I am sorry, but bid shopping is screwing the sub.
I disagree in fact I would argue that more often then not at least with this office we identify things that end up saving the sub money and risk. Firstly there is no sub until a subcontract is written and the subcontract goes to the best value bidder which indecently is not always the lowest number. We do not just take the low number and share it with all the bidders or whisper it into he ear of the brother in-law. Our negotiations are part of a thoughtful and thorough review of the project scope and serves a purpose in ensuring that the bidder even understands the project requirements. I cannot just sign up the low guy and expect all to be right with the world. That is not reasonable and is certainly not good business. I will list a couple real examples:
EC has 2nd tier sub for light pole bases for 35K on the quote but our concrete bidder can do it for 20K. 15K in contingency. Good business.
MC quoted TRANE for 200K but CARRIER meets spec and is 150K. Easy 50K. MC still makes his OH, MU and Profit.
Same MC has a 2nd tier crane for 25K but roofer will lift the equipment when they mobilize for 5K. We just put 70K more in contingency in about 4 phone calls before setting foot on site.
Same job. EC missed the UL master label requirement in the lightning protection spec. 10K change order. I can now write that CO and not be stuck eating it because bidder did not read the LP spec.
EC has 30K for demo of existing EMT. Demo sub has 20K for demo of EMT. De-scope from EC and put 30K in contingency. How does that screw EC? You know he did not give back the OH and Markup on the 30K and now who carries the risk?? Easy 30K on contingency. Why should that be your windfall when we hold the contract?
The notion that once a bid is handed over the GC now owes you the job is ridiculous.