The Estimate
A convenience store needed to replace the fence
on the back of the property so the owner called three contractors in to bid on
it. When they arrived he noticed each vehicle was from a different state. He
didn't think anything of it and took them around back to make a bid.
First to step up was the Florida contractor. He took out his tape measure and
pencil, did some measuring and said, ''Well I figure the job will run about
$900. $400 for materials, $400 for my crew, and $100 profit for me.''
Next was the Texas contractor. He also took out his tape measure and pencil, did
some quick figuring and said, ''Looks like I can do this job for $700. $300 for
materials, $300 for my crew, and $100 profit for me.''
Without so much as moving, the New York contractor said, ''$2,700.''
The guard, incredulous, looked at him and said, ''You didn't even measure like
the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?''
''Easy,'' he said. ''$1,000 for me, $1,000 for you, and we hire the guy from
Texas.''