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#157021 12/04/05 09:06 AM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12
J
Member
For what it is worth. I will estimate any job over the phone. I charge a $75.00 fee for a jobsite visit and a firm quote. Nothing is written unless it is paid for. If you asked an employee to stay 30 minutes after work for free to clean the truck they would tell you to go pound sand. Nobody does anything for free. A 5 minute conversation over the phone is just our responsibility as business owners. If the customer is serious about having the work done, they will want to compare your written quote to others they get. Yours states "quote" the others will probably say "estimate". If you explain the difference between the two you will most likely be awarded the job. The best part of meeting at the jobsite is that you can get a very good feel for the potential customer during your interview. Are they neat? What type of cars do they drive? Is their residence kept up, or is everything in disrepair? You name it you can learn alot about a customer while you are interviewing them. Always put your best foot forward and always be in control of the meeting.

Jim

Latest Estimating Cost Guides & Software:
#157022 12/04/05 08:37 PM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 308
E
Member
test


Thanks
Edward
#157023 12/05/05 08:00 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 197
L
Member
Just curious jr4wire ~~ What is the difference between your estimate and your quote?

#157024 12/05/05 08:05 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 197
L
Member
Sorry, I hit enter before I was finished. An estimate to us means; "Estimate $500.00" The job will not exceed this amount but may be less. "Quote $500.00" You can make the check out right now becasue that is what the invoice will be. Am I correct?

#157025 01/13/06 05:33 AM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 265
S
Member
from dictionary.com:

estimate: To calculate approximately (the amount, extent, magnitude, position, or value of something)

quote: To state (a price) for securities, goods, or services.

So, an estimate would be a "ballpark figure" (could be higher or lower) while a quote would be a firm price.


Sixer

"Will it be cheaper if I drill the holes for you?"
#157026 01/13/06 08:27 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 197
L
Member
Sixer ~ That is, and always has been our definition also. Though we offer neither for 'free.'

#157027 01/13/06 11:57 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 265
S
Member
Of course nothing is for free.....it's either added in the estimate when given, or it's added to the "cost of doing business", which is covered by the ever-increasing labour rates.


Sixer

"Will it be cheaper if I drill the holes for you?"
#157028 01/17/06 07:32 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 39
W
Member
I've decided I'm giving everyone who calls in a free estimate. That's right. For everyone who calls in, I'll cheerfully let them know for free, that for $49 we'll send a professional electrician out to their residence!

#157029 01/17/06 08:39 AM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 507
M
Member
wilkie,

you sound like maio, "the estimate is free, there's just a small trip charge for us to get out there"

with the prices of just gas, labor and advertising these days, you really have to do it.

if it costs you $50 to give an estimate (between advertising, labor and overhead) and you do not charge for it, look at these number.

you close 1/2 of your calls with a job average of $400. Well take $100 right off the top ($50 for the job you didn't get + $50 for the job you did get) and suddenly, you only have $300 to cover that job.

it's vicious. good luck with it wilkie

#157030 01/17/06 09:57 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 39
W
Member
Wrong battle here. We're kindred spirits.

Your looking at the words too closely. We, like you, charge a dispatch fee to every inbound request for service or estimate. Our technicians run the call in brand new, fully stocked, logo'd vans in crisp uniforms and polished boots. They have all been professionally trained in in-home service, and since several of them just got back from a week with TechDaddy, you might be surprised how trained they are.Every price they give comes out of our standardized electrical pricing manual. Thats right, flat rate, baby! Live operator 24hrs a day/ 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, and on, and on, and on.

sound familiar?

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