I completely disagree with this approach, it's nothing more than a race to the bottom. Especially since he's likely being subbed out already, which means BCTriguy is either working at a discount already OR leaving money on the table. I suspect that the 2nd scenario is the most likely. If a person wants their work to valued, then they must value it themselves. If someone opens negotiations by complaining about your rate on an open ended job such as a reno. That person can not afford you and even if they can, lowering your price will not make them happier it'll be a wedge that they'll work to squeeze you even more later on.

What are you aiming to be in terms of a company? Do you want to stay small ie you and maybe a helper or two or do you want to get bigger? For me a fancy website and painted trucks don't impress as I know there are plenty of companies that do crappy work that do that too. I had my house built 12 years ago on time and materials because I had a high level of trust in the builder. I had found unsolicited references from people they had built homes for and they were all good. What about talking to the people who you have done good work for and asking if they are willing to talk to prospective clients? A basic website with a portfolio is probably a good idea. If you are okay about staying small I think if you are more patient you will eventually get to working directly for the clients. If I want someone to do work on my house I also ask my neighbour who has lived in this town all his life and knows who does good work and who does not.

I dunno. If you get busy then when will you find time to fuck-off on the LR?