I had the opportunity to bid on a 3 day outdoor festival. Client wanted an SL100, gennie, sound for various performers and bands, and lighting. Since I don't own enough gear for this I got all my quotes from people I normally deal with, since I get a deal. I came in at what I thought was a fair price for them and the gear that they were gonna get. We are talking 5-6 mixes, full mic kit, Vertec 4888s, Midas, outborad, front lighting, Mac 250s etc... I was making some money on this, even though I had a bunch of expenses.
Today the client calls me and says that they got a quote from somebody else and that I will not be doing the event. I asked how come, the answer came as no surprise....MONEY.... The other supplier came in at $1500 cheaper AND is gonna throw in a video wall. I know what my expenses where and this guy is gonna make maybe $200 if he is lucky. I know this other supplier long enough to know that he did this on purpose just so I wouldn't get the gig, it wouldn't be the first time this happens.
He tried doing the same thing to me on another event that happens 2 weeks after this one, a 4 day outdoor. His quote for this event was $2000 cheaper. Thankfully my client for 12 years believes in me and my experience to tell him "Thanks, but no Thanks".
This guy has a reputation of lowballing everybody and then ruining the events. It baffles me how he is still around.
Sorry for the rant..........
