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calling after you give estimate

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#2 ·
catalfanoc said:
how many times on average do you call someone after giving an estimate to see if they are interested?
I had someone tell me I should call people twice a day for a week until i get a yes or no. what do you guys think?
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Maybe if you did good job selling it you wouldn't need to call anybody..........:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Sorry, I saw the opportunity for another "Mike's smart a$$ comment" and had to go for it. I'm sure you understand.:laughing:

Mike
 
#4 ·
I call only once,if they don't pick up I leave a voice mail.If they don't call you back,then they aren't looking for service.I think lot of times people get estimates just to see what would it cost to have a PROFESSIONAL to do the job.But in these days jobs are taking by un skilled non licence so called contractors.OR they just do the work them selfs.
 
#5 ·
I'd be wary of calling at all.

The way I see it, if they don't call you then they don't want you to do the work. Calling them just makes you seem desperate. But I expect some people do call and some of those actually get the work as a result, so it can't hurt to try.
 
#6 ·
I believe in calling the homeowner one time after giving the bid. This gives you a chance to use a little salesmanship and gives the homeowner more information to make a decision rather than just looking at the bottom line price. Just my opinion.
 
#7 ·
john elliott said:
I'd be wary of calling at all.

The way I see it, if they don't call you then they don't want you to do the work. Calling them just makes you seem desperate. But I expect some people do call and some of those actually get the work as a result, so it can't hurt to try.
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I wouldn't say desperate yes if you call them like 4-5 times but I think calling at lease once makes them think your interested earning there business.Some guys out here are not in in need of lot of work but still do bids and estimates any how.Calling only once seems professional that how I see it.Don't for get believe it or not some people will call like 10-15 or more pros and get estimates and forget about you.Sounds crazy but its true,my wife is one of those people,lol.
 
#8 ·
You are nut's not to keep calling until the customer makes up their mind.

That being said. Once a week is what I do, when I can't get the Ok when I am there. Most of the time when I walk, I know if I am doing the work or not.

One other thing I do, is I call on them in person when I am close. That seems to help sometimes and it gives me another chance to see them.

Not calling back is just foolish....
 
#9 ·
Usually if they don't hire me on the spot or call me I figure they either found someone else, are doing it themselves or not at all. There are certain circumstances that I will call after I give a bid.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
well roofing and siding are really competitive around here lots of big companys with full time salesmen. I have been told by some customers that I was the only one that didn't call them everyday for like a week.

sometimes I guess it works in my favor but other times who knows so I figured it was worth asking what you guys do
 
#12 ·
Sell correctly while you're in the house and there's no need for a follow up phone call. The other call you make to this customer should be asking for the final check :whistling
 
#13 ·
I used to drop off written estimates and then follow up with a call 2-3 days later asking if they had any questions. Worked OK for me.

However, this last year I decided I didn't want to spend the time to write up contracts and waste fuel and time to hand deliver what wasn't going to pan out in work.

Now we call the estimate to the customer and ask if that works with their budget. It also allows us to answer any questions / concerns right on the spot. If no, I go no further. If they say Yes, I type up the contract and we hand deliver. Never had anyone not go through with the work when handled this way.

Works well for us.
 
#15 ·
I write a proposal- but I NEVER call them back to follow up.
The reason is that I HATE it when people try that stuff on me.

I especially hate in when someone sends me un-solicited material in the mail------ and then a week or so later begin an un-relenting phone call campaign to "follow-up"

Many years ago I attended a roofing sales seminar- and one of the videos featured an older contractor in FLA.------- the old guy would do an excellent job of writing a proposal and explaining everything on the spot- but as he was leaving he would say" If you decide to have us do your roof- or even if you have ANY questions- please don't hesitate to call US--- because I assure you WE will not be calling you again to pester you.
stephen
 
#18 ·
Following up is key... most cases people call me off of a referral and the job is already sold and they were already told that I'm not cheap but totally worth the experience... running around and dealing with price shoppers and un loyal people is a game that I don't take very seriously(in my head) getting those jobs are just a bonus to volume and possible referrals
 
#19 ·
svronthmve said:
Now we call the estimate to the customer and ask if that works with their budget. It also allows us to answer any questions / concerns right on the spot. If no, I go no further. If they say Yes, I type up the contract and we hand deliver. Never had anyone not go through with the work when handled this way.

Works well for us.
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:shifty:
 
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#20 ·
The selling on the spot or while you are in there house works if and only if you are the only contractor they call or the last one in with a lower price or if they like you. Like anything it all depends on the customer and what they are looking for and today its usually How Much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! will this cost me.

There are better salesman than me out there for sure but it really depends on the customer and me convincing them we are a good match but price is still a huge factor in this economy. Oops sorry being negative :no: so go out there and tell them your the best in the business and sell that job!!
 
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