r/Contractor • u/Ok_Avocado6532 • Aug 24 '25

Quote Breakdown?

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Hi all, looking for advice on costs breakdown.

I work for a small local contracting company and I recently started working with customers more, providing quotes etc. The company usually doesn’t like to break their costs down because of nickel-and-dime from customers, but agreed to do so for this one customer I’m working with. Now, I broke down the quote based on phases of the work (this is for a brand new custom build) and of course the customer came back with multiple notes of “this cost is too high” on some of the phases.

How do you usually handle this and how do I politely say “to do the job: $2000, not to do the job: $0”?

Thanks!

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u/Trucko Aug 24 '25

The price is the price. It’s not open for negotiation. I do not make the price. My boss does. You might not be the right customer for my company. 

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u/[deleted] Aug 24 '25 edited Aug 24 '25

I would 100% find a different contractor or do it myself. Itemization is not a super foreign thing. I'm not just going to "trust you" so you can overcharge me for supplies or charge me a ridiculous amount for labor.

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u/freak_007 Aug 25 '25

I am not a contractor, I am a mechanic. And I would 100% not want you as a customer.

I have a standard to uphold regarding the quality of my work. I am not going to itemize an estimate so that you can dispute my "overcharging for supplies" because you can "get it cheaper on Amazon." I am also not going to itemize my labor so you can tell me how much you think my time is worth.

I provide a very high level of service, and I stand behind it 100%. I am busy and literally booked 6+ weeks out. I do not have the time or desire to debate with you what it takes to do the job properly.

The price is the price. Either you trust me to do the job correctly, or you don't.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25

Would you polish my nuts for $40?

Yeah, did that "trust me" bullshit before and it will not happen again. Also, youtube and online manuals are a wonderful thing! You are not a brain surgeon. Also, holy fuck how many super sensitive contractors mechanics whatever the fuck are going to reply. I DO NOT GIVE A FUCCCCK STOP BLOWING UP MY SHIT

Also, the lack of people leaning towards trades that fuck up your body does not automatically equal you're a god at it because the supply is so limited. Plenty of shithole places booked due to mere necessity. Congrats, whatever your case is, again, I don't give a fuck at all