[TheForge] Prices

[Woolley]

Andrew Vida wrote:
> As I said, these are judgment calls.  I do not believe that there are 
> any hard and fast rules, but rather general guidelines.  Loss leaders 
> (giving something away in order to make gains on other fronts) can be 
> money makers, but one really should use these with great care.
>

This is called making samples.  That is the only "giving away" to 
potential clients that I will do. That and a meeting to discuss the 
possible job after a basic description of the job during the initial 
phone call etc. If it is a homeowner, when we first meet I may bring 
some photos or samples or both.  If it is a designer, I try to make them 
come to the shop to show them things or may email them some pictures.  
If  we move on to a quote, I try to cover this time already spent. To 
me, the first meetings are already costing  time/money, but that is the 
price of doing business.  Your competition may be advertising "free 
estimates" etc.  Unfortunately what my shop produces isn't in line with 
what  a Yellin shop or equivalent offers.  I don't have the standing to 
assume that the client comes to me cause he wants only me to do it and 
cost isn't discussed. Those shops obviously wouldn't need to be bothered 
with this thread.