So last Friday we were left at a job that should have taken half a day. Turned into a full late day with about $1000 of extra cutting we didn't get paid for. Our customer gave a check half way through. It was cashed before we were done, and the customer came back with the estimate sheet that had two words I could not read and a map that was not even accurate. I like the people I was working for, but we were taken full advantage of and I was just about to loose my 'S' word. Even beer hasn't tasted the same since. I wish I could make the sales guy understand the estimate sheet is a legal document that CAN NOT be half assed.
The Estimate Sheet.
- Thread starter dttm
- Start date
Gorman
Branched out member
- Location
- Rhode Island
The boss should have a talk with the sales guys. I’m a boss and he’s the first one I’d call.
flyingsquirrel25
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- South East, PA
When you get a sales guy to get his stuff together let me know... I don’t know how these guys that have so little experience in tree work, can be selling jobs they have no idea how they are going to get done and are so far disconnected from they crews they sell for. I’m glad I sell for my own crew. When I screw up, It’s my fault and I have to deal with it.... so maybe next time I’ll do better!
You cant just watch a crew wreck a job out, and know why it happened that way.
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flyingsquirrel25
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- South East, PA
Sure, I can but I do it everyday!
cerviarborist
Very stable member
- Location
- Florida, USA
Jobs like that, unless I'm some how financially linked to the outcome, I just shrug and internally recite my mantra "Not my circus....not my monkeys...Not my circus....not my monkeys..." The company owner is the one losing money by having to pay workers more hours, and by not being able to produce revenue with the time it takes to cover the poor estimate. If they don't have an issue, then why are you giving yourself an ulcer over it? If you're getting paid by the hour, then let the owner do the owner, and the estimator do the estimator.. and you do the best you that you can do.
CanaryBoss
Branched out member
- Location
- Jacksonville
We are a pretty decent size company ($15k plus a day) and I deal with this problem occasionally. IT ALL COMES DOWN TO EXPERIENCE IN THE FEILD!!!!!!
It’s no wonder I’m the best estimator I have
I’m a 14 year climber and I started this company from day one with nothing. Im followed very closely by my business manager who dragged brush and roped for me when it was just me and him. I have and have had other estimators who miss the mark from time to time. Nobody bats a thousand, but when it happens regularly here’s what I do;
1.)Immediately postpone the underbid job.
2.)clear the estimators schedule for a day
3.)reclassify my estimator under “tree work” workman’s comp for that day
4.)reschedule the job with the estimator present as a groundie
5.)let him feel the pain.
It works. I swear it works so good we have to have a talk with them a couple weeks later because they are busting peoples heads with the work orders they are writing.
It’s no wonder I’m the best estimator I have
I’m a 14 year climber and I started this company from day one with nothing. Im followed very closely by my business manager who dragged brush and roped for me when it was just me and him. I have and have had other estimators who miss the mark from time to time. Nobody bats a thousand, but when it happens regularly here’s what I do;
1.)Immediately postpone the underbid job.
2.)clear the estimators schedule for a day
3.)reclassify my estimator under “tree work” workman’s comp for that day
4.)reschedule the job with the estimator present as a groundie
5.)let him feel the pain.
It works. I swear it works so good we have to have a talk with them a couple weeks later because they are busting peoples heads with the work orders they are writing.
Stephen Moore
Branched out member
- Location
- Anglemont
What do they use a score method to price a job? If a tree is 24 inches it costs this much kinda thing? Cuz we all know a 24” Pine is way different than a 24” monkey puzzle tree!
Stephen Moore
Branched out member
- Location
- Anglemont
If I can be so opined, there is no way on planet Earth I would hire someone to estimate tree jobs without at least 10 years in the biz. And if they screw the pooch more than would be considered normal, they would be doin the takedown or be looking for other employment.
CanaryBoss
Branched out member
- Location
- Jacksonville
Hourly rate. We charge $500 per hour for our “big” crews. $250 per hour for our small crew. Estimators need to know what it will take time wise. There is no difference in price based on liability. I don’t care if it’s in a field or over a glass house. All that matters is how long it will take setup to breakdown.
Stephen Moore
Branched out member
- Location
- Anglemont
Do you climb the palms or use the spider?
CanaryBoss
Branched out member
- Location
- Jacksonville
Both. Climbing ain’t always quick, but sometimes neither is laying plywood. Whatever works best and safest. Of course I’m whatever a customer wants me to be though. If they are all; “don’t spike my tree” I’m like “of course we won’t”
Stephen Moore
Branched out member
- Location
- Anglemont
Those things have armour though don’t they? What harm would a pole spike do to them?
It can be quicker.
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Stephen Moore
Branched out member
- Location
- Anglemont
Dude Canary is hiring! Sounds like a good gig there... fancy gear, dusty palm trees and boobies! Wtf
