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
