Price check: Install 4 posts along a hillside

[gnubler]

Not sure why this is bugging me, so thought I'd see what others might quote on a job like this. Waterside bar needs 4 signs on posts along the outdoor stairway shown in the image ("No alcohol beyond this point", etc). I quoted digging holes and installing four 4x4" pressure treated posts standing about 4 feet tall, $400 for unpainted, $500 for painted. Access to the stairway is limited and only streetside parking in a busy downtown, so several trips carrying tools & materials to the site. Customer declined, said she'd find someone else to do it. Was I overpriced? I don't think I was.

 

[Notarealsignguy]

Guy just quoted me $800 to install 160' of chain link fence with 1 10' wide swing gate and a 20' rolling gate. I supply materials.

 

[victor bogdanov]

That seems too cheap, I'd probably charge $700 + depending on the sign type but there are definitely cash handy men that would do it way cheaper

 

[MikePro]

i would have quoted the same

if they want cheap, then offer ziptied signs on rebar or Uchannel posts staked into the ground, and a note to your client that they may need manual uprighting every freeze/thaw.

 

[gnubler]

It's for an upscale wine bar with patio seating, figured they'd want something a bit nicer and beefier than u-channel or t-posts. You just never know with people.

Notareal - are you saying I was overpriced, or did you get a smokin' deal on fence installation? $800 seems low for that much work.

 

[Johnny Best]

$500 plus free drinks one night

 

[Gino]

Do you still get to make the signs ??

 

[gnubler]

Yes, they ordered the signs and will handle the install themselves. I'm okay with that! Doing window decals too.

 

[JBurton]

I'd offer them post and pedestal setups, seems more in line with 'fancy' joint than wood in the ground unless it's something fancier than pt.

 

[Notarealsignguy]

I'd rather just do the signs too.

 

[petepaz]

i just installed a two post sign (post and panel) 2 posts, 4x4x8 and put them in about 30" then screwed the signs to them
i charged $300 just for install

 

[gnubler]

I'd offer them post and pedestal setups, seems more in line with 'fancy' joint than wood in the ground unless it's something fancier than pt.

I suggested that initially so they could be moved around if needed, and no install headaches for me, but they want posts in the ground.

 

[White Haus]

Around here companies are roughly $100 a hole just to have them dug and maybe set your post for you. I'd wish them good luck with finding someone else to do that for cheaper.

 

[gnubler]

^^ Agreed. If they decide to dig the holes themselves they will find out quickly why the labor charge is what it is. In my area the ground is "three rocks for every dirt", digging sucks. I had also included filling the hole with gravel to help keep it tight and straight.

Thanks for the feedback. The customer's reaction bothered me so I just wanted to make sure I was being reasonable.

 

[Mike Paul]

Dig holes, hit rocks or electric

Not sure why this is bugging me, so thought I'd see what others might quote on a job like this. Waterside bar needs 4 signs on posts along the outdoor stairway shown in the image ("No alcohol beyond this point", etc). I quoted digging holes and installing four 4x4" pressure treated posts standing about 4 feet tall, $400 for unpainted, $500 for painted. Access to the stairway is limited and only streetside parking in a busy downtown, so several trips carrying tools & materials to the site. Customer declined, said she'd find someone else to do it. Was I overpriced? I don't think I was.

View attachment 165175

No

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

$100 a hole seems right. Let someone else do it cheaper. There are much easier ways to make $400

 

[GAC05]

There are much easier ways to make $400

Involving holes?

 

[visual800]

you gave a price and they declined...let it go! Not your problem. Everyone looking for a deal so let them deal with it

 

[unclebun]

If the restaurant or marina has a handyman they can dig a post hole as well as anyone else, and not get paid anything extra to do it. Or maybe even the owner and a teenage son could do it in their spare time. I sell signs all the time and let the customer install them.

 

[gnubler]

Involving holes?

Ha! Why didn't Tex jump all over this one?

I strolled past this customer's property yesterday and saw that one of my signs had been installed, attached to a raw 1x2" stake just stuck in the ground, crooked. The others appear to still be in progress, it's been at least three weeks....

I feel better now.