Some people and their $

yarnammurt · February 02, 2015, 10:20:04 PM

I had a guy call today about doing some slab work for him and his friend. Very well to do guys, Said he had a bunch of Red Oak 250-300 yo he wants cut. He asked what I charged to slab/mill. I told him It was $60hr for the slab work and $.40 to mill the Oak. He asked how far I would travel and I told him if He had the $ and work I would drive. I told the guy I needed 8hr min slab work and a $150 sit up charge. He said that would not be a problem. He asked if I could stay a day or two. I asked how much work he thought he had, He said that between him and his friend probably a weeks worth

of just slab work. They have 40+ trees to cut, They are between Little Rock and Memphis. Said he is on a old cotton plantation, 600acers and his friend 1200acers.

ScottAR · February 03, 2015, 12:27:28 AM

Sounds like they have work to do... Keep a smile on your face and you can make some of their money yours. ;)

fishfighter · February 03, 2015, 06:52:35 AM

That old of trees, I'm sure there will be metal. Also, they will be very big. Will they fit on your mill? They have something to drag logs to you and help load they?

drobertson · February 03, 2015, 07:41:52 AM

Sounds like a good one to me,, you will be fighting metal for certain, I reckon it has to be expected with slab work, I look forward to seeing some pics of these.

landscraper · February 03, 2015, 05:44:39 PM

People with money who want to spend it are what makes the world go around for contractors (my day job). If I was a mobile sawyer I would gladly take a job like that! Give him his money's worth and I bet it leads to more work from him or his acquaintances.

Word of mouth is a key that will unlock some very valuable doors.

sealark37 · February 03, 2015, 07:13:59 PM

Do your best for him and gladly accept any hospitality he and his friend offer. I have found some of my best friends after hiring them or working for them. All rich people do not view the working world with disdain. Make your communications with the customer friendly and clear. He may turn out to be a pal worth keeping. Regards, Clark

terrifictimbersllc · February 03, 2015, 07:26:22 PM

Your charging seems very fair to me, if you productively cut many slabs, seems like you'll be earning your $ not making a killing. Going home with dull chains, time away from the family, and many miles on the truck. They may just like wood more than money. Make sure you do your best job. i've found if I have a bad cut or time wasted (according to my expectations) that giving something in return like a bit of time not charged or a discount for something falling short, goes a long ways.

Seaman · February 04, 2015, 07:22:52 AM

Do you have some sort of gig to sharpen chains on the job ?
Also make sure they have a piece of equipment big enough to move the logs and slabs, and that it will be working for you while there. It goes so much faster when all you have to do is saw!

Sounds like a great job, I would do my best to make it happen. Wish it were a little closer, I would come help one day.

FRank

dboyt · February 04, 2015, 09:37:30 AM

Sounds like a great opportunity. Will you be able to go take a look at the job before you commit?

yarnammurt · February 04, 2015, 03:35:21 PM

I will go up next week and hammer out the details. But I have some more info. They have done their homework, They went to Memphis and got records from the slave sales for the plantation. They have pics of the house with the same trees they want me to cut out in front of the house. They are putting together a pack for a COA on the slabs with all the plantation info with pics of the house and slave quarters. They will sell some as slabs and then build some tables. This should be VERY cool.

Ocklawahaboy · February 04, 2015, 09:06:45 PM

Have they said why they are cutting the trees? -not that it's anyone's business, I'm just curious- They obviously don't need the money. Are the trees dying, in the way etc... The few plantations I've seen usually like to keep their big old trees.