Quoting a simple shelf install but customers nickel and dime every detail

I'm so pissed at these homeowners who ask for a basic floating shelf install using Eucatex brackets and 3/4" plywood, but then they want to debate every little thing like the exact grain direction or if I can source walnut instead of oak for the same price. Been doing handyman work in the Chicago area my whole career and it's the same BS every time, especially on these quick jobs that should take under two hours. I use Housecall Pro for estimates but even with photos and breakdowns they push back on the $80 material upcharge. Saw a similar rant in the Handyman Nation Facebook group last week where a guy lost a whole afternoon to this crap. Someone in r/handyman mentioned bundling add-ons upfront but these folks still act like you're robbing them. NGL, makes me wanna stick to commercial gigs where they just sign off. Anyone got a script for shutting that down?

Break it down line by line on the quote with no wiggle room for changes.

Same shit here, had a lady question my DeWalt drill choice for hanging cabinets. Felt that frustration deep.

Don't quote until you've got a signed scope of work. Lock it in.

Haha, told a guy his 'simple' fence fix needed new 4x4 posts and he ghosted me. Win!

How do you handle walk-throughs? Do you take notes on every request?

Insurance companies and these cheapskates are killing small ops like us. Rally up, brothers.

Felt this last week on a door hardware swap. Empathy, man.

Man, it's exhausting. Same in my neck of the woods.

Totally get it, been there with shelf jobs myself.

Use fixed pricing tiers: basic, premium, custom. Cuts the BS.

I photograph everything during the estimate and reference it later. Pro tip.

Never lowball the initial quote; it'll just lead to arguments anyway.

Watch out for scope creep, it can turn a $200 job into a money pit fast.

Yeah, always build in a buffer for their 'ideas.'

Steer clear of verbal approvals; get it in writing or walk.

Damn right, these clients make you question the whole trade sometimes.

SharkBite-style quick quotes work for plumbing bits but for custom shelves? Nah, detail it out or eat the cost.

Floating shelves are easy money if you quote firm; don't let 'em erode your rate with questions.

Agreed, hand it over with 'this is the plan, sign here or we're done.' No mercy.

We've all been screwed by this; time to push back harder as a community.

Start adding 'consultation fees' for endless tweaks. Charge $50/hr for that nonsense.