Free estimates

[memyselfandI]

I was wondering how everyone felt about free estimates. I charge a fee for estimates, and if I am awarded the job I knock the fee off the price. With the price of fuel now days it is not very cost effective for me to be driving 80 miles (40 miles each way) for someone who wants to get an estimate on a room addition, or swapping out light fixtures. Sometimes I would spend hours looking up prices, getting material quotes, do all the leg work only to lose the job to someone who used my numbers and just cut my throat. That isn't very ethical but hey karma always has a way of coming back at you. So what do ya'll think?

 

[jeff43222]

Most of my work is within a 10 mile radius of my house, so I don't have to do all that much driving. I'd rather pull wire than drive all over the place. I wouldn't drive 40 miles one way for free.

I do free estimates, and I get the majority of the jobs I bid. If I were only getting 20-25% of them, I suppose all those "free" estimates would get kinda costly. Since I'm a one-man show, I don't have as big an overhead as other shops, so I can be competitive on the jobs I bid. I generally stick to single-family dwellings.

I'm curious how someone else can use your numbers. Do you break everything down when you write up the bid? I just list the work they want me to do and give them a price for each task. I don't itemize material or labor, but I do itemize the permit. It's a subtle way to indicate they are dealing with a pro who will be calling the inspector when the work is done.

 

[peter d]

I think the price or fuel is going to start affecting the way business is done in a major way. $3 a gallon is likely going to be the new norm for the time being. "Free Estimates" may become a thing of the past.

 

[bradleyelectric]

I've been toying with the idea of charging $100. for basement estimates. I spend an hour going over how I'd do it and asking questions and giving suggestions and have been coming up empty on getting them lately.

 

[JohnE]

I charge for some estimates, others are free. Depends on a lot of factors.

 

[satcom]

I spend an hour going over how I'd do it and asking questions and giving suggestions and have been coming up empty on getting them lately.

Your coming up empty on getting them lately, because you spend an hour going over how I'd do it , when you leave they go to work!

 

[77401]

I give free estimates when they have plans or know what they want
As soon as they ask my opinion, then its a design fee for a free estimate.
People expect to pay for a professionals time.
Act like a professional & you can charge like one. Even if it is acting!

 

[77401]

Another one is the Realtors! And their Buyers Inspectors Reports!

I work for all the Big Realtors & I have started giving free estimates over the phone. But when they insist on something in writing, I tell them I must see the report & Property.
I charge them $100, non refundable, for a written estimate, that I professionally type up and Email to them bu the end of the day. No hand written junk on Office Max stock forms.

They can then negotiate the repairs and allowances, and never even have the work done as far as I care.
I have had good response from my realtors, buyers & sellers regarding this.