Three contractors were visiting a tourist attraction on
the same day. One was from New York, another from
Texas, and the third from Florida.
At the end of the tour, the guard asked them what they
did for a living. When they all replied that they were
contractors the guard said, "Hey, we need one of the
rear fences redone. Why don't you guys take a look at it
and give me a bid?" So to the back fence they all went.
First to step up was the Florida contractor. He took out
his tape measure and pencil, did some measuring and
said, "Well I figure the job will run about $900. $400 for
materials, $400 for my crew, and $100 profit for me."
Next was the Texas contractor. He also took out his tape
measure and pencil, did some quick figuring and said,
"Looks like I can do this job for $700. $300 for materials,
$300 for my crew, and $100 profit for me."
Without so much as moving, the New York contractor
said, "$2,700."
The guard, incredulous, looked at him and said,
"You didn't even measure like the other guys! How
did you come up with such a high figure?"
"Easy," he said. "$1,000 for me, $1,000 for you, and
we hire the guy from Texas.