Free Estimates---

silvertree

Because of a recent thread on free estimates I called some service people to see what they did.
Doctor- charges for estimate.
Hot tub repair guy- charges for estimate.
Mechanic- Charges for estimate.
Lawyer- Charges for estimate.
Home Depot kitchen guy- Charges for house visit.
Dentist- Charges for estimate.
Insurance salesman- Doesn't charge.
Car salesman-.Doesn't charge.
Real Estate agent- Doesn't charge.
My nearest remodeling competitor- Doesn't charge.
Me- I would be happy to come out, our home consultation fee is $39.95

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Vote for Pedro
Kitchen, bath, St Paul remodeling
Minneapolis Remodel Blog
203K Loan Consultant Minnesota

Sir Mixalot

Good for you. I've been wanting to start charging for estimates. But none of my competitors do. What's your theory on that? Do you subtract that $39.95 off of the price of the job if you end up doing the job? Thanks.

Jason Whipple

My first visit to the house is free. I can spend about an hour or so there. They're qualifying me and I'm qualifying them. Based on how the meeting goes I'll then offer some target numbers as to there cost on the project. If it's within there range, I'll proceed to writing up the contract if it's a small job and they have agreed to the price or I will start the estimating process. Neither one is free.

For the small jobs, they get to see the contract the day before signing so they can ask or make changes before I show up. The job has been sold already in every case.

The larger jobs require a deposit for pre construction services and is deductible from the last payment when the project is completed.

I guess it's all how you look at it. One hour of my time gets me in the door to find a prospective client, but nothing is given to them for free.

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Jason E Whipple, General Manager
Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Celtic

You're right...

If the folks don't like your technique of selling you walk with away with an hour of lost time - which the next guy that actually goes for your price winds up paying for (he pays for 2 hours or however many strikes were thrown)

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silvertree

Depends, if I subtract it, it would only be at the insistence of a customer for a decent job. So, no I don't. But whatever works I guess, I' m flexible.
But a lot of people charge, including my mechanic and I go to him for work.

__________________
Vote for Pedro
Kitchen, bath, St Paul remodeling
Minneapolis Remodel Blog
203K Loan Consultant Minnesota