Best software for bidding jobs

[nift21]

hey everyone, I just started doing business in Pennsylvania.

Ive been getting alot of phone calls by contractors and homeowners for over the phone qoutes, i know, i hate them also.

I always say dont hold me to it, it could me alot more, this price is if i dont run into any problems etc.

whats a good residential estimating program.
??

for example someone wants a federeal pacific panel board changed.

2 story addition bid.

service upgrade from 100amp to 200

raising a service.

i have alot of people to get back to, but im nervous to underbid

Thanks for any info
=)
happy holidays everyone =)

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Best software for bidding jobs

Keep that FP they never trip LOL
Over the phone bids are a door opener.Price it at the min .it will cost and leave room to go up.If your working alone and under estimate, it most likely will be over the hours and not the material.You can eat the hours if your not busy.If your paying help you could loose your butt.Some bid high hoping they don't get many estimates.Customers often are more interested in how fast you can get there.Say your $100 high on that hot tub outlet but its Friday morning and they are having a party sat night.They might feel it worth the differance.Was told years ago that if your getting half of what you bid your about right.
Kind of like selling your house,if you set a price low it might sell in 1 day .If it hasn't sold in 90 days come down 5%
Biding should be called guessing.Far to many variables to hope to be accurate.Never be afraid to say you can't beat that other guys price.

 

[nift21]

Re: Best software for bidding jobs

jim, very very true.

Do you use any programs? or just that trusty old experience??

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Best software for bidding jobs

The phone prices ,just years of exsperiance.They will call others if you scare them.They are on the phone now ,so use that salesman hat.
To bid houses i wrote my own comp program that basically takes it item by item @at whatever $$$ it was told ,just enter the # on print(highlight as you go).Items like dryers had start price plus footage.It gave sub totals, time allowed and at end grand total, plus hit print.Can bid a normal house in 15 min. Different GC had dif. price depending on how they paid .John Doe one shot home builder was always at least extra 20% ,and that sometimes wasn't enough.