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Electrical Estimating.

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You have just visited a small house to look before providing an estimate for the cost of the work. It is a  small job and will cost between £1,500 to £2,000. Upon leaving, the householder says to you: "I will be getting other estimates".


Does this


a, Annoy you?


b, Not faze you?


c, Reduce your interest in getting the job?


d, Increase your desire to put in a really low estimate?


e, Make no difference?


g,  Other, please specify.


Z.


  • 0
    C
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Unless it was a family / friend , I would fully expect most customers to seek a minimum of 2 estimates 


    estimates from contractors can be widely different for the exact same job due to differing standards and how badly they want the work etc 


    just give them you estimate and leave it at that ,


    on that basis my answer is B


  • 0
    It depends on tone of voice, as do many things.


    If the customer said "i'm gonna get a few other estimates then get back to you" then B.


    We usually encourage people to get other estimates if they don't mention it


    If it was said in a 'this is way too expensive' tone, then C
  • 0
    Would you get more than one estimate for a job, I usually do
  • 0
    Me: the cost will be £2400


    Potential customer: but you have not gone any measuring up.


    Me: it’s virtually identical to a job I have just finished and that was £2400, so that is my price.


    Potential customer: but I have already had a quote at £1900.


    Me: that is cheap, you’d best get that guy to do the job if you think he can complete it for that.


    Potential customer: but I want it done for less than £1900.


    Me: but £1900 is £500 less I will do it for and is cheap, so why do you think you can get it done for less? I’ll leave you to think about it.


    If you have given the customer a sensible price why would either of you consider it is open to negotiation?


    Andy
  • 0
    Someone else phoned me up and said: ”you don’t charge for quotes do you? My garage lights don’t work can you come and give me a quote to make them work?”


    Me: No.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Someone else phoned me up and said: ”you don’t charge for quotes do you? My garage lights don’t work can you come and give me a quote to make them work?”


    Me: No.


    ​​TS: For me to provide you with a quote I will need to investigate the problem which means I will need to take my tools out. 

    If I do that then the call is classified has a reactive visit which is chargeable ?.
  • 0

    Blencathra:

    Would you get more than one estimate for a job, I usually do




    I only got one estimate from a local double glazing installer to replace a few misted up double glazed units. He was recommended. I had seen his work elsewhere, and when his estimate came in it was so low I could not refuse. His plus points were awarded because 1. He turned up for the viewing of the work and measured the existing units. 2. He actually supplied an estimate quickly.

     I have had many local trades people not turn up to view or estimate for various other jobs, they seem to be a law unto themselves.

    You can go further and fair worse.


    Z.


    Z.

  • 0

    Timeserved:

    Someone else phoned me up and said: ”you don’t charge for quotes do you? My garage lights don’t work can you come and give me a quote to make them work?”


    Me: No.


    ​​TS: For me to provide you with a quote I will need to investigate the problem which means I will need to take my tools out. 

    If I do that then the call is classified has a reactive visit which is chargeable ?. 




    Exactly.


    They had seen the advert I had paid for, called me on my phone I had paid for, then wanted me to drive to their home using the van an fuel I had paid for, to get my tools out and use my knowledge that I paid to get to tell them why the lights in their detached garage didn’t work free of charge without any guarantee of getting paid to resolve any issues found.


    Andy 

  • 0

    Blencathra:

    Would you get more than one estimate for a job, I usually do




    How many times will you reduce your quote if someone tells you they have got a lower quote than your original one?


    Andy 

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