A. Do it the sneaky way, and call some guys to get estimates at your own pad.
B. Forget about what they are charging. Know your numbers, and charge what you need to cover costs, make a profit, and stay in business.
Your husband shouldn't be shy at estimates. If the customer tells you they are getting other bids, ask to see them. If they ask why, say you just want to make sure that the bids can be compared apples to apples. Are you getting everything I offer for this price, from others as well?
Also, always do follow-up calls to bids submitted. Don't quit calling until the job is awarded. If its not to you, then ask them why. Was our price too high/low? Didn't fit your schedule? Etc etc. This way you can track your sales performance. If you keep losing them because your price is too high, then something needs to be adjusted; higher production or lower pay, etc.
I used to be uncomfortable about doing this, pride or something didnt want me to hear what went wrong. But I decided what the heck, I lost the job anyways, who cares if I piss them or or inconvenience them. If you are nice, polite, and sincere, most people will gladly tell you why you didnt get the job.
If you keep winning all your bids, you are too low. When Im busy, I keep upping my rate until I can visibly watch a customer flinch, then back it down enough to get jobs, but retain high profit margin.
BTW, after you get B. down pat, A. is a great way too see your competition. Price is not important here. You need to know if they are looking/acting/appearing more professional than you, are they using a good sales presentation, are they trying to close the customer. As compared to a SWB scrawling a price on a napkin, and walking out. If you see another contrator doing something, whether in pricing, estimating, marketing, or technique, you should ask yourself should I do that too, and how/why could I benefit from it. Why are they doing it.
I ramble..........
