by Hope
We have already established that I suck at saying no…ie foster dogs. No more of that, for now, I learned my lesson. And I’m even worse at negotiating. This has always been the case. But I’m working on myself.
I have been reading up on negotiating and even practiced some of the skills when I negotiated my new salary. But I am really hesitant when it comes to talking price/money about things and especially when it comes to dealing with another small businesses. So I’m pretty proud of this latest, money affecting negotiation…
First off, I am really pleased with the primary contractor who has been doing work around my house, stuff that I cannot do. He’s been super reliable, thorough and super knowledgeable. For the most part, I believe fairly priced. But recently, I felt like the price for specific work has been based on his need versus the effort and time it would take to do the work.
This has been the case for several projects I have had him quote and in most cases, I just choose to do it myself or have not had the work done…saving it for down the road.
But now I need help and the price just was way too high! I cut items off the list, saving some for down the road and adding some to my own to do list as I have time…like my kitchen backsplash.
But I cannot run a water line to my refrigerator or install the plumbing for my dishwasher. And while I could probably install countertops myself, it’s risky, the material is pricey so messing up would be bad and expensive, especially the one around the sink.
I cut my “MUST HAVE help with” list to the bare bones…and asked him to price it. Still to high, like way too high in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for paying a fair price and understand that I’m just not paying for time but also for expertise. I recognize this and support this. But there’s still a reasonable price for work.
After several back and forth conversations, we landed on a price that I believe is fair. It reflects the value of his work and knowledge, not to mention the time it will take. And gets my must have items done.
He comes tomorrow – I will have a dishwasher, an ice maker. I could fall to my knees with gratefulness for these simple enhancements to our kitchen.
On a side note:
In July, I wrote about a case against the manufacturer of the glass that shattered in our new bathroom. I asked the BAD community what I should do. Well, I didn’t have to sue and I received a final offer that I will accept this evening. It took several rounds of negotiation. I cannot disclose the amount, but I am happy with the outcome and think it’s very fair.
Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.
But life has a way of rewriting your plans.
A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.
Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.
Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.
She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.
So, what do you think ?