Adjust the bill or let it ride?

[bigredviking]

Bit of a rant coming. Just finished a job with a twist, looking for some advice. Quoted removal, client wanted all trunk wood cut to 18” and slash piled. His property is on a steep, barely walkable bank into a lake. Groundies made nice neat piles of slash at the bottom of a steep gully out of sight and out of the way. As we’re packing up at the end of the day client (as he’s pulling out of the driveway) mentions that if we “want” we can back our trailer into the drive way to pick up the slash as he doesn’t want it...

Now, I have a signed quote that states all slash to be piled, and the job was quoted as such. We just spent the better half of a day dragging brush out of what felt like the Grand Canyon that was not accounted for in the quote.

Here’s my question: Go back to him and adjust the bill, or just let it ride? I can see pros and cons to both, but I’d like to hear what those with more experience do in this situation.


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[Jehinten]

In my experience when a bid changes mid job, it is best to discuss the changes and prices for that change before completing the new job parameters. I typically build options into my quotes, so the price is already set for that extra option. I just have to point it out on the quote and say it is so much for xy&z.

 

[Barc Buster]

I have to agree. No need to get worked up over it, but it would kindly and professionally point out that sorry but the contract was for no brush removal. I would then state that brush removal will be xyz price.

 

[RoyalTree]

If you did it without discussing an additional charge with your customer you are going to have to eat that unless the customer asks how much extra for the debris removal when he goes to pay. Make sure you always point out any changes in the original estimate and explain the additional cost before doing the work.

 

[RopeShield]

adjust the bill.
he is not stupid? ask for extra pay extra. simple. he thinks you do work for free?
if he is stupid and complains and says he won't pay the bill.
send it to collection agency. then you know he trying to take advantage of you.

 

[ATH]

You definitely should have discussed when he asked. But it sounds like you didn't. I'd probably make it clear on the invoice:
"XYZ as originally quoted"
"Additional charge for removal of slash as requested by Mr. ABC at job site".

If they call and complain, I'd probably explain the charge, apologize for not communicating that, and tell them because I didn't discuss that I'll drop the additional charge.

 

[Tr33Climb3r]

Honestly it sounds like you worked for free. We have change of quote slips and additional work slips for stuff just like this. The crew leader writes the additional work or change of quote specs with what the extra charge is and have the client sign it. It's a carbon copy so we give one to them.



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[arborcareman]

@ Tr33Climb3r-
That sounds like a great idea !
Whenever the customer asks for something different than what’s on the proposal, you really do need to immediately indicate if there will be an up charge.



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[southsoundtree]

@ Tr33Climb3r-
That sounds like a great idea !
Whenever the customer asks for something different than what’s on the proposal, you really do need to immediately indicate if there will be an up charge.



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Of course we can do that for you.
We can add that to the Scope of Work at our hourly rate, or do you want a bid price?

 

[Sfoppema]

You should have just told him it would be extra on the spot. Then he would have probably said nevermind and you'd have saved your ass from dragging all that brush. I'd say you're safe to charge extra, but should have definitely told him ahead of time you'd be charging more. "If you want?" Yeah, bud, I really want to drag brush out of your backyard. Sounds like a cheapskate to me!