My brother told me to always ask for the full scope before giving a quote

He said it after I got burned on a job last year where the client kept adding 'small' things. Last month I took a project for a bakery in Tacoma and made them list every single detail, down to the font for the menu board. It turned out they wanted way more than I thought, so my quote was double my first guess. Has anyone else had a client try to hide the real work until after you agree?

3 comments

3 Comments

drews5526d ago

Heard about a buddy who quoted a simple fence repair. The homeowner casually mentioned staining it "while you're out there" after they shook hands. That stain job needed two full coats on brand new wood, which basically doubled the labor and material cost right there. My friend had to eat the cost because it wasn't in the original scope.

charlie19826d ago

Ever have a client get mad when you ask for all the details up front? Like they think you're being difficult?

lisas7826d ago

Tell me about it. They act like you're asking for their social security number just to give a real price.