ELECTRICAL ESTIMATING.

i have to say, as I'm a specifier/buyer, Its pretty much expected that contractors quote for free, break it down and then alter it, talk about it on the phone, wait six months then revalidate the quote. 

sometimes more than once! Basically its down to fitting things in a budget, I have just been shocked at the cost of switch fuses, after I got quoted for replacing some, so that was a bit of a wasted endeavour but I cant justify the work, at least for now. Six months later, I might.

Johno12345: 
 

i have to say, as I'm a specifier/buyer, Its pretty much expected that contractors quote for free, break it down and then alter it, talk about it on the phone, wait six months then revalidate the quote. 

 

sometimes more than once! Basically its down to fitting things in a budget, I have just been shocked at the cost of switch fuses, after I got quoted for replacing some, so that was a bit of a wasted endeavour but I cant justify the work, at least for now. Six months later, I might.

Good morning Johno,

it sounds like you undertake bigger jobs than me. I don't mind talking on the phone about jobs that I have estimated for, but when I have already discussed the proposed job in detail after a site visit, and then sent the estimate, I consider my free work done. Am I being selfish in just undertaking the simpler “in and out” jobs where I arrive, do the work and then leave with the cash wad. That is simple and easy. I am getting a little annoyed with people that are indecisive, clueless and that think that my time is permanently free. Time is money after all.

Z.

It depends upon the nature of the job Zoom. Do you consider £500 to £1K a lot or a little?

When I started on my own back in early 80s I would have considered it a big job.

All jobs that I considered big , say over £500, I would be prepared a bit of to and fro ing  before starting. Small jobs, No.

Where do you set the limit and what`s in it for you (after materials etc)?

It depends!

I wouldn't make another special trip, but I might be prepared to call in if I were in the vicinity. Otherwise, any further discussion to be by phone.

If it gets too detailed, there may be a risk that on completion, householders say, “that's not what we wanted”, or “that's not what we agreed”.

i guess its pick and choose the jobs you want, or like, might as well do the most profitable thing too, I often ask contractors if they are interested in a job, describe it, rather than just ask for a quote that might never arrive.

As has been said “It all depends”. 

If you need the business think about going back, if you are not desperate then talk over the phone. 

How profitable is it going to be, are you going to loose other work while doing it?

I expect to say what I am doing to do in a quote but do not break out materials and would not normally go out twice.

It also takes a lot of time to prepare a proper quote so the in/out jobs can be more profitable overall if you can get enough of them. Will there be repeat business?

I am trying to get quotes for garage doors at the moment and one company has given a quote based on me supplying the sizes, to get the “surveyor” out to measure up and show me samples I am expect to commit to £85 spend with the expectation that I am going to place the order. 

As others have said , lots of considerations

kfh: 
 

As has been said “It all depends”. 

If you need the business think about going back, if you are not desperate then talk over the phone. 

How profitable is it going to be, are you going to loose other work while doing it?

I expect to say what I am doing to do in a quote but do not break out materials and would not normally go out twice.

It also takes a lot of time to prepare a proper quote so the in/out jobs can be more profitable overall if you can get enough of them. Will there be repeat business?

I am trying to get quotes for garage doors at the moment and one company has given a quote based on me supplying the sizes, to get the “surveyor” out to measure up and show me samples I am expect to commit to £85 spend with the expectation that I am going to place the order. 

Indeed. Some invites for “an estimate” can be real time wasters. Some people just want guidance so that they can do the work themselves. A site visit and following estimate can deprive me of half a day's wages, plus the cost of fuel and vehicle wear and tear.

I am tempted to employ the response of a Rolls Royce car salesman in a posh London showroom when a potential customer asked the price of a new Rolls. The salesman said “If you have to ask sir, then you can't afford it”.?

Z.

Indeed. Some invites for “an estimate” can be real time wasters. Some people just want guidance so that they can do the work themselves. A site visit and following estimate can deprive me of half a day's wages, plus the cost of fuel and vehicle wear and tear.

My partner is a Building Surveyour and quite often spends a couple of hours with a client to discuss their plans, a half day doing a measured survey of their existing home and then a couple of days drawing up and designing their extensions only for the client to then say they've changed their minds and then refuse to pay for the set of drawings he's done, let alone pay him for his time. Seems that they think all this is supposed to be for free… ?

One client seemed to think that as they didn't get their planning permission for their extension then they didn't have to pay for the drawings either like it was a ‘no win no fee’ arrangement! 

While I don't often do domestic - I do know (Think?) that domestic is all about personal relationships, people will usually ask the guy they know in to do their work; so the more pleasant interactions you have with the customer, the more likely they are to get you in to do the work. 

They're also then more likely to recommend you to others. 

Assuming they're the type of people that you'd like to be working with (their character). I'd gladly pop by to meet the wife, progress is good. 

Mr would not introduce you to Mrs if he didn't like you in the first place. It may be an opportunity to up-sell too - In my experience the Mrs always wants more bling the the Mr and she generally rules on household stuff.