Some businesses really overcharge you and get mad when you tell them about it.

[bry@n]

So I'm looking at putting a 4 post lift in my garage with a center lift jack. This entails changing garage doors etc. to accommodate the install. So I've been getting bids on everything. Nothing out of the ordinary, just three bids to compare.

Recently I saw the lift GB thread, got a price and contacted a few people for local bids to compare. A friend had used a place called Car Lifts Plus out of CT, was happy with them, so I gave them a call. Price installed was $5910.

I haven't priced them so I don't really know. The OP to the GB thread sends me a price that is less than $3000. So the wheels on the bus go round and round and I'm thinking the CLP guy is trying to jack me cause that's a hefty price for the install. Call around and find out it's roughly $840-900 for the install. So that's a huge markup....

I quiz the guy on a few things, asking for a break down of costs per line item and things get hairy. We agree we'll talk more the next day when he arrives at my house. I get a call from him the next day, one hour prior to his supposed arrival time. He basically says he has a problem selling me a lift cheaper than my buddy and unless I'm willing to pay $5k, he doesn't want to deal with me. He supported his pricing with " I deal with Ferrari, Lamborghini clubs etc..." I told him because others overpaid, I wasn't going to. Needless to say I'm getting my ducks lined up but I'll be in for around $3700 and not dealing with him.

He charged my buddy $5000 for a Starr lift that's rated at 8000lbs and not certified. Good talking guy but when you call him on his sales pitch, it falls apart. Beware of dealing with this place. The guy was named RJ and told my buddy I was an A-hole lol.. I may be one but I'm an A-hole with more $$ in my pocket.

Ps, my buddy keeps defending his our base from this guy. In fact he's looking to buy two more lifts and will likely deal with the guy. Ugh...some people...

 

[Scott r c]

I think the problem was you. He quoted you a price, its a take it or leave it deal. Its better to move on and get someone else when you don't like his pricing. Everyone has different business structures, with different profit margins.

 

[Morrison]

Sometimes the cheaper bid ends up costing more in the end.

 

[bry@n]

I tried keeping it short and didn't include telling him I wasn't interested since I had quotes that were cheaper. He then went into a fit about MAP pricing. Telling me they all dealers priced the same etc..

There are markups and then there is just screwing people.

 

[bry@n]

Sometimes the cheaper bid ends up costing more in the end.

True but since he subs to a local installer who would be doing the install anyway, I doubt it.

 

[allinon72]

I think it's a bit rude to openly challenge the guy on price. Make an offer, sure, but don't beat him down when he says no, just go onto the next person. Different companies have different price scales, based on their reputation, materials used, methods of installation, etc. All things are not created equal.

 

[bry@n]

Gentleman, We never got to the point where I could even make an offer.

I was simply quoted a price, when I asked for a line item break down I.e. Lift cost, install cost, ancillary costs it escalated. I simply said I had a price on the same lift that was cheaper. He was the one who kept the sales pitch going. Telling me they didn't use the bolts that came with it, they used special bolts from fastenel at $6 a piece ( lie) it was extra for the fluid (lie).

In the end, he challenged the prices I had received and didn't care for my responses. If we're talking about 5-10 percent I would have probably used him but to pay 75 percent more is just crazy.

 

[creativecars]

I think it's a bit rude to openly challenge the guy on price. Make an offer, sure, but don't beat him down when he says no, just go onto the next person. Different companies have different price scales, based on their reputation, materials used, methods of installation, etc. All things are not created equal.

I think it is ok to call out someone trying to gouge people, and I will tell everyone I know, especially my friends here on GJ. I don't mind people making a living, but it really irritates me to feel I have been taken advantage of. This is especially true when you know the materials are like kind and quality.
I really hate it when a "salesman" lies to me. I tell everyone, and they deserve it. I will also tell everyone about a good deal or transaction.l

 

[HotRodKush]

So then don't buy from him? Sounds like you weren't happy with his pricing and attitude from day one. Leave it be, and go somewhere else. That's the beauty of a free market - he's allowed to charge what he wants, and you're allowed to choose another installer you like better. Dragging it out is pointless unless you just like the drama.

 

[bry@n]

So then don't buy from him? Sounds like you weren't happy with his pricing and attitude from day one. Leave it be, and go somewhere else. That's the beauty of a free market - he's allowed to charge what he wants, and you're allowed to choose another installer you like better. Dragging it out is pointless unless you just like the drama.

Who's dragging it out?

I merely stayed my experience with said business for people who may be in the area to know about. Where you got that it's being dragged out is beyond me.

 

[Diesel Dan]

Telling me they didn't use the bolts that came with it, they used special bolts from fastenel at $6 a piece ( lie) it was extra for the fluid (lie).

My question is how do you know they don't use USA made fasteners instead of Chinese ones or substitute full synthetic fluid for base stock?

I have seen places charge more for products but most are willing to explain why their products may be higher.

In the past I received quotes for a shop floor, pour only with no prep that were 50-100% higher in price. Some of those couldn't/wouldn't explain why the additional cost so I bypassed them.

 

[Matt M PA]

Sounds like our experience eith Empire Carpet...

 

[bry@n]

My question is how do you know they don't use USA made fasteners instead of Chinese ones or substitute full synthetic fluid for base stock?

I have seen places charge more for products but most are willing to explain why their products may be higher.

In the past I received quotes for a shop floor, pour only with no prep that were 50-100% higher in price. Some of those couldn't/wouldn't explain why the additional cost so I bypassed them.

Very good question in deed.

I know because in my journey or looking for quotes I went to bendpak's site. This particular installer was listed. The price gouging salesman told me they subbed it to a guy located in the town of the particular installer. Earlier in the day, I had reached out to the installer unbeknownst to me that he was the sub.

When he called me back it was late in the day on Wednesday. He told he me he only installs doesn't sell. I asked him if he installed for the gouging business and he said yes. When I inquired about the bolts from fastenal (which I thought was a good idea) he had no clue what I was talking about. He said he uses everything that is sent other than the hydraulic fluid and he fluid cost was covered with his install fees.

That is how I know. Simply paying attention to what people say and connecting the dots.

 

[bry@n]

Guys, when I do any business transaction, there is always some negotiation. In that process when I asked for a line item cost, he was caught off guard. I had brought up that I had got other quotes that were less, dramatically less. He was reaching at costs here and there To get off the phone he basically said he would discuss it tomorrow when he arrived at my house.

When it came time to see me face to face, I think he realized he'd have little chance to pull the wool over my eyes with his bs.

Since he was throwing the fact that he services Porsche, lambo and Ferrari clubs, I'm sure he doesn't care about my lost sale. He's looking for huge profit margins he's likely used to with the guys with expensive cars.

 

[bry@n]

I'd also point out that my friend who did business with him was satisfied with his lift and experience with them. I have no doubt that they provide excellent service since you're paying quite a bit of coin for that service.

 

[signcrafter]

So did you agree to the price and schedule the install and the day before call him up to negotiate? That's what I got from your first post unless I mis understood.

 

[coljar]

I understand what you are saying and don't see anything wrong with calling him out, but I usually just move on to another vender. On another note, the things are not hard at all to install and I couldn't imagine paying someone to do it. I've install a couple and have helped friends install theirs along with 2 or 3 in-ground units years ago, but I don't have any great skills, just common sense.

 

[Jagmandave]

The only thing that might be an issue for a DIY is moving and lifting some of the heavier parts - also he might not have a hammer drill.....

I understood exactly what the OP was saying, but like the others, I just move on when I encounter a guy who justifies his prices by saying that's what the high end boys pay.....

Any reason you can't buy the lift, have it delivered then hire the installer outside of the purchase transaction? He sounds like the guy to use.....

 

[bry@n]

So did you agree to the price and schedule the install and the day before call him up to negotiate? That's what I got from your first post unless I mis understood.

I wouldn't do that. Maybe I explain well.

My quotes started with them since my friend gave them a good review. He wanted to look at my garage since he'd already be in the area.

 

[fteufert]

You are correct that there are differences in materials and such, but we, as the customer, should ask questions.

Never assume anything.

If someone gets offended I question their quote, too bad. A good salesperson will give an answer, and defend their price with some facts.

If a salesperson can justify their quote, then I will be a happier customer.

All things are not created equal, and I prefer weed out the ones who just give a higher quote hoping for a sale.

I think it's a bit rude to openly challenge the guy on price. Make an offer, sure, but don't beat him down when he says no, just go onto the next person. Different companies have different price scales, based on their reputation, materials used, methods of installation, etc. All things are not created equal.

 

[ecotec]

You should bend the ears of a few of the guys from those clubs. He is basically bragging that he can gouge wealthier people.

I would have zero problems with doing that.

 

[draglink]

Sounds like our experience eith Empire Carpet...

I run a flooring company. Ex-Empire customers are some of my best!

 

[bry@n]

I just looked at the tags and see somebody tagged lowest bidder wins. That makes me laugh since the rule of thumb is to get three bids, throw out the lowest and generally take the guy in the middle.

In my case, the lowest was within $100 of the middle and the highest was more than $1500 over the other two.

Amazing how some of you are so quick to jump to conclusions.

 

[bry@n]

You should bend the ears of a few of the guys from those clubs. He is basically bragging that he can gouge wealthier people.

I would have zero problems with doing that.

I agree and my buddy is on the wealthy side. He spends money like he's mad at it. He may give special pricing or do things for the clubs, so I won't go searching them out. They likely won't even care though.

 

[coljar]

I agree and my buddy is on the wealthy side. He spends money like he's mad at it. He may give special pricing or do things for the clubs, so I won't go searching them out. They likely won't even care though.

I have a BIL that's very wealthy, so I know what you mean. Funny thing about rich people, though. They can spend insane amounts of money on some silly things and then be tight asses on important things.

 

[larry_g]

Amazing how some of you are so quick to jump to conclusions.

For some keyboard commandos that is the only exercise they get.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[andyray]

Sounds like the salesman just isn't that good, and isn't adding value.

In the end, a price is just a price. It can be high or low, but consumers are looking for value for that price. Some consumers may see value in the fact that he does the Lambo clubs, and be willing to pay more for that, who knows.

However, MOST consumers, including me, would have done the same as you. I also think it's the right thing to do. Ask nicely -- "Hey Mr salesman, you come highly recommended, but I am noticing your price is higher, can you explain why?" A good salesman would welcome the opportunity to address that objection, and explain his firms added value. Most salesmen would prefer this, as opposed to the customer "going dark", never to be heard from again.

I don't think it's gouging, his offering just wasn't for you, and you weren't the customer he was looking for either.

Ps. I sell stuff for a living

 

[toolcollector]

Sounds like you and your buddy are not comparing apples and oranges. If you are and his is happy. Good for him. Move on and don't support the guy.

 

[bry@n]

I was quoted $5910 installed.

Sub to do install is $850, leaving us with $5060 for a 4 post HD-9. Locally I was quoted $2850 for the lift. Subtract $2850 from the $5060 and we have $2210.

$2210 is between 75% & 80% more. No need for me to lie but hey, think what you want.

Lol, I can't do math? Look above genius. It's not too hard to figure out. In fact you're a coward because you'll tag **** but won't say it openly on the forum.

 

[bry@n]

Sounds like you and your buddy are not comparing apples and oranges. If you are and his is happy. Good for him. Move on and don't support the guy.

Maybe its it clear for some people. I've moved on. Pretty sure I was clear about that. As for value, yes there are different forms of value. His response was defensive, as opposed to explaining why his company was the best choice or value.

Now, paying an extra $2200 over what I'm paying now is hard to stomach as a value.

 

[metalhead212121]

I have no doubt that they provide excellent service since you're paying quite a bit of coin for that service.

I do tend to agree with you that the guy probably has a high profit margin.

As far as what I quoted.... that I don't agree with. I've only dealt with a handful of contractors but IMO they're all the same. I've dealt with bottom of the barrel guys and top of the line guys. I hate them both. All they care about it getting the job done as quickly as possible.. get paid.. move onto the next job.. repeat. If at the end of the day if the job is done pretty good but not 100% hopefully the person that hired the work won't notice it. If they do...well we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

The last two big jobs I hired guys to do work needed to borrow tools from me. Each time I gave them a small piece of my mind. I know if I read them the riot act they'd walk off the job and then I'd REALLY be screwed. I'm not saying they had to borrow a ton of tools but a couple things here and there.

In my mind whats one big factor in being successful in anything in this world? When you're flat out wrong (contractor borrowing customer tools) act like a retard. Just go on and on about how you don't see why its a big deal and sooner or later the customer (me) will just throw his hands up and say borrow whatever it takes to get this job done and get out of my face.

 

[bry@n]

I think you brought up an excellent point. Its all about the get in and out fast. Some, get the job done with no issues. I've been on both sides and only once lent tools to a contractor. I did it more to help out streamline the guy. One would hope they'd havebthe tools do the job their doing.

 

[icenfire01]

I think the problem was you. He quoted you a price, its a take it or leave it deal. Its better to move on and get someone else when you don't like his pricing. Everyone has different business structures, with different profit margins.

Nope.

Any "good" salesman would respond to your questions "why are you so much higher than others" with their reasons why you should do business with him and not his completers. His JOB is to sell you the VALUE of his business. Lots of people sell steel, only the good ones can sell you VALUE, which is important to some people.

When you start asking questions that is his opportunity. This is sales 101. By him dodging you questions and chickening out with meeting you that just goes to show his character. You have done all your due diligence and have all your ducks in a row. Move on to another company and don't look back.

 

[Professur]

Was it really all that long ago that bartering and negotiating was a common thing? I guess many of the posters here paid sticker price for their cars too.

 

[pdt]

Wow -- it's a year later (and sorry to dredge up an old thread) but I am faced with the identical situation. When you get a quote for about $6,000 +/- and then you notice the same lift for sale for around $3,000..... you start to wonder.

Sorry to make this my first post!

My project is to install a lift and raise the ceiling in my garage.

THANKS to everyone for such a great, helpful community.

 

[jd_1138]

Wow -- it's a year later (and sorry to dredge up an old thread) but I am faced with the identical situation. When you get a quote for about $6,000 +/- and then you notice the same lift for sale for around $3,000..... you start to wonder.

Sorry to make this my first post!

My project is to install a lift and raise the ceiling in my garage.

THANKS to everyone for such a great, helpful community.

Welcome to GJ!

It's quite simple. If the bid is too high, ask them to lower it or go elsewhere. But keep in mind you don't want to go too low or cheap, or there could be major problems later. Check references and ask to see previous jobs.

 

[logical]

When I was shopping for a lift, I decided what I wanted and called 4 places to get a price. I did ask for a separate price to install but had pretty much decided to do it myself at that point. I bought from the closest place to me whose price was within spitting distance of the absolute lowest quote. They also were the slowest delivery time estimate but it's because they only ship lifts on flatbed and generally wait until they have a full load to haul. They want to avoid LTL shipments that may get loaded and unloaded half a dozen times during the trip and too often get damaged.

No debates, no drama, no social media shaming necessary.

 

[rslaback]

This thread should be assigned reading for all the guys who post about contractors who won't give them a call back.

 

[Bluedodge]

This thread should be assigned reading for all the guys who post about contractors who won't give them a call back.

Amen my fellow Mid-Westerner. Amen.

 

[billspit]

A co-worker called a couple of companies to get prices to install a new natural gas water heater. One of the companies (the one that advertises on TV) gave him a price of $3700. I had already warned him they would be high but that is ridiculous. I think he ended up paying a one-man word of the mouth guy $1,000-1,200. The guy did have to dig a bit of a hole to get the water heater to fit. No more lowboys.