A Fence Bid
Three contractors were visiting a
tourist attraction on the same day. One was from New York, another from Texas,
and the third from Florida. At the end of the tour, the guard asked them what
they did for a living. When they all replied that they were contractors the
guard said, ''Hey, we need one of the rear fences redone. Why don't you guys
take a look at it and give me a bid?'' So to the back fence they all went.
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."