So I thought I would share a recent email received from a customer who accepted our initial gutter cleaning bid, only to reply a week later with an email to “match pricing” of a lower competitor. Here it goes:
"To whom it may concern,
I had called earlier this week and gotten a phone estimate for gutter cleaning of my home at below address:
XXXXXXXXXX
I had scheduled a premium cleaning for approximately $285 dollars for this Friday.
I have gotten an estimate from another company for doing the same job for $200. Can you match this estimate? If not, I would like to cancel my gutter cleaning appointment for now until further notice.
Sincerely,
Customer X"
[B]And here was my reply email:[/B]
"Hi Customer X–
Unfortunately, we do not match pricing due to the fact that there are many variables to consider among service providers.
For example:
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Is the company a legit company registered with the State of MN? We are a registered LLC with the State.
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Are they a handyman or do they specialize in the service? We specialize in Gutter Cleaning and have serviced thousands of homes.
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Does the company carry insurance? We carry $2 Million in GL coverage that we can provide proof of upon request.
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Does the company work “under the table” or are they reputable? We have many repeat customers and great references.
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Are the workers actual employees or sub contractors – perhaps even illegal workers? We are an owner/operated business with coworkers that we know and trust.
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Is this a “fly by night” contractor looking to make a quick buck? We have been servicing our clients for many years, and will be here in the future if ever an issue arises.
Also I would ask – does any of this really matter? Or are you looking for the cheapest price? I am sure you can get someone off of Craigslist to clean your gutters for $150 or maybe even $100. But what is important to [B]you[/B] - a quality job, an affordable price, dependable people, peace of mind, perhaps all or some of the above?
Our Premium Gutter Cleaning service includes the following:
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Hand removal of all debris from the gutters, roof valleys, and downspouts.
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The entire gutter system is then flushed with water.
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Any debris collected will be disposed of by us (we take the mess).
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GUARANTEED 100% Blockage Removal
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FREE Performance Inspection of the entire gutter system.
Also, please note that the quoted price of $285 is the maximum you will pay, we work down from that price. Our price also includes tax.
While we are [B]NOT[/B] the cheapest service, we certainly are highly prized by our client’s for our thorough nature and attention to detail.
If you feel after all of this that our service is still not the best fit for you, then by all means please do not hesitate to let me know.
But for now – I still have you scheduled for Thursday November 3rd at 2pm.
Thanks again,"
[B]And the response I received this morning:[/B]
"Hi Shawn,
I appreciate your email and have to say that you do make some good points.
I’ll accept your offer for the premium service for $285. No one will be home on Nov 3rd but I’ll keep the water line next to the front door working for you.
Thanks,
Customer X"