11/28/2020
A customer asked me how much I would charge to tow his Corvette stuck in park and broken ignition switch to the dealer.
My reply: $225.00.
His reply: WOW, just to tow it 10 miles? Why so much?
My reply: Well, this estimate also includes for the non productive factors.
He questioned: What is nonproductive factors?"
My reply: Just the usual things like taxes, tow truck insurance, shop rent, fuel etc, etc.
I asked: How much do you think it should cost?
He responded matter-of-factly: Around $115 at the most... It's just going 10 miles and a fairly simple job right?
I calmly said: Okay sir, for $115 I invite you to do it yourself.
He said: But.... I don't know how to.
I replied: Okay, for $50 I'll teach you. So besides saving you $175, you'll get the knowledge for the next time.
It seemed right to him and he agreed.
I continued: To get started you will need a $70,000 tow truck with insurance @ $12,000 a year and registration fees of $1200 for the first year, $5,000 worth of equipment, an office, a dispatcher, a shop to fix and maintain your truck, permits, fuel etc...
He said: But I don't have all this type of equipment and I can't afford to buy all of these things just to tow my Corvette.
I offered: Okay then, for an additional $100 I'll rent my equipment to you, but I have to drive the truck. You will still save a few bucks.
Okay, he says.
I replied: So on Tuesday I will be available to start teaching you. There are very specific techniques and skills you will have to learn to load this car with no damage being done.
He said: But I can't on Tuesday I only have time today.
I said: I'm sorry sir, but Tuesday is the only day this week that I will be available to teach and rent you my equipment. The rest of the week is already scheduled for other customers.
He exclaimed frustrated: Damn! That means I gotta rearrange my schedule and sacrifice my whole Tuesday?!
I said: That is correct sir!
Also, loading of the Corvette will take place Tuesday morning around 6am. After the tow is complete, all equipment and tools need to be cleaned and reloaded back on to the tow truck neat and organized.
He asked in disbelief: At 6am???
Nope! Way too early for me! So much work just to tow a car?
You know what, I've been doing some serious thinking and I've decided that it would be best if you just went ahead and did the job for me for $225. It seems fair now and I'd rather it be done right by true professionals.
The moral of the story for any buyer:
When you hire a professional to do a job, you're not only paying for the labor and material being used. It also includes:
Knowledge
Experience
Tools
Services
Punctuality
Accountability
Professionalism
Accuracy
Guarantee
Sacrifices
Safety and security
No one can denigrate other people's work by judging prices.
Only by knowing all the elements necessary to complete a certain project can you estimate the true cost.
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