So true. I've been on both sides of the table on that one. When I engaged a contractor to frame the second story on my home, I stuck my nose into only two issues: figuring a layer of shim so the second floor joists didn't bear on the first floor ceiling, then later designing the staircase because the architect had figured a big ugly boxed-in lump in the living room ceiling to fit the top stair when the stairs could be done without bothering that ceiling. I had feared the framer might need continual supervision but he was good and the best help I could give him was to stay out of his way.
As God is my witness, it's true!I dont think I've ever had anyone say 'thats all?' before. I think people round here are just cheap
Both on tractor work (specifically: my fixed-price patio prep work) and on snowplowing jobs.
I'll tell you what's happened to me when I have accidentally let out a little comment, squeal or other hint of joy at a much-lower-than-expected price. The bidder changes gears on a dime and quickly says something like: "Well, that's the bottom of the range, of course" and quickly requotes the "upper end of the range" to as much as double.Come on guys. Put yourself in the other guys shoes. When you give someone a price if they say "That's all!"; what would you think? I'll tell you what I'd think if I had just quoted them .... I'd think darn, I under bid!!!
...Then I would also wonder if I missed something and if I'm really going to make money on the job.
So, those folks are taking it easy on you. Not causing you extra stress by making you think you bid to low.
Then, of course, I acknowledge with a wink and a smile, turn around and walk away. 
or gas main or transcontinental fiberoptics trunk line. Yeah, don't overlook the insurance.
Don't want to publish my actual negotiated price on the Internet... but I can tell you that it's all based on what you tell them you want to do, how much experience you have in that area, how many employees plan to use and how much you expect to bill annually. Obviously, the more employees you have and the more work you plan to do... the more they want you to pay. On renewal, they will look at what you actually billed for the previous year AND what you expect to do in the coming year. Actual premiums are literally all over the place. For an excavation start-up, some will refuse to insure you at any cost. What other business you do with the particular agent or broker makes a world of difference.
It was not a fun experience. 
. I started out with a few signs i bought and put them on a few corners around my area. I got 1 jog doing clean up for a lady who had to many horses on not enough land with a little bx23 tlb. Craigs list got me vey busy doing french drains, land leveling, flower beds, tree removal, grave drives, dry stream beds, rock retaining walls, building pads, creek cleaning, on and on the list goes. I think the key was my background, and abilities on and off the tractor. Hey Dan - Now folks here know why you are my "successful-self-employment-using-CUT" inspiration and hero!I made a bit of money doing this until my cfo shut me down and sent me back to working for the man, ugg
I always said "your project your way" I would have the customer buy any materials and call the locating service. I never would out right bid a job, i told the customers i worked for 50 bucks an hour with a 2 hour min., that way if the customer jacks around while you are there making a decision its costing them, but also you will find that you will get alot of the "while your here" things you will end up doing.
one thing i can suggest is that you be able to diversify as much as possible, but a mower if you dont have one. most jobs you will do once but the grass grows all summer
Even if you did go back to workin' for the man when he came callin' with that tall stack of green!!! You proved rather convincingly that it could be done! 
Well, that's easy for you to say!
You've already done it! In my defense, I will only offer up that I am up against my strict town bylaws, some serious cut-throat competition from the local illegal community and my staunch opposition to taking on regular lawn maintenance work. That being said, my single biggest mistake was still where I put my 2007 advertising dollars (a mistake I will soon rectify but never forget!). Can't argue with that.
In fact, that is the whole idea!!! 
Looks very cool!
And everything is easy to read!
Excellent words of wisdom from someone who has actually done it successfully.
My "old man's" preference is for light-colored, slightly over-sized, button-up, short-sleeve shirts. 
