This kind of ties in with my post about craftmen being thieves,

I explain to all my customers how I bill : I use a basic rate book with the various pay scales for each trade, show them the rate, briefly explain my overhead and profit mark ups and work involved for a particular project. I invite them to ask questions, etc I have been in business for only 4+ years and I am looking to add my 3rd employee. I am booking projects for next May. I feel good about my work and sleep well at night. I have no idea how other contractors in my city or any others work/conduct business but the practice I have developed seems to be working well. Strangely enough I have gotten referrals because, as the customer said, I called back and showed up when I said I would.

it is great to hear of your level of satisfaction. it is a great
measure of success. remember to continue your attentive salesmanship
and performance with each customer. an excellect contractor i know
suffered mentally for quite awhile after the first weasel screwed him
on payment.
you will achieve continued recommendations with follow up visit and
periodic phone calls or christmas cards. [for roofers, santa claus
cards come to mind.]
while we were here we saw your ____ needed repair and took care of that
for you.
when the contractor shows up bringing coffee and donuts to the
homeowner 20 minutes early and vacuums every splinter out of the
driveway at the end of each day, he'll have a happy customer for life.


srazor wrote:
This kind of ties in with my post about craftmen being thieves,

I explain to all my customers how I bill : I use a basic rate book with the various pay scales for each trade, show them the rate, briefly explain my overhead and profit mark ups and work involved for a particular project. I invite them to ask questions, etc I have been in business for only 4+ years and I am looking to add my 3rd employee. I am booking projects for next May. I feel good about my work and sleep well at night. I have no idea how other contractors in my city or any others work/conduct business but the practice I have developed seems to be working well. Strangely enough I have gotten referrals because, as the customer said, I called back and showed up when I said I would.