The short answer
The signs tradies mention most are a budget far below the real cost, haggling before the job starts, a long list of other tradies who did not get it and a refusal to put anything in writing. When you see two or more, price carefully, tighten the paperwork or pass.
What tradies and homeowners say here comes from public Australian forum threads we read on 12 November 2026. We paraphrase it and leave out names. It is shared experience, not statistics or legal advice.
Signs tradies mention
- "I have had four others look at it, but none understood what I want"
- a printed spec that does not match how the trade really works
- "best price" with a budget well below the real cost
- saying the work is something they do not want to do but have to, such as for insurance or council
- haggling at the start, which can turn into haggling at the end
What you can do
- quote the full scope and say what is not included
- ask for the quote to be accepted in writing before you start
- take a deposit inside the legal limit and use stage payments
- write up every extra as a variation
- or politely pass: "I do not think I am the right fit, but good luck with it"
Do not take the bait
If someone wants a lower price, offer a smaller scope, not a lower price for the same work. Tradies in forums say that when it is clear less money means less work, many customers go back to the original quote.
Protect your time
Free quotes cost you hours. Ask a few questions first, use photos where you can and keep a simple follow up routine.
Common questions
How do I handle a customer who haggles?
Offer a smaller scope instead of a lower price for the same work, and get the accepted quote in writing.
Sources
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: getting quotes, checked 12 November 2026