rave: when estimates are a LOT less than you expected

[clevername]

with the imminent arrival of my dog I'm getting a fence installed for my backyard.

the fence guy was just here and quoted me a price that was HALF what I was expecting based on online research. There's regional differences and all, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Made a difficult financial decision an easy one. From talking to the bank to handling myself.

[haltz]

I bought car insurance yesterday. Just a non-owner's policy (turns out I'll have a car to drive without buying one for the next few months, which probably deserves its own rave). Anyway, I figured it would be cheap, but I was blown away by just how cheap it was.

Being older and a little bit removed from driving with my head up my ass for several years definitely has its benefits.

[jim]

I had a septic system installed on a house I purchased last year. I was quoted a range - between X and Y. The bill came in at $X - 500, because he didn't realize the tank($500 to buy and install) was already installed. So basically the best possible case plus he comes back later and says "Oh, I didn't realize you already had that part done".

[planet planet]

Not to be cynical, but any decent contractor should always give you a range on the high side. It's an easy way to get customer sat ratings through the roof.

[Radio_Bugtussle]

I had a similar experience with my car insurance invoice.

I wasn't wearing the reading glasses when I wrote checks a month ago. Judging from the minuscule amount due this month, I misread the total last month.

[docellis]

Not to be cynical, but any decent contractor should always give you a range on the high side. It's an easy way to get customer sat ratings through the roof.

Yeah but if you give a a bid on the high side you run the risk of the person going with someone who gave them a bid lower than yours...

[redbirdjazzz]

"I told the Captain I would have this diagnostic done in an hour."
"And how long will it really take you?"
"An hour!"
"Oh, you didn't tell him how long it would really take, did you?"
"Of course I did."
"Oh, laddie, you have a lot to learn if you want people to think of you as a miracle worker."
- La Forge and Scotty