shirt you wear also?
@@BillTalkington-g5r XL