11/03/2023
True story!!!...lent from fellow decorator
CLIENT – How much for the balloon décor I want?
ME: $1,200
CLIENT – That’s too expensive for this job!
ME – How much do you think it should cost?
CLIENT – $500 max! It’s just balloons!
People in your line of work want to make a huge profit!
ME – I’m sorry you feel this way. Why don’t you try to do the job?
CLIENT – But, but, I don’t know how to do any of that.
ME – For $600, I can teach you everything you need to know to do the job. Also, you will obtain all the knowledge and the experience for the next time you need to do this job. And you will save $600.
CLIENT – Deal!
ME – Great! To start, you need to buy tools. You will need a professional balloon inflator, custom made base plates, 10 bags of quality balloons, mason line, PVC, EMT, a drill, screws, duct tape, zip ties, a ladder, fishline, a helium tank, helium nozzle with extendable hose, a dolly, balloon apron, scissors, packing tape, foil balloons, a tool box, wire cutters, aluminum rod, sand bags, an insurance rider, and a cargo van.
CLIENT – But, I don’t have any of those things and I can’t buy all that for just one job!
ME – Ok. I can rent you my tools for another $300 and you can rent a van.
CLIENT – That’s cutting my savings, but I will rent your tools.
ME – Perfect! I’ll be back Sunday, and we can start.
CLIENT – Wait! I can’t Sunday. I only have time today. Sunday is my family day.
ME – I’m sorry, I only teach others on Sundays. I have to prioritize my time and my tools needs to be in other jobs I have during the week and on Saturday.
CLIENT – Ok then. I will sacrifice my family’s plans on Sunday.
ME – Right, me too! Oh, I forgot. If you’re going to do the job yourself, you need to buy the materials. There’s a high demand nowadays, so your best bet is to get a truck and be at the hardware store by 6am before other contractors get there.
CLIENT – AT SIX IN THE MORNING? That’s too early for me. I don’t even have a truck!
ME – I guess you’ll have to rent the van an extra day. By the way, do you have some helpers to help you load the truck, carry everything into the venue and help you install the framing? I've got contractors you can call. Should only cost you about $200 in labor.
CLIENT – You know what? I’ve been thinking. Probably is better for you to do the job. It’s better to pay you to do the job right and not have to go through all that hassle.
ME – Good thinking. Sign here and let me get to work.
This is the truth.
People are not just paying for a job, they are paying for knowledge, experience, tools, time, family sacrifices, and other things you bring to the table.
Don’t let others dictate your worth.
