It is unetical to pay a contractor for quote either for transportation or what so ever and I see no reason a contractor should hesitate in giving out quote, if actualy the contractor should market himself very well and be convincing, why shouldn't the client hire him.

Memejem:
As for travelling long distances for potential jobs, the client described in your scenario is not nice at all. But also, it’s an important lesson to iron out all deals before travelling such a distance.

As for giving price, what is the need for holding price? How will the potential client ascertain whether or not to use your services if you’re padlocking the price? Your quote/price should not be moving up and down depending on the client but the economy.

I don’t understand why people are so hesitant to name price. If you don’t want to do it on nairaland and would rather discuss with the client privately that is your choice. But that is not how a transparent business does things. Even if it’s not the exact price, an estimate should be available to allow the potential customer see what is available and if it’s affordable or competitive with other similar services.

This is how it’s done all over the world. I don’t know why Nigeria’s case must be different.

Ex. You want to purchase some paint or an accessory or tool. You enter Home Depot’s website. The prices are laid out for you. You can compare between brands. If you like you can now check a similar stores inventory and compare the prices between the two.

I don’t understand the mentality behind this at all. In Nigeria in order to get a quote for a new building project the contractor will charge you. It’s ridiculous. One contractor here told me that abroad customers pay for quotes of work.

I have NEVER paid any contractor to give me a quote. They’ve come to my house, looked at the job that needed to be done and then gave me an estimate/quote of labour (that didn’t fluctuate) and also materials needed. My contractor even followed me to Home Depot to help me purchase the materials and took time to educate me on the differences between products and quality.

If it was Nigeria they will charge you for fuel to get to site, time to go to store and inflate labour prices if you buy your own materials. It’s ridiculous. And most of these contractors that charge you to look at a site are not serious for the job. It’s one thing to say you need transport fare if the contractor doesn’t live within the same area and the client is adamant on working with that specific contractor. BUT if they live in the same area, WHY would I pay?

When you go for an interview, does the potential employer pay for your transport fare regularly?

You don’t pay a lawyer to hear about your concerns in the first meeting before they decide to take your case or you hire them.

I’m tired of this thing to be very honest.

twinskenny:
Is always the contractors that always getting the bash.. what of client that will ask u to travel all the way from Lagos to owerri.. and will even refuse to acknowledge your quote not to talk of negotiation.. Why should I give you price when I know am not getting the job?.

That is bound to happen. The person most likely just needed your expertise to get accurate quote to compare with those he/she intended to use and for on ground assessment to glean professional advise for some problems their contractor couldn't handle.
I've had similar experiences also. Some insist I personally come over and ask questions beyond the scope of painting and insist I come again under guise of sampling even though I offer to send painters over.
Some people just don't believe we too have very busy schedule in keeping up to schedule for supplies.
I don't mind giving prices anywhere and I don't mind explaining the bit I understand on a situation if asked.
The issue of open discussion of advice or pricing too could also have its own advantage as potential clients can get the necessary information needed instead of going through unnecessary round tripping since the main purpose of the thread is to share ideas and information/knowledge in the first instance.

Dremca:
It is unetical to pay a contractor for quote either for transportation or what so ever and I see no reason a contractor should hesitate in giving out quote, if actualy the contractor should market himself very well and be convincing, why shouldn't the client him.

Doesn't work like that here sir...

twinskenny:
Is always the contractors that always getting the bash.. what of client that will ask u to travel all the way from Lagos to owerri.. and will even refuse to acknowledge your quote not to talk of negotiation.. Why should I give you price when I know am not getting the job?.

@bold is the reason u contractors come for members head when they drop free quote but would never agree...There is also a disadvantage to it sir. In the process of bidding for a contract, whether u will get the job or not is uncertain, hoarding prices because u presume u won't get a job may actually make u to lose a job that is yours....

gbadexy:

That is bound to happen. The person most likely just needed your expertise to get accurate quote to compare with those he/she intended to use and for on ground assessment to glean professional advise for some problems their contractor couldn't handle.
I've had similar experiences also. Some insist I personally come over and ask questions beyond the scope of painting and insist I come again under guise of sampling even though I offer to send painters over.
Some people just don't believe we too have very busy schedule in keeping up to schedule for supplies.
I don't mind giving prices anywhere and I don't mind explaining the bit I understand on a situation if asked.
The issue of open discussion of advice or pricing too could also have its own advantage as potential clients can get the necessary information needed instead of going through unnecessary round tripping since the main purpose of the thread is to share ideas and information/knowledge in the first instance.

@bold God bless u sir
That fact is most contractors aren't really concerned about what favours the client, but only their selfish interest...
Even from your lectures it is obvious u have an open mind & quite considerate
Considerable number of people won't share knowledge the way u do
Keep it up...God will reward u...

Rubbiish:

@bold God bless u sir
That fact is most contractors aren't really concerned about what favours the client, but only their selfish interest...
Even from your lectures it is obvious u have an open mind & quite considerate
Considerable number of people won't share knowledge the way u do
Keep it up...God will reward u...

Thank you sir, God bless you too.

Why do we hardly see buildings like this in Lagos/Nigeria? Is there any major challenge in having this built??

chucky101:
Why do we hardly see buildings like this in Lagos/Nigeria? Is there any major challenge in having this built??

Challenge? I think it's just based on individual preferences and choices. One thing that is clear to me; we have one specialist in the house that specializes in these kind of designs. He has proven himself beyond reasonable doubts. I used to think designs like these in my opinion is a little cheaper in actualizing. However, this specific builder has proven it is even more expensive in the interior finishes he chooses in most of his designs.

chucky101:
Why do we hardly see buildings like this in Lagos/Nigeria? Is there any major challenge in having this built??

Nothing new in Nigeria. Go look at Skimanski's houses. It depends on what one wants.

Hajji M.

kopell:
Challenge? I think it's just based on individual preferences and choices. One thing that is clear to me; we have one specialist in the house that specializes in these kind of designs. He has proven himself beyond reasonable doubts. I used to think designs like these in my opinion is a little cheaper in actualizing. However, this specific builder has proven it is even more expensive in the interior finishes he chooses in most of his designs.

Who is the builder/Architect/Engineer..? Does he have any job pictured posted up so I can see them?

chucky101:


Who is the builder/Architect/Engineer..? Does he have any job pictured posted up so I can see them?

https://www.nairaland.com/skimanski

Be ready to be amazed.

If you have sent me a WhatsApp message and you are expecting a reply from me.... sorry for none reply!
I have just upgraded my phone to Samsung Note8, and I thought that it's a matter of simply copying my old folders from the old phone to the new phones and input my phone number and everything will be dandy in the new phone... sorry NOT.
I have been frustrated trying to get all my chats from 2014 back into the new phone but no luck and WhatsApp has been disabled in the old phone.
Luckily I have all my 40,000 pics and contacts all saved but the chats are gone for now...
So if anyone has a suggestion to remedy my problem, I will surely appre4ciate it. If not, I will just be starting a new chat database with the new phone.
Thank you.

Hajji M.

mufutau55:
If you have sent me a WhatsApp message and you are expecting a reply from me.... sorry for none reply!
I have just upgraded my phone to Samsung Note8, and I thought that it's a matter of simply copying my old folders from the old phone to the new phones and input my phone number and everything will be dandy in the new phone... sorry NOT.
I have been frustrated trying to get all my chats from 2014 back into the new phone but no luck and WhatsApp has been disabled in the old phone.
Luckily I have all my 40,000 pics and contacts all saved but the chats are gone for now...
So if anyone has a suggestion to remedy my problem, I will surely appre4ciate it. If not, I will just be starting a new chat database with the new phone.
Thank you.

Hajji M.

Alhaji, Haba! Very simple. Go back to the old phone. I can handle the new phone despite all its flaws and inadequacies, I will manage it. A man of your status shouldn't be burdened with a frustrating phone.
E send phone yẹn sì mi....
Ṣe kí n send address... Lol

Memejem:
As for travelling long distances for potential jobs, the client described in your scenario is not nice at all. But also, it’s an important lesson to iron out all deals before travelling such a distance.

As for giving price, what is the need for holding price? How will the potential client ascertain whether or not to use your services if you’re padlocking the price? Your quote/price should not be moving up and down depending on the client but the economy.

I don’t understand why people are so hesitant to name price. If you don’t want to do it on nairaland and would rather discuss with the client privately that is your choice. But that is not how a transparent business does things. Even if it’s not the exact price, an estimate should be available to allow the potential customer see what is available and if it’s affordable or competitive with other similar services.

This is how it’s done all over the world. I don’t know why Nigeria’s case must be different.

Ex. You want to purchase some paint or an accessory or tool. You enter Home Depot’s website. The prices are laid out for you. You can compare between brands. If you like you can now check a similar stores inventory and compare the prices between the two.

I don’t understand the mentality behind this at all. In Nigeria in order to get a quote for a new building project the contractor will charge you. It’s ridiculous. One contractor here told me that abroad customers pay for quotes of work.

I have NEVER paid any contractor to give me a quote. They’ve come to my house, looked at the job that needed to be done and then gave me an estimate/quote of labour (that didn’t fluctuate) and also materials needed. My contractor even followed me to Home Depot to help me purchase the materials and took time to educate me on the differences between products and quality.

If it was Nigeria they will charge you for fuel to get to site, time to go to store and inflate labour prices if you buy your own materials. It’s ridiculous. And most of these contractors that charge you to look at a site are not serious for the job. It’s one thing to say you need transport fare if the contractor doesn’t live within the same area and the client is adamant on working with that specific contractor. BUT if they live in the same area, WHY would I pay?

When you go for an interview, does the potential employer pay for your transport fare regularly?

You don’t pay a lawyer to hear about your concerns in the first meeting before they decide to take your case or you hire them.

I’m tired of this thing to be very honest.

i thank GOD this is coming at d very best time to add to my understanding.
PRAISE BE HIS NAME.
Was in a program yesterday and always busy as i use to wen a man called which never disclose his country in fact never ready to say his name.
He mobbed trying to introduce zigzagly,with wisdom GOD help me around dat.
HE SAID HE IS NOT IN THE COUNTRY BUT WILL BE BACK SOON,ASKING AND LOOKING FOR A CONTRACTOR WHICH AM WORKING TOWARDS NOT WILLING TO PUT MYSELF ONLY INTO THIS...I LATER ASK WHERE D PLOT IS AND HE SAID "ABIA"
FOR ME TO TRAVEL FROM MY LOCATION TO ABIA IS TOO FAR PLUS MY PADI(STRUCTURAL ENGR) WHICH IS IN LAGOS TO BE THERE TOGETHER IS TOO FAR.
I finally ask some other questions,d man now can feel straight in telling me his name but never tell d country he his cos i don't need to ask or was wat i did wrong?
ENLIGHTEN me.
PRESENTLY PLANNING TO CALL HIM WHEN AM LESS BUSY TO IRON THINGS OUT BETTER.

kindly share your minds with your experiences in such issues.

spyder880:
Please my people, let us not use the cost I was given to paint my house[b] to judge how much painting a duplex may cost[/b]. For one, I am not their usual client so most of them will be truthful with me and lower their prices. This particular painter has been working for me since 2007 and we go way back.

He can do this work for much less, because I can keep him busy and introduce him to new clients.

So, you mean because of your relationship with him, he can reduce the cost by as much as 50% (half price)?
Please, we know you and a few other Contractors whose integrity has never been called into question.
PLEASE, dont pander to sentiments and try to play both sides, l take God beg you!
"Reputation" is not easy to build and very easy to destroy...guard yours jealosuly.

I repeat: We know you and your high level of Integrity.

BTW: asking for how much someone does a job for another person, does not mean one should expect the same price in his own case.
It is just what we call a "sample" or "rough guide".
Prices dont (should not) double or triple just because of who the Client is.

Rubbiish:

@bold God bless u sir
That fact is most contractors aren't really concerned about what favours the client, but only their selfish interest...
Even from your lectures it is obvious u have an open mind & quite considerate
Considerable number of people won't share knowledge the way u do
Keep it up...God will reward u...

Gbadexy is like a few Contractors here, including Spyder, people who dont think that telling you the "full story", will affect their patronage!
Honesty and openess, in the 'long run', actually increases Patronage..via trust-building.

Memejem:
As for travelling long distances for potential jobs, the client described in your scenario is not nice at all. But also, it’s an important lesson to iron out all deals before travelling such a distance.

As for giving price, what is the need for holding price? How will the potential client ascertain whether or not to use your services if you’re padlocking the price? Your quote/price should not be moving up and down depending on the client but the economy.

I don’t understand why people are so hesitant to name price. If you don’t want to do it on nairaland and would rather discuss with the client privately that is your choice. But that is not how a transparent business does things. Even if it’s not the exact price, an estimate should be available to allow the potential customer see what is available and if it’s affordable or competitive with other similar services.

This is how it’s done all over the world. I don’t know why Nigeria’s case must be different.

Ex. You want to purchase some paint or an accessory or tool. You enter Home Depot’s website. The prices are laid out for you. You can compare between brands. If you like you can now check a similar stores inventory and compare the prices between the two.

I don’t understand the mentality behind this at all. In Nigeria in order to get a quote for a new building project the contractor will charge you. It’s ridiculous. One contractor here told me that abroad customers pay for quotes of work.

I have NEVER paid any contractor to give me a quote. They’ve come to my house, looked at the job that needed to be done and then gave me an estimate/quote of labour (that didn’t fluctuate) and also materials needed. My contractor even followed me to Home Depot to help me purchase the materials and took time to educate me on the differences between products and quality.

If it was Nigeria they will charge you for fuel to get to site, time to go to store and inflate labour prices if you buy your own materials. It’s ridiculous. And most of these contractors that charge you to look at a site are not serious for the job. It’s one thing to say you need transport fare if the contractor doesn’t live within the same area and the client is adamant on working with that specific contractor. BUT if they live in the same area, WHY would I pay?

When you go for an interview, does the potential employer pay for your transport fare regularly?

You don’t pay a lawyer to hear about your concerns in the first meeting before they decide to take your case or you hire them.

I’m tired of this thing to be very honest.

IN SUMMARY:

The major difference between "Sellers" (of goods and services) in Nigeria and other places is that:

In other places, Sellers are open concerning prices and beleive that they can use lower price to attract you to their goods/services, while maintaing the same quality.

In Nigeria, Sellers beleive that by being sneaky and hideous about their prices, they wil lbe able to TRICK you into buying their goods/services and/or even reduce the quality so as to make a bigger gain margin for themselves.

Think about 'every reason' why a foreign builder/Contractor/Builder/Shop would put their price label on everything, including their labour...and you will find it above.

Also, think about 'every reason' why our Nigerian builder/Contractor/Builder/Shop HIDES THEIR PRICE on everything, including their Labour, ...and you will find it in the above summary.

It all boils down to GREED! and that is why you wont ever find a "Business" in Nigeria, that has gone from one to two or three generations or is over a 100yrs old.
They must 'finsih eating it' within a life time, at the most

Timtol:

i thank GOD this is coming at d very best time to add to my understanding.
PRAISE BE HIS NAME.
Was in a program yesterday and always busy as i use to wen a man called which never disclose his country in fact never ready to say his name.
He mobbed trying to introduce zigzagly,with wisdom GOD help me around dat.
HE SAID HE IS NOT IN THE COUNTRY BUT WILL BE BACK SOON,ASKING AND LOOKING FOR A CONTRACTOR WHICH AM WORKING TOWARDS NOT WILLING TO PUT MYSELF ONLY INTO THIS...I LATER ASK WHERE D PLOT IS AND HE SAID "ABIA"
FOR ME TO TRAVEL FROM MY LOCATION TO ABIA IS TOO FAR PLUS MY PADI(STRUCTURAL ENGR) WHICH IS IN LAGOS TO BE THERE TOGETHER IS TOO FAR.
I finally ask some other questions,d man now can feel straight in telling me his name but never tell d country he his cos i don't need to ask or was wat i did wrong?
ENLIGHTEN me.
PRESENTLY PLANNING TO CALL HIM WHEN AM LESS BUSY TO IRON THINGS OUT BETTER.

kindly share your minds with your experiences in such issues.

What exactly are you TRYING TO SAY?
You better write in your native, lingua franca because ......Merry Xmas and happy New year in adavance.

alstacs:

Alhaji, Haba! Very simple. Go back to the old phone. I can handle the new phone despite all its flaws and inadequacies,
I will manage it. A man of your status shouldn't be burdened with a frustrating phone.
E send phone yẹn sì mi....
Ṣe kí n send address... Lol

LOL! Make you pity me o. I dey upgrade from Samsung Galaxy III which was about six years old o.
Make man become modernized a little ni o.
Merry Christmas.

Hajji M.

Merry Christmas everyone

Stop annoying people this Christmas Day �

Take out some time and proofread before hitting the submit button. Or type in your native language.

I’m suspecting you

Timtol:

i thank GOD this is coming at d very best time to add to my understanding.
PRAISE BE HIS NAME.
Was in a program yesterday and always busy as i use to wen a man called which never disclose his country in fact never ready to say his name.
He mobbed trying to introduce zigzagly,with wisdom GOD help me around dat.
HE SAID HE IS NOT IN THE COUNTRY BUT WILL BE BACK SOON,ASKING AND LOOKING FOR A CONTRACTOR WHICH AM WORKING TOWARDS NOT WILLING TO PUT MYSELF ONLY INTO THIS...I LATER ASK WHERE D PLOT IS AND HE SAID "ABIA"
FOR ME TO TRAVEL FROM MY LOCATION TO ABIA IS TOO FAR PLUS MY PADI(STRUCTURAL ENGR) WHICH IS IN LAGOS TO BE THERE TOGETHER IS TOO FAR.
I finally ask some other questions,d man now can feel straight in telling me his name but never tell d country he his cos i don't need to ask or was wat i did wrong?
ENLIGHTEN me.
PRESENTLY PLANNING TO CALL HIM WHEN AM LESS BUSY TO IRON THINGS OUT BETTER.

kindly share your minds with your experiences in such issues.

Daboomb:


Gbadexy is like a few Contractors here, including Spyder, people who dont think that telling you the "full story", will affect their patronage!
Honesty and openess, in the 'long run', actually increases Patronage..via trust-building.

You are very right sir
I can vividly remember spyder became a household name on this forum because of his openess & honesty when it comes to cost.
His early thread detailed each phase of project with costs & openess, i can boldly say that was one of the major step that landed spyder on a very top position when it comes to contractors on this forum.

Your statement below is very true, but most contractors don't know this, thereby limiting themselves;
"Honesty and openess, in the 'long run', actually increases Patronage..via trust-building".

alstacs:


Alhaji, Haba! Very simple. Go back to the old phone. I can handle the new phone despite all its flaws and inadequacies, I will manage it. A man of your status shouldn't be burdened with a frustrating phone.
E send phone yẹn sì mi....
Ṣe kí n send address... Lol

Lol

Bosum the guy that did maverick project , bro please I need your assistance, kindly quote me please . I'm currently working on my project .

Memejem:
Stop annoying people this Christmas Day �

Take out some time and proofread before hitting the submit button. Or type in your native language.

I’m suspecting you

Lol @ native language..not all of us will understand the native language

Well the attempt at English he posted up there. We still arent understanding. Maybe if he wrote in his native language, a member who understands can translate for the rest of us.

twinskenny:

Lol @ native language..not all of us will understand the native language

Go back to the former phone and update your whatsapp on google play store also download and activate google drive after which you synchronize your chat using your old phone (will cost you much data). Go to the new phone, open your google drive and restore back up (will cost you much data again). Your whole chat will be there.

mufutau55:
If you have sent me a WhatsApp message and you are expecting a reply from me.... sorry for none reply!
I have just upgraded my phone to Samsung Note8, and I thought that it's a matter of simply copying my old folders from the old phone to the new phones and input my phone number and everything will be dandy in the new phone... sorry NOT.
I have been frustrated trying to get all my chats from 2014 back into the new phone but no luck and WhatsApp has been disabled in the old phone.
Luckily I have all my 40,000 pics and contacts all saved but the chats are gone for now...
So if anyone has a suggestion to remedy my problem, I will surely appre4ciate it. If not, I will just be starting a new chat database with the new phone.
Thank you.

Hajji M.

Good Morning. Happy/Merry Christmas and a wonderful prosperous New Year.
More power to you all in your family and business.
Make the best out of the season and enjoy it.

Merry Christmas

Timtol:

i thank GOD this is coming at d very best time to add to my understanding.
PRAISE BE HIS NAME.
Was in a program yesterday and always busy as i use to wen a man called which never disclose his country in fact never ready to say his name.
He mobbed trying to introduce zigzagly,with wisdom GOD help me around dat.
HE SAID HE IS NOT IN THE COUNTRY BUT WILL BE BACK SOON,ASKING AND LOOKING FOR A CONTRACTOR WHICH AM WORKING TOWARDS NOT WILLING TO PUT MYSELF ONLY INTO THIS...I LATER ASK WHERE D PLOT IS AND HE SAID "ABIA"
FOR ME TO TRAVEL FROM MY LOCATION TO ABIA IS TOO FAR PLUS MY PADI(STRUCTURAL ENGR) WHICH IS IN LAGOS TO BE THERE TOGETHER IS TOO FAR.
I finally ask some other questions,d man now can feel straight in telling me his name but never tell d country he his cos i don't need to ask or was wat i did wrong?
ENLIGHTEN me.
PRESENTLY PLANNING TO CALL HIM WHEN AM LESS BUSY TO IRON THINGS OUT BETTER.

kindly share your minds with your experiences in such issues.

please beware of kidnappers and 419. It has happened to a renowned builder here, he spent his money to travel by air only to discover it was a scam, thank God it was not a kidnapping issue. please ask a lot of question, let him revealed his identity and his genuine intention. You can initiate a design deal with just survey plan and let him know that the foundation may be subjected to review prior to construction after visiting the site and proper investigation is done. Ihebrooke is bases in east and he has done several design for many NLders without visiting there and some of is has executed his design successfully.

Aventures:
please beware of kidnappers and 419. It has happened to a renowned builder here, he spent his money to travel by air only to discover it was a scam, thank God it was not a kidnapping issue. please ask a lot of question, let him revealed his identity and his genuine intention. You can initiate a design deal with just survey plan and let him know that the foundation may be subjected to review prior to construction after visiting the site and proper investigation is done. Ihebrooke is bases in east and he has done several design for many NLders without visiting there and some of is has executed his design successfully.

If possible demand for official documents like CofO, Survey plan, driver's license/International passport and video call. Verify the documents and ensure you're dealing with a genuine client. It should a standard for top contractors.

Timtol:

i thank GOD this is coming at d very best time to add to my understanding.
PRAISE BE HIS NAME.
Was in a program yesterday and always busy as i use to wen a man called which never disclose his country in fact never ready to say his name.
He mobbed trying to introduce zigzagly,with wisdom GOD help me around dat.
HE SAID HE IS NOT IN THE COUNTRY BUT WILL BE BACK SOON,ASKING AND LOOKING FOR A CONTRACTOR WHICH AM WORKING TOWARDS NOT WILLING TO PUT MYSELF ONLY INTO THIS...I LATER ASK WHERE D PLOT IS AND HE SAID "ABIA"
FOR ME TO TRAVEL FROM MY LOCATION TO ABIA IS TOO FAR PLUS MY PADI(STRUCTURAL ENGR) WHICH IS IN LAGOS TO BE THERE TOGETHER IS TOO FAR.
I finally ask some other questions,d man now can feel straight in telling me his name but never tell d country he his cos i don't need to ask or was wat i did wrong?
ENLIGHTEN me.
PRESENTLY PLANNING TO CALL HIM WHEN AM LESS BUSY TO IRON THINGS OUT BETTER.

kindly share your minds with your experiences in such issues.

please beware of 419 and kidnappers. A NLder has fallen a victim before. He traveled by air to east only to discover it was 419 scam thanks to God it was not a kidnapping issue. please ask question and get the person identity revealed.