I used to chase every job. I have finally learned my lesson that
some work is not worth having. We were recently asked to quote a weed control sprayer.
Because the specs were not tight, I wrote the prospect declining to
quote. I thought he would be pissed. He was not. Here is the
communication (names and product names changed or deleted):
Joe,
Thank you for including us on your bid list for the Weed Control Spray trailer.
The specs provided are not sufficient to ensure the sprayer purchased will do what the client expects.
For example:
- What type of herbicides, liquid or granular? Granular
products are tough on pumps and would suggest a more expensive pump.
- Is agitation required? With granular products, agitation is probably is required.
- Not specifying the pump on a project like this is not a good
idea, especially if you are not a pump expert. The wrong pump will
cause problems for client and you.
- Is trailer for on road or off road?
- Any specs on the trailer? There are good trailers and cheap
trailers. Example: we use 6” rectangular tube steel on many of our
trailers to make them virtually indestructible.
- (Brand Name) Spray Head. There are multiple options available per their website.
o Which option?
o Which tip pattern?
o Does the client want to be able to spray on both sides of the trailer?
o How will the (brand name) sprayer be controlled? It appears they have a control box option. Is this what the client wants?
o Does the client expect the (brand name) control wiring to be run
through the trailer wire harness? If so, the flat 4 may not be the way
to go.
§ The downside of wiring through the trailer harness is that it can
be difficult to wire the trailer without having the tractor present.
§ Also, will multiple tractors be pulling this trailer, if so, there are wiring issues that must be considered.
Joe, I am not trying to be difficult. I have been doing this long
enough and we are busy enough that I have to spend my time on projects
that I know we can be successful on. We have no desire to get paid for a
sprayer the client is unhappy with (please google Andrew Greess or
Quality Equipment & Spray to check our reputation).
I am happy to discuss this with you Tuesday in more detail. With the
current specs and the May 30 deadline we will have to pass. I hope
you will consider Quality Equipment & Spray for future sprayer
projects.
Thanks.
Andrew Greess, etc.
Here is the surprising response I received:
Thank you, Andrew, for your thoughtful response and questions. You
are exactly right that it is much better for all concerned to zero in on
the correct usage and requirements rather than building the easiest and
cheapest possible.
I will contact the client and seek out the answers and get back with
you as soon as I can. As you can probably determine, the customer did
not have a spec, but I wrote the spec up based on a discussion with the
client.
What they wanted, was a replacement for a XYZ spray trailer with 200
gal. tank. The XYZ sprayer had a model number of ABC123 which indicated
a government spec., but I could not find any info on that on the
internet.
I will get back as soon as I have the information. Thank you. Joe Smith
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