We are not alone. These client game strategies are just that and applied in every business. Take a course in negotiating and you'll find many of them and how to counter them. That's how I spotted one in a previous career. It was a classic strategy. Once I understood the client's "game" I was able to play to a win but, more importantly a win-win (another negotiating strategy from the Harvard negotiating handbook, "Getting to Yes"). Don't be put off by people trying to get the best deal. Yes, it's amazingly wonderful when clients just nod and sign the contract while handing you their wallet. But, once again, your a business person first, tree guy second. Act like a business person. Know your competitive advantage over other companies in your area. Be prepared to explain the value in your service. Price each tree as if it's the only one your going to do then calculate a "volume discount" and show it on the estimate with an explanation. Be clear that their is a minimum cost to just show up so, taking one tree or a bunch out of the estimate will not result in a line for line price drop. If you are going to do something for free, show the cost or normal charge for it then apply the discount. By doing it this way they know it's VALUE! Be prepared to walk or you will never be able to win.
As for lot lines, you are the professional and this is part of our profession and thus you should know. Not being able to deal with this makes you, in the eyes of the law, either negligent or incompetent. Which one do you want it to be? Boundary trees are suspect, period. Ask for a survey–they'll usually have one since most mortgages require it–and if it's dated then presume the tree has grown onto the neighbor's side. Ask if they have discussed it with their neighbor. Let them know you'll also be wanting to talk with the neighbor since you may need to obtain permission to enter onto their property. This is similar to the city tree the client wants you to prune, remove or deal with somehow. Know what that town ordinance is. Around me, the easy way to tell is to measure 10' from the curb, in Ontario it was 33' from the center of the roadway. If the tree falls even partially in that it's to be considered a town/city tree and any restrictions apply. I've had to submit a request in writing to prune a tree and receive written approval. Client was happy I knew the law and help to facilitate their request. The town appreciated that a professional was doing the work and that they weren't going to be left dealing with the aftermath. The day I did the work, a neighbor saw me in the tree and called the town. The inspector rolled up, nodded and waved and continued on his merry way, all smiles.
Dog crap..... we'll clear away a few turds but do notify clients that they need to clean the yard prior to our arrival. Only once did I leave a job site due to an horrendous amount of it and a call to the client that we would only return once the yard was completely cleared of it. Yeah, 3 deep and nary a blade of grass to be seen.
Building bridges is much more useful than burning them...
