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Q.	I have a question on how much to charge. How do you determine competitive pricing for your area? How do you determine what the competition is charging, so that you know that your pricing is where it should be, and fair?
	The simple answer is that you need to ask. You receive numerous calls from "consumers" asking about your services, and your prices to complete those ... How much should I charge?

Are there any good tips to get a client to pay you on time? I have a client who lives out of town and doesn't seem in a hurry to pay for work that I did more than a month ago. She never gives any reason, just "I will be up there in a few days, so there is no sense in mailing a check now" - and then doesn't show. The work was a built-in entertainment center. Should I go take it back? Should I file a lien?

To be paid promptly, you need to set clear expectations. During contract signing, I would review any payment schedule, and I would pay specific ... Should I accept Credit Cards?

We were recently discussing putting a sign out in front of the office and having someone actively waving it around and trying to draw attention to our company and get more leads coming through the door or calling on the phone. What are your thoughts on this process and do you think it would help stimulate business?

I've seen sandwich shops do this, and it does get my attention. My concern is that you aren't selling sandwiches, but improvements that cost quite a ... We were recently discussing putting a sign out in front of the office and having someone actively waving it around to draw attention to our company and get more customers. What are your thoughts on this? Do you think it would help stimulate business?

Q.	Should I itemize costs when I provide an estimate, or tally everything together and just provide one final number as my proposal?
	This is a great question, and one I dealt with regularly in my own remodeling business. If you have a small service business, like a plumbing or ... Should I itemize costs when I provide an estimate, or tally everything together and just provide one final number as my proposal?

Q.	How can I request referrals for only a minimum scope of work? There is plenty of work in my area for larger jobs, but most of my referrals are people who have small jobs, like ceiling fans etc.
	Entire businesses have been built starting with small jobs. That does not mean doing more small projects, it means providing every customer with ... How can I request referrals for only a minimum scope of work? \| Ask Dave

Q.	We are opening a new GC company. Is it better to buy your equipment or just rent it?
	In new business, cash is frequently in short supply. Because there are always priorities on where the money can be spent, you have to be very ... Buy or rent equipment

Q.	As a business owner , where is the best place to start to get your business going? I have been trying for 2 years and it's really hard to get the home cleaning service I have started going
	As with any business, you will only survive if you can bring in customers. That is why every successful business is continually marketing their ... Best Place to Start

Q.	My electrician didn't show up for a job yesterday, and that has happened before. What can be done to make my subs work more efficiently with me and my projects?
	Sometimes we have to "train" our trade contractors to meet our expectations. Let me tell you a process that I followed that worked very well in ... Subs not showing up?

Q.	Hello Dave. Me again! Another big obstacle.... I need to purchase 1 or 2 vans to be used for service work and installations for our Heating and Air Conditioning company. How do I begin this process? Who can I trust, and how do I keep from getting ripped off???
	The Internet is changing the way we do business, and that includes the way that we purchase new vehicles. Due to all the information available on ... Work Vehicles

Q.	This questions is regarding your article "Above the Line, Below the Line". I'm a business owner and I work 70-80 hours a week. Is that normal for the industry? Also, what percentage of my revenue should I be taking as my salary?
	Let's address this as a goal to work toward. This won't happen overnight, but is a worthwhile goal to pursue. As an owner, set a goal to not work ... Work hours, revenue pct

Q.	We just started a new company and I’ve heard different things on which costs to include and which not to include. Do you have any advice on that?
	This is a great question. Talk with a good accountant that has worked with companies in the construction industry. Review all the overhead costs ... Expenses

Q.	How can we find good employees?
	This is an age-old question, and I can only review a good suggestion that I was told by a very successful company in northern Virginia. This company ... Find Good Employees

Q.	We’ve been in remodeling business for 7 years. What do you think is the most effective way to stand out from the competition?
	Ask your best customers. Let me explain what I mean. After 7 years in business, you have had a number of successful jobs, and happy customers. ... Stand out from competition