Three contractors are bidding to fix the White House fence.
One from the Philippines , another from Mexico and an American.
They go with a White House official to examine the fence.
The American contractor takes out a tape measure and does some
measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. Well,” he says. “I
figure the job will run about $900: $400 for materials, $400 for my crew
and $100 profit for me.”
The Mexican contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then
says, “I can do $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100
profit for me.”
The Filipino contractor doesn’t measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers: “$2,700.”
The official, incredulous, says, “What? You didn’t even measure like
the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure? How do you
expect me to consider your service with that bid??
“Easy,” the Pinoy explains, “$1,000 for you, $1,000 for me and we hire the guy from Mexico “.
The next day, the Pinoy and the Mexican are working on the Fence.