Around here the hacks are beating each other up on prices and the problem with the hacks is that they don't want to invest in equipment or their image. That hurts their daily bottom line and they don't think much past that. They run their business just like they run their lives, day to day and that's it.
I got outbid on a job this week by 50% by some guy that operates out of his car. I explained the difference to the prospective customer but they just didn't want to hear it. I don't understand how a homeowner will let an uninsured contractor of any kind on their property or even ask about what is going to be done.
Maybe they'll call me back in a couple of weeks after their guy has been there for 2 days with no results.
On the flip side I bid another job that the customer instantly accepted, because I was the only one that got back to him that was insured, tell him exactly what needed to be done and could set a day and time on the spot. Those are the people I want to deal with.