Dear {Contractor},
Thank you so much for coming out and giving me the estimate for {project/repair}. Unfortunately, that amount far exceeds what I had budgeted. I'm not sure if you heard that {divorce/death/disease/other disaster}.
As you can imagine, I cannot live without a {bathroom/stove exhaust/roof/etc.}. Might you be open to a payment plan? I can afford to pay {amount} per month. Alternately, I'd be happy to barter my services as a {graphic designer/marketer/etc.} as partial payment.
This is so awkward for me. I know that you have a business to run and expenses to cover. Please remember that I paid promptly when you completed {previous projects}. Everyone I've referred to you has been just as pleased as I am, and I really don't want to go to a lesser contractor for bids on this.
Please let me know your thoughts.
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