Just realized underbidding actually lost me a repeat client

I was at a job in Orlando last spring and quoted a driveway and fence wash for $180 just to beat out another guy. Did the work in 4 hours and the owner seemed happy. When he called me back 3 months later for his house, he asked why another company quoted $400 and I only did $180. I stumbled trying to explain my pricing and he went with the other guy. My low rate made me look cheap and untrustworthy to him. Has anyone else had a low quote backfire into making you look less professional?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_riley3d ago

A buddy of mine lost a gig the same way.

sanchez.julia3d ago

Wait, he actually lost the whole gig over that? Not just a warning or a cut in pay? Guy I know got docked half his pay for showing up late to soundcheck. But full on fired? That's brutal. Sucks when a single screw up wipes out the whole job. Especially if it was something small like a gear mix up or a traffic jam. Makes you wonder what the line is for getting canned versus getting a pass.

zarag172d ago

Funny you say that. I used to have this issue ALL the time until I started texting the band leader or sound guy the night before. Just a quick "hey, see you at 4 tomorrow, got the gear ready." It sounds small but it really cuts down on the miscommunication. Also started leaving my house 30 minutes earlier than I thought I needed. Traffic is a beast and I'd rather sit in the van for 20 minutes than miss soundcheck. Eventually my punctuality became my reputation and people started booking me specifically because I was reliable. It's a shame your friend got canned over it but sometimes that hard lesson is the only one that sticks.