I got call for and estimate to run some conduit and wire a pump for a propane tank. Up to this point I have always given flat rate pricing. This time I blurted out a price that I shouldn't have. I commit and I regret it. I tried to make up for my mistake by charging more for the material. It help, but I was still dissapointed with myself. Does anyone have any ideas for creating a price list?
I think I have flat rate pricing
- Thread starter Benton
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Buck Parrish
Senior Member
- Location
- NC & IN
While blurting out a price will some times get you the job quick. Some times even if the price is a little high. If you can make the deal and get the job right then it is ussually a good thing.
How ever it has it's draw backs. If your not sure, then you need to sleep on it. Tell them you'll call or email it to them in the morning.
How ever it has it's draw backs. If your not sure, then you need to sleep on it. Tell them you'll call or email it to them in the morning.
I did the same thing the other day I was in on the project
from beginning and when I got the call to start I get there
and A/C guy already there installing ducts and furnace, they
never gavr me a chamce to demo or pre wire everything
before they covered up with ply wood to set furmance and
blower. Luckily I had several change orders to resubmit.
jmsbrush
Senior Member
- Location
- Central Florida
It took 4 years to create mine. So the two options are, create one yourself or buy one.
Either choice costs you. It just a matter of "how" it will cost you.
Either choice costs you. It just a matter of "how" it will cost you.
We put all our flat rate quotes in writing on the spot, our quote prices come from many years of tracking time data on completed projects and service calls, and we also have current up to date material costs, in our cost books and on our smart phones, so we can quote with accurate numbers, even the smallest EC's can quote like the big guys today
We have all our quotes on invoices to go under the estimates file
You can make your own book and price files from your job actuals data or buy the cost books
You can have price lists and still blurt out a price you shouldn't have. Even with a price list you need to calculate the difference between the average job and the job you're providing a quote for.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
I have no problem correcting a blurt if I left something important out of the guesstimate. It's not a contract, it was based on short-term notice, and you can't/shouldn't be held to it.
Just apologize and explain the omission. It could be an unusual breaker, hidden obstacle, tool rental, etc. That shouldn't create a problem with a good existing or potential customer.
Just apologize and explain the omission. It could be an unusual breaker, hidden obstacle, tool rental, etc. That shouldn't create a problem with a good existing or potential customer.
When you stick to your price books, and consider all the job conditions, along with having all your quotes in writing, there is less of a chance, blurting out an off the wall quote, when the customer hears a number they tend to hand on to it as a hard number, and any changes may create a problem.
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