A client's 'friend who knows a guy' is almost always a problem

I'm talking about the client who, before you even start, says 'my buddy's cousin does this stuff and he said it should only cost about $2,500'. That number is never based on your actual scope, just some random guess. It sets you up to fight over every line item because they think they already know the price. I had a kitchen remodel where the client kept bringing up his 'friend's quote' that was half my bid, but that friend was never going to do the job. It took me two extra weeks just to get the deposit because they kept second-guessing. Has anyone else had to deal with this phantom 'expert' friend derailing a project from day one?

3 comments

3 Comments

johnson.nora20d ago

Half your bid? That's wild lol

nora_webb5120d ago

Yeah I saw a blog post where a guy said he always starts at 40% of his max budget. Leaves room for back and forth without getting screwed.

kevinm1719d ago

Depends on the project honestly. I've had clients walk away if the first number is too low, makes them think you don't get the scope. Starting closer to your real rate can build trust.