Random High Prices Thrown Out When Asking For A Bid From A Business. What Are They Thinking?

[steelepulse]

Does anyone else get this on a regular basis when looking for some work done? A year or two ago, I needed a pretty big tree removed and the first quote came in at what would be 3 to 5 times what it would cost in the west. It took 4 quotes and was still much more than it would cost back home. How much outlay really when you have 2 or 3 guys climbing a tree, cutting off limbs with a chainsaw, using some ropes to get them down and then hauling off the wood?

Last week we had a landscape company come over with a boss and a couple of kids, and was quoted at least double what it would cost for an independent gardener back home.

Are these people that throw out quotes just oblivious as to how ridiculous their pricing is, or do they actually get punters that are willing to pay a lot more for a service than they would back home where wages, taxes and the cost of living is higher. Not sure if it is a Phuket only thing, but it gets old quickly being taken for someone that doesn't know the value of services/ work provided.

//End of rant..............................

[brit1984]

Does anyone else get this on a regular basis when looking for some work done? A year or two ago, I needed a pretty big tree removed and the first quote came in at what would be 3 to 5 times what it would cost in the west. It took 4 quotes and was still much more than it would cost back home. How much outlay really when you have 2 or 3 guys climbing a tree, cutting off limbs with a chainsaw, using some ropes to get them down and then hauling off the wood?

Last week we had a landscape company come over with a boss and a couple of kids, and was quoted at least double what it would cost for an independent gardener back home.

Are these people that throw out quotes just oblivious as to how ridiculous their pricing is, or do they actually get punters that are willing to pay a lot more for a service than they would back home where wages, taxes and the cost of living is higher. Not sure if it is a Phuket only thing, but it gets old quickly being taken for someone that doesn't know the value of services/ work provided.

//End of rant..............................

Phuket is one of the more affluent areas in Thailand, with some of the wealthiest residents, so I am not surprised if some service providers charge high prices.

Whether or not those prices are really higher than the prices "back home" probably depends whether back home is South Kensington or South Shields.

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

[Lannatyne]

There's no subtlety, or skill, in their negotiations. Just a high price, and see how it goes.

The most annoying thing is that many would rather walk away from a job paying fair money, and instead go and sit under the nearest tree drinking Leo.

[stevehaigh]

i just got a quote from a builder to build a house for 8000b/m2, for labour only! the most i've ever paid is 2600b/m2. for 8000b/m2 i could get material and labour. and i know the guy and he knows me, he's knows i've built 20 or so houses over the years so i know what to pay.

[BWPattaya]

Just a thought before you get the idea to do it yourself. You cannot buy a chainsaw without a permit, and cannot use one without a licence. Don't buy one and try to do the job yourself. Chainsaws are restricted to prevent illegal logging.

[petercallen]

Just a thought before you get the idea to do it yourself. You cannot buy a chainsaw without a permit, and cannot use one without a licence. Don't buy one and try to do the job yourself. Chainsaws are restricted to prevent illegal logging.

You can buy a chainsaw and use it here as long as the cutting bar is no more than 12 inches long, been there and done it

[Paangjang]

I just got a quote from a couple of electricians for a total re wire, labor only. First one quoted 10,750. Second one quoted 23,000 labor only but said he can discount if this price is too high. Told him to forget about it.

How can they justify such a difference in quotes for labor only? TIT

Edited August 7, 2012 by Paangjang

[crazykopite]

I have a gardner who does 2 days a week for me 9 in the morning till 4.30 total cost 1,000 + 100 bht in snacks/fruit when he comes I just tell him what I want doing and he gets on with it even when he has done that he will find something else he takes 30 minutes for his lunch only took me 2 years to find him before that I was paying well over the top but that is what he told me he wanted. Only problem is that there is always the chance that they one day will decide they are moving on and do not tell you but that is a chance we all have to take. I purchased all the tools so all he does is turn up on hios bike with his water.

[F1fanatic]

How much were you quoted for cutting down the tree?

I'm genuinely interested as a friend of mine had the same problem - and ended up paying a ridiculous amount.

[petercallen]

How much were you quoted for cutting down the tree?

I'm genuinely interested as a friend of mine had the same problem - and ended up paying a ridiculous amount.

Personally i Paid 700 baht a day for 2 people to cut down and remove 2 Banyan trees

This is what they asked for i i was happy to pay it, i also bought a chainsaw after the first day or they would have taken forever to do the job

When we got them to give us a price on a fairly large fruit tree they quoted 2600 baht, my wife said OK but they could not use our chainsaw, 3 people did the job by hand in 3 hours

They have shifted now and we do not know how to contact them

[steelepulse]

How much were you quoted for cutting down the tree?

I'm genuinely interested as a friend of mine had the same problem - and ended up paying a ridiculous amount.

60K, granted it was 20 metres high and 2 m in diameter, I thought it was outrageous, so got more quotes but was still over the top. Took them less than a day which is good money for 3-4 people, one truck and one saw anywhere in the world for this type of work.

[taninthai]

I just got a quote from a couple of electricians for a total re wire, labor only. First one quoted 10,750. Second one quoted 23,000 labor only but said he can discount if this price is too high. Told him to forget about

How can they justify such a difference in quotes for labor only? TIT

Anyone who quoted me 10,000 bht to rewire my house would not be allowed any where near my house the price is way to cheap and gives the impression they don't know what there doing 25,000 is a good price for rewires in the uk I would charge around 75-100,000 depending on varying factors and these are cheap uk prices I know others that would charge double that again

[Paangjang]

I just got a quote from a couple of electricians for a total re wire, labor only. First one quoted 10,750. Second one quoted 23,000 labor only but said he can discount if this price is too high. Told him to forget about

How can they justify such a difference in quotes for labor only? TIT

Anyone who quoted me 10,000 bht to rewire my house would not be allowed any where near my house the price is way to cheap and gives the impression they don't know what there doing 25,000 is a good price for rewires in the uk I would charge around 75-100,000 depending on varying factors and these are cheap uk prices I know others that would charge double that again

Its not my house though, its a 6mx12m shop. He says it should take him 2 days. I still think 10k is a little over the top but 23k was just silly. Dont forget this is labor only, how can 1 man charge 23,000THB for 2 days labor?

Edit: Are you a sparkey? The electrician I'm employing says i need to buy around 50m of 1.5 cable and 30m of 2.5mm cable. He says he doesn't know anywhere that will sell me less than the standard 100m reel. Anybody?

Edited August 7, 2012 by Paangjang

[taninthai]

It's a bit worrying if he claims to be electrician then doesn't know anywhere to buy cable in 50 meter rolls

10,000 for a shop that size dunno really 2 men 2 days = 2500 a day each good money by thai standards don't know what is involved so can't really comment

[Paangjang]

It's a bit worrying if he claims to be electrician then doesn't know anywhere to buy cable in 50 meter rolls

10,000 for a shop that size dunno really 2 men 2 days = 2500 a day each good money by thai standards don't know what is involved so can't really comment

Agree, thats my point. Its a lot. I think the part where he says just buy 2 times 100m rolls just means he wants the left overs... I'll have to go and see what i can find.

[madmitch]

I just got a quote from a couple of electricians for a total re wire, labor only. First one quoted 10,750. Second one quoted 23,000 labor only but said he can discount if this price is too high. Told him to forget about

How can they justify such a difference in quotes for labor only? TIT

Anyone who quoted me 10,000 bht to rewire my house would not be allowed any where near my house the price is way to cheap and gives the impression they don't know what there doing 25,000 is a good price for rewires in the uk I would charge around 75-100,000 depending on varying factors and these are cheap uk prices I know others that would charge double that again

Its not my house though, its a 6mx12m shop. He says it should take him 2 days. I still think 10k is a little over the top but 23k was just silly. Dont forget this is labor only, how can 1 man charge 23,000THB for 2 days labor?

Edit: Are you a sparkey? The electrician I'm employing says i need to buy around 50m of 1.5 cable and 30m of 2.5mm cable. He says he doesn't know anywhere that will sell me less than the standard 100m reel. Anybody?

I bought a 50m reel in Chalong Homepro a few weeks ago. It was on special offer so possibly not regular stock.

[KarenBravo]

There's a good electrical shop just before the turning to the Phuket zoo coming from Chalong.

They have an Osram sign outside. Very friendly service. Maybe they have the cable you want.

[Spoonman]

How much were you quoted for cutting down the tree?

I'm genuinely interested as a friend of mine had the same problem - and ended up paying a ridiculous amount.

60K, granted it was 20 metres high and 2 m in diameter, I thought it was outrageous, so got more quotes but was still over the top. Took them less than a day which is good money for 3-4 people, one truck and one saw anywhere in the world for this type of work.

Not in Australia you wont.

Something of that size will start at Bt.150,000 assuming is an easy drop with no electrical obstructions.

[LivinginKata]

Getting back to the OT, seems to me that 'tradesmen' here just size you up and see how much they can extort. The cowboys/low quality tradesmen are the worst. Electricians and house painter try for some amazing prices. Pays to shop about, get recommendations. There are some good/fair tradesmen out there, but hard to find, and they are in high demand.

[xen]

Back home if if a landscaper / builder /other tradesmen gives a exorbinant quote then often the quoter has too much work but will sbmitt a quote just to keep their hat in the ring so as to speak. If they win the quote then the have a job that will pay very well so they can either drop the less well paying jobs or sub-contract them out.

In Thailand i think it is just to see if they hit a jackpot as i doubt very few of them would properly take the time and effort to cost a job correctly and them submitt a detailed quote.

[PattayaPhom]

It happens in many circumstances, just keep on till you get a decent genuine quote. I will say, people must stop comparing prces to 'back home'...Thailand and Asia are in far better shape than Europe, US and many other parts of the globe...Many that compare prices, havnt been 'back home' for 10 years or so and are still living in the cocoon of 1999.....Accept this is a new millenium and Asia is a dominant force in the world now which is reflected in the cost of living.

[brit1984]

Back home if if a landscaper / builder /other tradesmen gives a exorbinant quote then often the quoter has too much work but will sbmitt a quote just to keep their hat in the ring so as to speak. If they win the quote then the have a job that will pay very well so they can either drop the less well paying jobs or sub-contract them out.

In Thailand i think it is just to see if they hit a jackpot as i doubt very few of them would properly take the time and effort to cost a job correctly and them submitt a detailed quote.

I don't think it is that simple as I have had some extremely detailed quotations from Thai tradesmen for various jobs.

Having discussed this topic with our builders and our landlord (who is a property developer) the reason some quotes seem high is exactly the same as the one you explain (i.e. opportunity cost of their time).

Here in central Bangkok (and I am sure it is the same a Phuket) a tradesman with a good reputation has a choice of many well-paid projects (including ongoing work with their most important clients) and therefore they price new jobs accordingly.

If the jobs are random and one-off (i.e. little prospect on ongoing revenue stream) an even higher quote is rational as the customer acquisition costs (i.e. time spent on the quotation for that job and any other unsuccessful bids) also has to be factored in.

Also, a decent builder here (as with anywhere) always has the option of buying some land and building houses to sell (or keep in their portfolio).

Sent from iPhone; please forgive any typos or violations of forum rules

[Shot]

Back home if if a landscaper / builder /other tradesmen gives a exorbinant quote then often the quoter has too much work but will sbmitt a quote just to keep their hat in the ring so as to speak. If they win the quote then the have a job that will pay very well so they can either drop the less well paying jobs or sub-contract them out.

In Thailand i think it is just to see if they hit a jackpot as i doubt very few of them would properly take the time and effort to cost a job correctly and them submitt a detailed quote.

^^^ What he said.

[petercallen]

How much were you quoted for cutting down the tree?

I'm genuinely interested as a friend of mine had the same problem - and ended up paying a ridiculous amount.

60K, granted it was 20 metres high and 2 m in diameter, I thought it was outrageous, so got more quotes but was still over the top. Took them less than a day which is good money for 3-4 people, one truck and one saw anywhere in the world for this type of work.

Not in Australia you wont.

Something of that size will start at Bt.150,000 assuming is an easy drop with no electrical obstructions.

Yes i agree, a lot of people who post on this forum have not had anything done they have had to pay for in there home country for a long time and do not take inflation into account

[stevenl]

It's a bit worrying if he claims to be electrician then doesn't know anywhere to buy cable in 50 meter rolls

10,000 for a shop that size dunno really 2 men 2 days = 2500 a day each good money by thai standards don't know what is involved so can't really comment

Then what did you do in post #12?

[BabyJebus]

Quite simple really.

Boss #1 70% of quote ^sits at home^

Boss #2 20% of quote ^sits at a bar^

cheap unqualified labor 10% of quote ^do the job half-assed while throwing garbage on your property^

lower the quote and the boss don't get any money

[taninthai]

It's a bit worrying if he claims to be electrician then doesn't know anywhere to buy cable in 50 meter rolls

10,000 for a shop that size dunno really 2 men 2 days = 2500 a day each good money by thai standards don't know what is involved so can't really comment

Then what did you do in post #12?

As I thought he was talking about house re wires I gave him an example of what I used to charge in the uk for a basic re wire so he can compare his 23,000 bht quote

Since it's only a shop rewire not complete house it's irrelevant anyway

Is that ok.....,

[nontabury]

Just a thought before you get the idea to do it yourself. You cannot buy a chainsaw without a permit, and cannot use one without a licence. Don't buy one and try to do the job yourself. Chainsaws are restricted to prevent illegal logging.

You can buy a chainsaw and use it here as long as the cutting bar is no more than 12 inches long, been there and done it

Two months ago I purchased a chain saw with a cutting bar 18 inc, no license required, no problem.

Regarding labour cost, I live in a area with lots of farangs, consequently nearly everything seems to be expensive, as a rule of thumb, I have to pay unskilled workers approx 250 bht per day , good tradesmen up to 500bht per day, if I ever have to go through

A Thai company, the cost are doubled. One of my biggest problems, is other farangs who seem to be very happy to pay well over the going rate, either because they don't know the regular rates or they are happy with the quote, when compared with the cost in their own Farang country.

Let's be fair about it, in our own countries, builders will naturally try and obtain the most money they can, I've know people in the UK

Pay builders well over the necessary rate, what is required is good builders and good negotiation by the buyer.

Edited August 8, 2012 by LivinginKata
quote repaired

[PattayaPhom]

Yes i agree, a lot of people who post on this forum have not had anything done they have had to pay for in there home country for a long time and do not take inflation into account

And they also need to realise the world has changed significantly in the past 10 years....They need to accept that Asia is no longer the poorhouse of the world....Just look at Europe, Spain has 25% unemployment and 50% in under 24s, on the brink of bankruptcy...and many other 'Westernised' countries in similar positions. Thailand and Asia is booming....I couldnt name a freind in the UK that has bought a new car in the past 3 years, in Thailand I could name well over 30.. I think people are also in the mindset of the very weak Baht and stonger Western currencies so are still comparing to 10 years ago rather than befor the Asia crisis of 97. Felling a tree the size the OP stated does sound expensive at 60K, so just shop around but need to take into account its not just 2-3 days labour, its all the associated costs of running a company, taxes, transport, tools etc etc etc

[Valentine]

There's a good electrical shop just before the turning to the Phuket zoo coming from Chalong.

They have an Osram sign outside. Very friendly service. Maybe they have the cable you want.

Tried to sell me a halogen globe at 50% more than Kee Hin as he claimed it was a special import which was a load of <deleted>. Re buying cable, there are many places that will sell by the metre, even Home Pro, but cost per metre is much less when buying a 100m roll which is what 1.5 & 2.5 are supplied in.