“A fool and his money are soon parted.” This saying has been around for at least 500 years, warning people to exercise caution in financial matters. However, it does not imply that you should always choose the cheapest price — sometimes, a low sealcoating quote on the price can be a foolish decision.
Low Sealcoating Quotes Are Not Your Friend
You may regret your choice if:
• Your choice offers inferior quality, whether in terms of durability or appearance.
• Your decision has unexpected consequences, such as having a detrimental effect on your customers’ perception of your business.
• You encounter problems resolving issues after the purchase, such as a company that refuses to stand behind their work or a business owner who is difficult or impossible to reach.
• You learn — after the fact — that better products or methods were available that would have provided superior results.
• You enter into a purchase agreement believing that you will be receiving Y, then find that your binding contract will only give you Z — and if you want Y, it will cost you an additional X dollars.
What To Look For In A Sealcoating Quote
In the asphalt industry, you will normally find that most paving contractors will quote prices that are quite close — if they are quoting identical scope and quality. Occasionally, you will receive at least one quote that is dramatically less than all of the others. The quote may be legitimate and tendered by a reputable contractor, but before you sign on the dotted line, be sure and do a little fact-checking.
• Is the scope of the work the same as the other bids? In other words, are all contractors quoting the same area and services? For example, the contractors in the middle range may be including power washing your parking lot before they sealcoat it, while the contractor with the lowest bid is planning to skip the task or offer it to you for an additional price.
• Are all of the contractors you are considering equivalent in experience and reputation? Some contractors with poor reputations have difficulty securing work unless they are willing to undercut other companies’ prices. New contractors sometimes “low-ball” bids when they are attempting to establish a business, but that often means that your job will be done by inexperienced workers who have yet to master the task.
• Does the contractor with the lowest price carry workers’ comp and liability insurance? If not, you could be the one held responsible if his workers are injured on your premises or damage the property of your customers or employees.
MH Greeson is sealcoating contractor that specializes in crack repair and maintenance, parking lot striping and traffic sign installation. We offer our services to customers in most locations in North Georgia and throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area. Our crews are highly trained and have extensive experience in the industry. Quite often, we can offer you the lowest price on your project, but we never compromise on quality or customer service. If you would like to request a free estimate, you can submit our online form or call us at 770-335-2983.
