Usually the customers are calling to get the job done and have called other electricians that either didn't want the job, or never showed up. They need it now, so I try to get it done for them asap. There are tirekickers out there that want a free estimate and are just shopping around for the cheapest contractor. You can easily
distinguish them from the serious customers just by talking to them on the phone. I do not bid jobs, what I do is provide an honest estimate of the probable cost and keep it on the high side. It is better to finish a job that you estimated for 1000.00 and only charge 800.00. This keeps the customers happy that they saved 200.00. Some people are just not worth dealing with, however, and when I run across those I will avoid dealing with them in the future.
