Free estimates are a popular sales tool for home improvement and contractor businesses. They allow potential clients to identify the costs of a project and find the right service providers. Some companies even include a “Free Estimate” button on their websites, to attract more prospects.
Offering free estimates has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it allows you to sell more services and build a strong relationship with your clients. However, it also exposes you to clients who are shopping around and may be looking for the cheapest possible price. It can also take up a lot of your time as you spend hours meeting with customers and discussing the job details. And, you won’t get paid for the time spent unless they agree to hire you for the job.
Some companies don’t offer free estimates at all because they believe it reduces the value of their services and expertise. They argue that if their knowledge is valuable enough, they should be able to charge for it. And, they don’t want to waste their time visiting a client’s home and discussing the project without getting paid.
Whether you offer free estimates or not, you should clearly outline your terms and conditions in writing before you start working on the job. This will ensure that both you and your clients understand the process and avoid any confusion later on. For example, you should clearly state in your estimate that “all work is estimated and final pricing will be settled on the completion of the project or when the client is ready to receive a detailed quote”.
There are some jobs that are not suitable for a free estimate, such as tree removal or installing new lighting fixtures. These projects have many complexities that could require a lot of time to accurately measure and calculate. However, there are other tools that can help you create a more accurate estimate for these kinds of jobs. For instance, remodeling calculator uses a library of information to help you estimate the cost of your project, including climate data by region for central air conditioning projects; siding cost estimates for a variety of materials; and, detail-specific calculations like edge profiles for kitchen counters.
Another way to make your free estimate more accurate is by using a scheduling and work request software that can automatically create an estimate for you based on the customer’s description of the job. For example, Field Promax has a simple online estimate form that is easy to use. All you have to do is fill in the relevant information and the software will generate a professional-looking estimate for you. This will save you the time of creating an estimate from scratch and ensure that all your estimates are consistent and accurate. This will increase your chances of closing more deals and earning more profits. Preventivi gratuiti