It is always amazing to see how the accepted rules of the marketplace don’t apply to Painting Contracting or the contracting industry in general. We are all willing to accept that a BMW will cost more than a low end KIA, or dining at a high end restaurant would be a bit more expensive than eating at a McDonald’s. When you take this simple logic and apply it to the Painting marketplace, common sense does not apply.
The following are real headlines by “painters” from Craigslist and Kijiji free classifieds:

…We do quality work; we guarantee the lowest price
…We do not charge extra for filling nail & screw holes
…We guarantee to beat any written estimate by at least 10% and we guarantee the quality of work
…Painting and decorating services of unbeatable quality and price.
…QUALITY WORKMANSHIP PROFESSIONAL QUALITY WITH REASONABLE PRICES!!!!!!
…We offer quality work for a great price.
…Professional painting and drywall service with Lowest Price Guaranted.

Are consumers really that gullible?
How does that make sense?
Or is it the “anyone can paint” thinking the big box stores are promoting?

- Good quality paint tools and materials are more expensive
- Professional Painters need to be payed well or give them a loaf of bread and don’t let them get close to a paint brush
- Insurance, WSIB safety training etc. cost money
- A reputable painting company that will be there after the paint dries, has fixed expenses, like any other business
- Service, quality work, protecting customer valuables, they all take time. Any legitimate business needs to charge for that time.

This YouTube video is perfectly making the point. It is a must watch!

And yet, despite the countless warnings consumer get, even after the proliferation of shows like Holmes on Homes and others, we are still faced with the $100 per room painters, student type painting companies and “man with a brush” types portraying themselves as professional painters.

Painting services are available by the contributors to this blog. Fill the online form for a consultation.