quotes and estimates

[REDSAW]

what do you lads do when you've been asked to do a heating system, boiler swap or other work, do you give a quote or estimate?

when i give an estimate the customers always refer it to it as a quote!!!!:smartass:

 

[hammers4spanner]

Estimate never a quote a quote people take as fixed price ,

I always clearly state estimated job cost

covers for any variables

 

[Atouchofgas]

Always estimate and reiterate it loads on the paperwork

 

[Subby]

I usually give an estimate over the phone, an around about price at the bottom end of what I would charge assuming it's a straight forward job, then arrange a visit and give a proper quote stating things that may bump the price up (waste removal, variations etc)

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

Always an estimate

 

[Rickster123]

I think it depends on the job. Most boiler changes you will make enough from your price to cover the unforeseen. Customers tend to like a quote because there's no hidden extras. On larger scale installs I can understand the need for an estimated cost.

 

[kozak1968]

Always quote with an accurate description of work ie number of rads and what type then if they change anything you've got it in writing.

 

[SimonG]

Estimate, only ever had to do one fixed price quote. Added a load extra on before giving cust price.

 

[REDSAW]

so what about bathroom jobs?
start digging and you find lead mains-3&1/2'' waste- conduit in the way etc which makes it a ball ache!

 

[Subby]

Estimate, only ever had to do one fixed price quote. Added a load extra on before giving cust price.

Can't bring myself to do it, this is one of my sticking points, have a price in my head, then it always drops when I come to tell the customer what they owe

 

[rpm]

The office always quotes over the phone then I get verbal from the customer when I charge for extra half hour labour or pipe alterations. Some even refuse to pay the extra.

 

[SimonG]

so what about bathroom jobs?
start digging and you find lead mains-3&1/2'' waste- conduit in the way etc which makes it a ball ache!

Thats when I stop, get the cust to have a look, let them know how much extra, agree it and go from there.

 

[Subby]

so what about bathroom jobs?
start digging and you find lead mains-3&1/2'' waste- conduit in the way etc which makes it a ball ache!

The way I look at it you win some, you lose some. The straight forward jobs make up for the b*stards.

 

[SimonG]

Can't bring myself to do it, this is one of my sticking points, have a price in my head, then it always drops when I come to tell the customer what they owe

Be strong

Just remember you have bills to pay.

 

[lame plumber]

accurate estimates all the way. If they want it quoted, £500 on the estimate and work like a coloured gent to be out in 2 days not 4, makes me happy