I had a simple project. I needed someone with his skills to either complete it or to reinterpret the design. I sent a request for quote, and received this;
"The brackets as shown in your drawing do not meet code requirements for handrails and are visually uninteresting. A similar shape reaching the same end could be built from standard steel profiles.
I charge $100/hour for production in small quantities of non-standard profile assemblies. I do not provide estimates, I simply charge for time and materials, on my time schedule. I usually charge a minimum of $750 for any new project, sometimes less if I do not have to do any custom forming and I do not have to think too hard. I require earnest money to proceed.
Dan Siglar, Master Blacksmith
315 Lawn Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64124"
A better way he could have responded, "I can help you with your design and making sure it meets code. I have some good ideas on how to improve on the look. Please be aware that I am passionate about my work, and my fees are $100/hour. I usually charge a minimum of $750 for any new project, sometimes less if I do not have to do any custom forming."
If he had said that, I would have considered him, but the way he responded just makes him sound like a complete jerk. Who would want to work with that guy?
Talk about lacking sales skills. For all he know I could be some billionaire who was looking for an example of his skills. Completely ruined any chance at future business. read more