Handyman/ Remodeler here. I have never charged for estimates because my customers are usually honest and trust me. The following had happened to me maybe a dozen times in the last 25 years.
Just got ghosted on a multi door replacement project. The DIY dude wanted to do them himself but claimed he was not skilled enough. I was at his house for 90 minutes discussing door options, measuring his odd sized doors, and making suggestions.
He wanted to save some money so i gave him all the measurement details so he could order them without my mark up and he promised to call me to schedule the work when they were delivered. Just drove by and saw his house had three new doors. Almost knocked on the door to say hello and remind him of his promise. All he wanted was a professional to measure them for him. I would have agreed to do that for $50.00. Not cool.
Does anyone else here charge for estimates? I already add a trip charge for longer distances. Minimum mark up for materials. Always charge Time and Materials, to the quarter hour.
You must log in or register to comment.
frustrating, but dont abandon free estimates if they’ve been getting you business thus far. this is likely one of those outlying cases where you end up getting taken advantage of, but think big picture – if free estimates help you land more bids that you accept than ghostings, keep going.
by the way – if this DIYer decides he can’t do it, or if he does it and realizes it would have just been cheaper and faster to hire someone with experience, youre the one hes gonna call
As a homeowner and as a business owner, I don’t charge for estimates and would never pay for an estimate.
I had one plumber ask for 50% upfront for materials(some pipes) to hookup a gas stove. When I asked why he needed so much money beyond the cost of materials, his answer was “that’s how I do it”. My answer was “I’m sorry we can’t work together because hat’s not how I do it”.
“Free”. Estimates get charged at a flat rate of $100. That $100 is applied to the job if/when contract is signed.
Non-refundable but able to be applied to the job. No one loses except the tire kickers.
Maybe charge a estimate fee, and if they go with your services, you can refund that fee on the final invoice.
Estimates are just a cost of doing business in my opinion, they should always be free. Especially because during that time you are most likely selling yourself/services and not just giving an estimate. The unfortunate bit about free estimates, is if you aren’t willing to do it, there are several other competitors who will. I would count it as a learning experience and continue to shine through your work. You don’t want to miss out on opportunities because a competitors is always waiting to swoop in and take your potential customers.
Charge for the estimate initially, but then deduct it from the invoice if they go through with the work.
Don’t charge for estimates, charge for measurements. treat it like a deposit.
Mannnn that would piss me off. I tell clients I have consultations if they want to pick my brain and charge for that. Other than that I get them to sign a quote before giving them anything. That being said I just got done doing something similar for a custom build quote and material list for a friend of a friend. Didnt really mind expect I set up timelines with a dozen guys that put a bunch of time into building quotes. I just apologized to my subs and stopped giving him info when I knew he was just trying to get me to do homework for him to eventually cut me out. People can be dicks but dont let a few bad apples spoil it for you. Just dont forget who screwed you, warn people about them and avoid them