> Just one problem, Hugh. There's no way all
> that's happening for $350 :)

Hah! I knew that! :)

At first I put down $1,350. Don't know why I changed it to $350 --- anyway, I stand by my disclaimer. I know nothing about deck restoration!

> I learned fast that I'm doing top quality
> work, better than people expect, better than
> the competition.

> I have an attention to detail that cannot be
> shut off. I'm willing to go the extra mile
> to make it look great. I have a steady hand
> for the powerwasher and a hatred for algae
> that guides my every action.

No doubt you're up against some guys (the "competition") who are in it "for the money". They're really no competition at all for a guy who hates algae!

Attention to detail is the sign of a true professional --- and you don't have to be in a business 10 years to BE professional.

When I started to learn how to put up gutters, I was better than many others on my very first day on the job. Not said to brag, but it's because of attention to detail and dedication to doing the best possible job, no matter what it takes.

When you ARE professional, you don't even have to say anything about the quality of your work when talking with a homeowner. It (your intention to to the best possible job) will automatically communicate to them when you tell them what you are going to do for them.

> No homeowner wants to pay an arm and a leg
> to have their deck done.

True, but they don't want a sloppy job either. Just curious...have you tried going into detail about what you are going to do for them before giving the price? I'm serious. The guy who taught me how to do that had to pound on me to get me to do it the first time. But I'd listen to him as he talked to homeowners on the phone (he owned a roofing company). Homeowner: "How much is it going to cost me?" Chuck: "OK, here's what we're going to do: First, we're going to ... then we're going to...blah, blah, blah, and so on, and so on." And when he finally gave them the price, they almost always said "When can you do it?"

No pressure, no hype. Just "Here's what you're getting for your dough."

Try it. It works like a bomb against price resistance!

> Hugh, You're giving us tools anyone can use
> to make a bootstrap biz work. And work to
> whatever tune someone wants it to. I, for
> one, appreciate it. And I'm sure many others
> on the forum echo those sentiments.

Thanks for that Erik.

--- Hugh