Free estimates ????

Hey Jamin,

Just wanted to add that adding a crane to a job doesn't necessarily add to the total cost of the job and that is why it can make sense to spec the crane every time, especially if you have one in your stables waiting to be used.

For us, with out one in the stables, we have to deal with minimum rentals so we have a fairly predictable threshold.

If we have a 3 hour crane job that often means it would have been a 6 or 9 hour manual/climbing job with our small crew.

If I calculate a 3 hour crane job versus a 6 to 9 hour manual job the final prices come out damned close to each other.

The crane adds efficiency and safety to the job. What's not to like about putting a crane in every time.

So, for us, the only time specing a crane doesn't make sense is under the min threshold and when access is an issue.

But we have another problem, getting a rental crane. Around here they are all crazy-busy and scheduling one can be difficult if not impossible.
 
Drudging up an old post...

Question - what do the owners think the costs of an estimate are? Not a discussion about what we think it should cost, just what those costs are.

I have into almost every estimate an hour and a half of my time, usually involving about 10 miles of driving, 15 minutes of "clerical" work and record keeping. Then there is that whole putting my opinion on the table thing. It is, as others have said, an opportunity to educate the public. But for free still?
 
Without a dedicated sales guy, estimates are scheduled for times I'm likely to be passing by, so I'm not out much. My free estimates rarely take more than a few minutes.

That said, there's a difference between a free estimate and a consultation. If a potential client wants to occupy an hour of my time asking questions about every single thing growing in their yard, that's not an estimate; charge accordingly.
 
Fireaxe, your estimate costs are part of the general operating costs of the business and are used in calculating the overhead portion of the man hr rate you charge. There is also the element of closing rate to figure in. The more you close the lower the cost per job. Challenging figure to pin down.
 
Don't sell yourself short; it's not just about your time. When I write a proposal, I do not offer a price for the work they request; I decide what I think is best (sometimes it's the same as they thought, but not always), make a case for it, and offer a price on that. If I just give them a bid for what they request, I put myself on the hook for liability if a hazard goes unnoticed or unmentioned and fails later.

I do this based on my experience and expertise, gained over almost 20 years. I charge accordingly. Actually, my price is a token amount, but it does get rid of the bargain shoppers.

EDIT: I've said this before, but I don't remember when or where. I do not charge my existing clients to come later to bid on other work--just the initial contact with a new client and an unseen site.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Actually, my price is a token amount, but it does get rid of the bargain shoppers.

EDIT: I've said this before, but I don't remember when or where. I do not charge my existing clients to come later to bid on other work--just the initial contact with a new client and an unseen site.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here.
 
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