Tell it to Your Grocer

We are probably all familiar with common playground repartees: “My dad can beat up your dad.” “Oh yeah, well your mother wears army boots.” Such exchanges are obviously silly, but that doesn’t stop some painting contractors from engaging in similar activities.

You don’t need to read a painting forum too long to stumble across painters who claim they do the best work. These claims are no different from playground taunts—they accomplish nothing but massage the ego of the speaker.

I don’t doubt that those making these claims do very fine work. But the best? What does that mean? The best by whose standards? And why is being the best painter such a big issue?

I didn’t start a paint contracting company to be the best. I started my business to make money. I soon learned that most customers weren’t willing to pay for a perfect paint job. Most couldn’t recognize one if it snuck up and bit them on the butt. (Ignore the fact that paint jobs don’t have teeth, though I’ve seen some that must have lips because they really sucked.)

I decided that the time involved getting to a 9.5 or a 10 was simply far more than customers would pay for. I concluded many would pay for an 8 or an 8.5, and there was a large market for this level of service. That’s where I have focused my efforts.

I am certain that there are companies that do better quality work than mine. I’m also aware that many of these companies struggle to stay busy and don’t charge what their service is truly worth. In short, they don’t make much money.

So, if you aim to be the best painter, knock yourself out. I’m glad you take pride in your work. But don’t come bragging to me about being the best. If you think I’m apathetic on the issue, trying telling your grocer that you are the best painter. He’ll still expect you to pay your bill, and being the best doesn’t always accomplish that.

© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008