typed or hand written estimates.

[Riograndeelectric]

How many of you when doing small estimates for res and Commercial handwrite the estimate at the time of meeting customer or do you type the estimate at the office and then email it to the customer.
I am talking about jobs like service changes A/C connects ho tub connects lighting and outlets add.

do any of you have any samples of how estimates would be prepared and written.
I have always let the customer know that I will email a written estimate and email it to them. I am thinking maybe I should go with a hand written estimate at the time of meeting the customers. any samples of estimates would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Cameron

 

[Buck Parrish]

That's a good question. I try to "make the sell" while I am there. Since I don't have a printer in the truck yet, then I hand write a contract.
Unless it is some thing that I need to research a little. Or if it is a big job.

 

[bradleyelectric]

For small work this is generally what I use. I just write the scope in and have them sign it while meeting face to face. Sell the job when I'm there. I need to start getting them done carbonless duplicates though so I don't have to write them 2 at a time.

 

[chris1971]

estimates

estimates

Does anyone carry a laptop and portable printer in their vehicles for giving an estimate? If so, how does that work out?

 

[jaylectricity]

For small work this is generally what I use. I just write the scope in and have them sign it while meeting face to face. Sell the job when I'm there. I need to start getting them done carbonless duplicates though so I don't have to write them 2 at a time.

Payment Details: 50% upon signing work order. 50% upon completion of work

What if the work will require a rough and a final inspection? I like to get a certain amount up front, and a payment after each inspection.

 

[Riograndeelectric]

for bigger jobs especially when a permit is involed I have a written contract that spells out the scope of work and payment arrangements that I type up and email to the customer. I use a general types estimate with my estimate and if customer agrees then I send them contract

 

[jaylectricity]

for bigger jobs especially when a permit is involed I have a written contract that spells out the scope of work and payment arrangements that I type up and email to the customer. I use a general types estimate with my estimate and if customer agrees then I send them contract

You ever have the customer agree to your estimate but then balk at your contract?

 

[electricguy61]

For small work this is generally what I use. I just write the scope in and have them sign it while meeting face to face. Sell the job when I'm there. I need to start getting them done carbonless duplicates though so I don't have to write them 2 at a time.

This wouldn't work in CA. You're limited to 10% or $1000 on signing the contract (whichever is less)

http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPamphlets/TenTips.pdf

 

[jaylectricity]

This wouldn't work in CA. You're limited to 10% or $1000 on signing the contract (whichever is less)

http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPamphlets/TenTips.pdf

My plumber friend was telling me that you weren't allowed to charge more than a certain percent of the total material cost. So even if a part that costs $100, plus $50 in various pipes and fittings, but takes two days to install, you could only charge $300.

I think that's crazy, and maybe unsubstantiated...anybody else know anything about this?

 

[electricguy61]

I don't believe that's correct. Have him show it to you in writing from the CSLB. (It's hard to do business in California, but not that hard):grin:

 

[Power Tech]

It is not correct.

You can markup material and labor.

He may be talking of PW projects.

In some contracts they audit and markup may be in the contract.

 

[bradleyelectric]

This wouldn't work in CA. You're limited to 10% or $1000 on signing the contract (whichever is less)

http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPamphlets/TenTips.pdf

I don't work in Calif.

 

[bradleyelectric]

What if the work will require a rough and a final inspection? I like to get a certain amount up front, and a payment after each inspection.

50% at signing, 25% before rough inspection, 25 % before final inspection. This is just a word document and easy to alter. I always want 75% before rough inspection on small work.

 

[Power Tech]

I don't work in Calif.

Quit bragging.

 

[jaylectricity]

It didn't sound correct.

 

[Power Tech]

50% at signing, 25% before rough inspection, 25 % before final inspection. This is just a word document and easy to alter. I always want 75% before rough inspection on small work.

If you billed draws like that in CA, you would have to go to jail.

 

[bradleyelectric]

What if the work will require a rough and a final inspection? I like to get a certain amount up front, and a payment after each inspection.

I like to get payment BEFORE each inspection.

 

[bradleyelectric]

If you billed draws like that in CA, you would have to go to jail.

We've already established that doesn't apply to me didn't we? I'm also thinking this would only apply if it was enforced. Is it?

 

[Sparky555]

I don't do estimates.

I have a Service Work Order/Contract Proposal with all the Terms & Conditions. There's a blank area where I handwrite the tasks, price and the payment schedule is fill-in-the-blank. If I do it from the office it's the same form. I often sell, contract & perform the work on the same trip. Saves time & travel. I also ask for large advances. I'm in the middle of one now...$2k in advance, $750 final. I want them to pay for their own project. If there's a collection problem, it's a break-even, not a loss.

 

[satcom]

I don't do estimates.

I have a Service Work Order/Contract Proposal with all the Terms & Conditions. There's a blank area where I handwrite the tasks, price and the payment schedule is fill-in-the-blank. If I do it from the office it's the same form. I often sell, contract & perform the work on the same trip. Saves time & travel. I also ask for large advances. I'm in the middle of one now...$2k in advance, $750 final. I want them to pay for their own project. If there's a collection problem, it's a break-even, not a loss.

We operate the same way, and it allows us to close more jobs with decent up front deposits. been working well for the last 20 plus years