Constructions contractors are the worst to haul for, here's why.

Hello, I just wanted to say first that I know there are probably some construction contractors on the forum and I don't mean to insult any of them. I am just trying to give my experience working with them and maybe this will help others.

With that said, I do a lot of trash/junk hauls for residential, businesses, and sometimes construction contractors. I feel that when I do a haul for a contractor the pay is always less, its a harder job, and its more wear and tear to truck and equipment due to more weight. I feel that contractors value my service less than a regular business or residential job. I figure it is because they have trucks and equipment to do the job themselves but, they just dont want to do it. I feel they view the guy that hauls the junk away as the least skilled and least important so they dont want to pay a fair price. Contractors always haggle the price and are the only ones that I have had issues with collecting payment (they often take their time to pay or dont pay full amount etc.). It makes sense though, that you would make less because the contractor is working for the customer and you are working for the contractor, the contractor is the middle man and they are always trying to cut costs. I dont blame them for trying to keep costs low but, by the time it comes to pay the last guy that picks up the trash, they can often be unfair. You have to make sure to give an invoice and have something in writing otherwise they may not feel obligated to pay you.

I have known this for awhile but, it has been more and more clear lately. If I know they are a construction contractor I will bid higher to deter them and if I land the job at least I will make a little more.

When I do a residential or business pickup I will usually make 2-3 times more in profits than if I do a pickup for a construction contractor. In addition to a better profit, many customers will give a tip. There is a contractor that I have done several jobs for recently and every time when the day is over, it feels like a very mediocre day. He will probably call me again because they are working on a big project and I will just politely tell him that I dont think he is willing to pay what I will be charging and that he might want to shop around.

I dont mind hard work but, when I can turn down contractors and get paid 2-3 times more working residential, its a no brainer. One benefit to working for a contractor is the potential for repeat business but, if the pay is low why bother. Another benefit is recycling of construction material metals but, with recycle values so low the benefits holds little weight now a days.



That concludes my rant about contractor. Ironically I plan to get my contractors license next year but, it will just be for hauling/cleanup.

i guess i am not big enough to have these problems come up sorry to hear that if i had the type of equipment to haul roll offs and stuff from construction i would have a place big enough to process all them goodies so i would just have them bring it to me for free minus hazard materials but then again since i love ewaste more i would focus more on using that equipment to pick up the easy money minus the sweat blood and tears of electronics lol
i guess my advice would be to stay clear of these that try and scalp ya and do more res

It's definitally not all contractors. Youve obviously had a few bad experiences though. I feel contractors are a great source of business and as Russell said a lot more consistent and when they have work you do if you connect right.

As a contractor I say both yes and no to this. First thing you need to realize contractors come like anything or anybody, in every description one could care to "label" them as. Every construction job site is different and with very different profit margins. Some jobs have very little profit and we often take jobs at almost break even margins, just to keep our crews together and employed (a fact). Contractors due to their need to both profit and survive in a very competitive industry that works on the "low bid" concept are driven to be very cost aware always. We are a very "Network" oriented group of people. Who would like to do as many phases of every job as possible. Reality steps in, and the fact that no one contractor can do everything and at all times, we must sub out parts of every job. We will always call upon our network of professionals who have demonstrated a willingness to work with us. Most importantly be able to complete any job with a level of efficient competency and cost effectiveness that "mirrors" that contractors needs!

Every customer is not my customer! Every contractor should not be your customer either. Find the ones that like to work with you and you with them (not easy to do). You will never be 100% happy with each other, but mutual respect is mandatory! You will find that once a contractor has accepted you into their "network", you will have a lifetime friend and associate that cares as much about you as themselves, as you will be into each job "together", very rewarding.

Well, got another call from the contractor i mentioned in the original post. I raise the price by $200 for a similar job as the last one. The last one i made peanuts so this time i charged $500 and it seemed to be the fair price but, it was after a lot of haggling. I pretty much told him that that is the price that is worth it for me to fo the job and feel free to shop around. I made sure to be polite and professional the whole time. First he wanted it for $300, then $400, then $450. He made it a tough sale. The good thing about this contactor though, they are good about paying on time .

I also gave another quote to another contractor recently @$460 and lower the price to $440. They wanted it for $430 and i told them $440 is the lowest i can do. He never called me back. I figure if they are haggling over $10 this might be one of those that will have a hard time to pay me on time.

Since i started doing ebay it has been easier to turn down the not so good jobs. Instead of doing an ok job i can stay home and work on ebay.