Return To Comments

Not to long ago ....... after giving the client an estimate ......... I received this email

He wrote to me:
Brian -
Thanks for the update. I wasn't anticipating a crating charge - that leaves the project a bit over budget.
Do you have any flexibility in your prices, or are they firm?

Thanks,
John Doe



I wrote him back with this email:
Dear John,
(with tongue in cheek) I asked myself ................

Why not use mill-run Redwood rather the Old Growth Vertical Grain Redwood?
I would ask you to please call every building materials store in NY state and see if they have "old growth Redwood" ..... they won't.

Why not provide the door unfinished ??
...... and the customer can deal with that even though I would oil the door, panels, and jambs 4 times before placing the panels into the door.

Couldn't I save a few bucks by not using the finest industrial glue and stainless steel fasteners for the stops?

Then ......... why not wrap the door in some inexpensive padding and sandwich it between cardboard with steel strapping (and a prayer) ? 
You might wish to compare "the cardboard box" with my shipping case at
http://www.MendocinoDoors.com/ShippingCase

and ........ I'll bet if I send it on a common carrier, it may not be insured for the full amount, but I can sure save a "chunk" on shipping!

Finally ......... I can remove that sappy comment on my website ..... "craftsmanship above compromise"
......... and then I can finally have something called ..... a large profit margin ..... which I don't ........

BUT ...... worry not ......... I took my tongue out of my cheek and asked myself one question
............. "If I don't take the time to do it right ... when will I have time to do it over ??"
(also on my site)

I do understand my estimate exceeding your budget and I certainly don't wish to cause any difficulties in anyone's life. The making of a door is supposed to be fun and beautiful .... for both client and maker.

Thank you for considering me for your door project and thank you for visiting my site.

My regards
Brian
707-964-0635


He wrote back:
Brian -
Fair play to you. I am an inexperienced door purchaser as you can well imagine; and I want to purchase the best door possible while keeping costs somewhat under control.
Based on our conversations, emails back and forth, and the craftsmanship I've seen on your website, there's no doubt in my mind you're a top notch craftsman. It's still difficult for me to get a firm grip on pricing, but having asked the question and seeing your response, it appears to me that your margins are as tight as your business allows.

So let's go ahead with the project. ......................................

Thanks,
John D

Return To Comments