Free estimates are commonly used as a marketing tool by remodelers and other contractors. However, they may not be the best fit for all business models. The decision to charge or not to charge for an estimate is generally determined by the industry standard and what works best for each company. Here are a few things to consider before offering a free estimate:
A client will likely not hire your company if you are unwilling to invest the time required to create an accurate and detailed estimate. Unless it’s a small, straightforward project (like washing windows or painting a room), you should be prepared to spend up to an hour or more preparing an estimate for each potential new customer.
Larger remodeling or renovation projects require in-person evaluations and inspections to provide accurate pricing. This involves going to the job site, inspecting and assessing the problematic areas, gathering important information and answering critical work-related questions. This isn’t something that can be done over the phone or by email, so it’s crucial to set expectations with clients from the beginning about the cost of an in-person inspection and estimate.
Another reason why you should consider charging for an estimate is that it will prevent clients from requesting multiple free estimates to see who can provide the lowest price. This can waste your time and resources, and it can also result in a lower quality of service and product.
It’s also a good idea to include your payment and business terms on all of your estimates. This will make your estimates look more professional and official, and it will help to increase the chances of them being accepted by clients or vendors. It’s also a great way to build trust and build customer relationships. With online estimating software, creating accurate and winning estimates is fast and easy. It helps you streamline the estimating process and gives you more time to focus on your business. To get started, try out a free estimate template for residential construction and home improvement services. You can also add your company logo, set up your items, and set the shipping address to be the same as the billing address. Preventivi gratuiti