Hey Rob, can you give me a quote?

Me: It depends.

Them: What do you mean it depends? Either you can or you can’t.

Me: Do you need the service now or later?

Them: Why? 

Me: Well if I quote you a price now then that price is valid for the next 25 days. But if you want a quote for work that you want in the next 30, 60, 90 our 180 days or more than the price has to be reflective of future costs. 

Them: That’s not how your competitors work.

Me: Not sure who you are referring to, but I have no competitors. 

Them: Sure you do.

Me: I get the feeling you really don’t want a quote you just want to argue. 

Them: I have quotes from several others who claim to do what you do…

Me: Then why do you need a quote from me?

Them: Well, you’ve been highly recommended and we wanted to see how you compare.

Me: I don’t compare…like I said I have no competitors.

Them: Sure you do.

Me: Please hire one of those so-called competitors then, I’m not interested.

Them: What? We could have given you lots of money.

Me: The key phrase there is “could have”. I doubt the money would be worth the hassle. 

{caller hung up}

{Five minutes later received an email asking for a quote}