Forum

Replies

• 

  Laurel September 28, 2009 at 1:30pm

  I have always thought that a quote was a fixed price. If there is to be flexibility in the price then you would give someone an estimate. If you were 'quoted' a price in writing, then that is the price.
• 

  GORDON September 28, 2009 at 5:11pm

  Hi Martin
  
  The best way to avoid the situation described is to issue your written purchase order detailing the work required/ described in the sub contractors quotation but covered with your conditions Ie price is fixed and firm etc. Be careful though, as if the sub contractor issues an order confirmation to you, their conditions ( perhaps in the small print) may conflict with yours. On large contracts this can be a thorny issue and needs careful checking before letting any work commence.
• 

  Graeme @ BGS September 28, 2009 at 7:38pm

  Hi Martin, Gordon has covered the key points and previously we discussed having a copy of your sub contractors PI etc.
  
  I assume that you actually quoted the Housing Association in question and then asked for sub contractors to quote you?
  
  Bottom line in my book is that they quoted you and they will either have to work faster or smarter or give it up unless they are happy to take the hit on it.
  
  I appreciate that you have now sorted this but I assumes that you are making a percentage mark-up on the job?
  
  Do you know why they can't complete the job in sufficient time? Was this the first cut for some time? If your team was to do it, could you complete the job in a reasonable amount of time for the money? Just they wait till the grass really starts growing next season!!
• 

  Classic Gardens September 28, 2009 at 10:10pm

  Hi
  
  Gordon thanks for that the subs i use are on a very small scale who dont have contracts, thats one reason why i choose them.
  
  Graeme
  
  I ask the subs for a price first before quoting the housing association, I know how much the job will come to when i first look at it. If they dont make me a profit of say 30% i will do the myself So far i have had no problems.
  
  On the job i mentioned it hadnt been cut for about 3 weeks, which we were aware of anyway the weather was a big factor heavy rain the night before made it really hard going.
  
  Cheers
  
  Martin