Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 14:53:24 -0800
Subject: What would you do?
From: Melanie Binkley <applause2x@earthlink.net>
To: BHQ Group <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>

Hi Everyone!

Here is a great topic for all of us to learn from....

What would YOU do?

You are handling a largish job in multiple locations.

You are sub-contracting another "CBA" to execute your specific design at a
remote location.

You fax them an exact design and discuss exactly the colors, sizes and kinds
of balloons in what pattern and blown to a particular size.

You are specific about when and where it has to be installed.

They quote you the price they will charge you do it INCLUDING labor and
delivery.

You okay it...and submit it to you client.

Your sub-contractor calls back and leaves a message that they are hiring an
additional crew member to make sure they can complete the job at the
specific time....(they leave you a message...you have not authorized the
addition.)

But, since the job IS last minute and you have not worked with them if they
feel they need a spare person you decide it's a good idea though you will
not be able to turn around and rebill YOUR client so YOU WILL HAVE TO ABSORB
the additional unauthorized expense.

Now you HAVE discussed the specific colors and your subcontractor DOES KNOW
BEFORE THEY SUBMIT THEIR BID that they will have to special order 2 types of
balloons at express delivery rates.  You also offer to have your distributor
ship the product direct to them to cut down on their stress and what they
have to do BUT THEY INSIST on ordering it themselves.

The job is done....suposedly without a hitch....however, now you get your
Sub-Contactor's bill and it has risen not only the $ c-shells for the extra
employee but that amount has been TRIPLED for their underestimated labor
time.

Are you with me here?

You correspond back that these expenses are:

a) unauthorized

b) their total labor charges are more than yours to do 1/3 of the amount of
work....

c) They (Sub-Contractor) states that they have "been more than gracious..."
in that they have not passed on the $ c-shells (less than $ 10.00 folks)
cost of having the stock shipped.  AND they have not charged you for the
"special delivery (less than $ 10.00) of helium to blow 170-11" balloons.

Curious, as a CBA, how do not have that much helium on hand when you say
that you have been running your own business as your primary income for 9
years? peculiar? who knows?)

d) They bill you for the cost of the product ON TOP of what they quoted they
would do the entire job for which was inclusive of materials.

So all in all they said they would do the job for $ c-shells and now with 9
years experience they say they underbid their time and expenses and want you
to pay and additional $ 150.00 over their bid. So being a (often) more than
fair person....what would YOU do?

Interested in hearing from you all....


We Keep'Em Flying High       o~
Melanie Binkley, CBA     o~   o~

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