We don't charge for estimates, but we do try minimize situations where it can be a waste of time. I estimate anything I can over the phone and if it's for outlets not working I tell the people how to find and reset all the GFI's on the phone. (I can't bring myself to charge $75 to push a button). If the estimate is for something not working I tell them that if I can fix the problem while troubleshooting, I will charge $75 plus materials. Many times I give a rough estimate on the phone and tell them I will give the an exact price when we show up to do the work(always works, but I'm fair also).
I have a few competitors that charge $29 -$59 for an estimate, but their prices are so high they rarely get the work, so I guess they just go around all day collecting $29 and occasionally screwing some old lady by charging $450 to install a ceiling fan(true story).
