Yes - that you charge a consultation fee for your time, research and expertise.
and since painting is viewed by the majority of people as one of the lowest trades, mainly because everyone thinks they could do it themselves,
That will work wonders. The slobbering goob bid collectors will balk and stutter in disbelief when they hear those words. Maybe even give you an earful of how stupid you are and how your business is destined to go down in flames. :laughing:
Roto Rooter, a plumber, a HVAC repairman, a TV or appliance repairman, or a cable or telephone repairman .....and don't even get me started on mechanics diagnostic fees, doctors and lawyers......."
charging for bids isnt all that easy when you are a small painting operation as opposed to a bigger remodeling company. People tend to think one painter is as good as the next.
If I am charging for estimates I wont get a many calls, Juan down the road is practically painting them for free and I want to charge just to look at it .....
I am not against charging for estimates I just think that in certain trades it would be harder, and since painting is viewed by the majority of people as one of the lowest trades, mainly because everyone thinks they could do it themselves, even the people who can barely tie their own shoes, then it would be very hard to get people to pay for a painting estimate.
:clap: LOL - My estimator heard just last week (in a very self righteous and indignant tone) that NO ONE charges a fee just to give an estimate!
Mathews response was "well you must be a very fortunate man to never need the services of: Roto Rooter, a plumber, a HVAC repairman, a TV or appliance repairman, or a cable or telephone repairman .....and don't even get me started on mechanics diagnostic fees, doctors and lawyers......."
They guy actually conceded our point.......and we now have a $35 consultation this comming week :thumbsup: Sometimes you just have to educate them that's all.
You can read the rest of this thread here: - Using Feature/Benefits to prequalify customersWe are symbolicly conveying a message to the public that we are professional - we focus on a professional service - and right off the bat the folks that are attracted to that message - are exactly the folks who demand a quality service and already understand that professional price goes hand in hand.
charging for bids isnt all that easy when you are a small painting operation as opposed to a bigger remodeling company. People tend to think one painter is as good as the next.
If I am charging for estimates I wont get a many calls, Juan down the road is practically painting them for free and I want to charge just to look at it .....
I am not against charging for estimates I just think that in certain trades it would be harder, and since painting is viewed by the majority of people as one of the lowest trades, mainly because everyone thinks they could do it themselves, even the people who can barely tie their own shoes, then it would be very hard to get people to pay for a painting estimate.
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:I have the utmost respect for a good painter. I know enough about painting to know that there's more about it than I know. And quite frankly, more than I want to know.
I have seen few good paint jobs, but many many bad paint jobs. I wish I knew more GOOD painters. I respect people who are good at their craft - people who have a desire to be the best. Yes anyone can do it, but few can do it well.
My favorite customers are those of the WWII generation. They understand and appreciate value and they believe in paying their bills. My least favorite customers are the younger people. They'll spend a fortune on things to make themselves look good... cars, boats, big houses they can't afford, but want to skimp on things that are important but not "fun" like home repairs. These are the one's who'll hire the illegal aliens so they can save a buck. They also depend heavily on getting the insurance company to pay for repairs. I avoid these people, as I do insurance companies. They want to play but they don't want to pay.
Exellent points Jesse!:clap: LOL - My estimator heard just last week (in a very self righteous and indignant tone) that NO ONE charges a fee just to give an estimate!
Mathews response was "well you must be a very fortunate man to never need the services of: Roto Rooter, a plumber, a HVAC repairman, a TV or appliance repairman, or a cable or telephone repairman .....and don't even get me started on mechanics diagnostic fees, doctors and lawyers......."
They guy actually conceded our point.......and we now have a $35 consultation this comming week :thumbsup: Sometimes you just have to educate them that's all.
I read with great interest the tread about charging for estimates. I will work this into my business in the near future. I still need to get call backs and work on other fine points.. after not dealing with the sales aspect for so long I am a bit rusty.Jessie I started charging for mine about 2 months ago. I did them for free for years. Go out give a verbal quote and leave. If they called back I charged a design or feasability fee. Now its 35-75 for me to come out it is working out well. Like you and Mike say, sometimes you get a few choice comments from callers. It tickles me everytime
I would pre-qualify over the phone asking key questions.
1. What is your timeline for the project?
2. Give them a ball park quote to weed out the tire kickers
3. Explain the estimate process. ( It will take an hour) I need you there for the whole time
4. Ask for the job over the phone.
I need a new septic system, guess what, the septic guy wants $100 to come out and look at it, and I'll pay the fee because I want someone who will answer my questions. I may get 2 guys to come out, but not 5 or 6 "free" estimates. And why not?
I value my time and I value the septic guys time and opinion.
Customers are forced to change their mindset if we charge for estimate.
Instead of closing their eyes and blindly picking anybody randomly it forces them to actually do some homework and think about who they want to come out.