calculating travel time

[Dave6]

I don't have my books nearby (they are about 6k miles away) but what does RS Means say? I hate those books but on a bigger job it can give you backing for expenses.

 

[jclint07]

Just lost a bid to a competitor, for a job that was an hours drive away(from town we both work in.) Job just required changing 80 4' T12 fluorescent with 80 4' T8 fixtures, in one big room.(bingo hall) Drop ceiling, owner would move tables out of the way, have fixtures delivered & ready to install. All we had to do was literally change out each fixture. I charged driving time for one way, just to recoup some money. Competitor did not charge driving time and won the bid. Owner told me this.

 

[IrishRugger]

Just lost a bid to a competitor, for a job that was an hours drive away(from town we both work in.) Job just required changing 80 4' T12 fluorescent with 80 4' T8 fixtures, in one big room.(bingo hall) Drop ceiling, owner would move tables out of the way, have fixtures delivered & ready to install. All we had to do was literally change out each fixture. I charged driving time for one way, just to recoup some money. Competitor did not charge driving time and won the bid. Owner told me this.

Let's look at what your competitor really won?
(1) a two hour drive every day that cost's him fuel he cannot re-coup
(2) wear and tear on his vehicles he can not re coup
(3) a job where he's not making any money off the fixtures
(4) absence from his base of operations so he won't be able to respond to the calls you can
(4) a chance to de-value his services
(5) the chance to under value his skill that he has worked hard for
an extended period of time
(6) the chance to set a precidence with a possible repeat customer that under values his time, skill and knowledge.
(7) and the chance to set a presidence with others possible customers from referals given by the (bingo hall)

I know winter can be difficult, and loosing work to a compeditor for something as minor as travel time can sting, but don't ever under sell yourself. You have worked hard to get where you are at your services have an value!

 

[jwjrw]

Just lost a bid to a competitor, for a job that was an hours drive away(from town we both work in.) Job just required changing 80 4' T12 fluorescent with 80 4' T8 fixtures, in one big room.(bingo hall) Drop ceiling, owner would move tables out of the way, have fixtures delivered & ready to install. All we had to do was literally change out each fixture. I charged driving time for one way, just to recoup some money. Competitor did not charge driving time and won the bid. Owner told me this.

Was the bid lower only because or travel time? Was his higher but no travel time and travel time turned customer off?
I figure it in but I dont list it.