Free estimates are a great way to get your name out and build trust with potential clients. However, whether or not you should offer free estimates depends on your business model and what works best for you and your clientele. Some contractors choose to charge for estimates because they believe that if money changes hands then the client is more serious about hiring them and is worth their time. Others believe that charging for estimates eliminates clients who aren’t a good fit and saves them time from giving unqualified estimates to low-quality leads.
Some remodel projects are not a good candidate for a free estimate. For example, extensive home modification projects like additions and major modifications to kitchen and bathrooms require a lot of design work which requires attention to detail and fact gathering. As a result, these types of projects can take hours to put together an accurate and detailed estimate for the client.
Other remodel projects may require a site inspection to understand what’s required and what the challenges are for the project. In these cases, it’s often best to charge for the quote to cover your time and travel expenses.
Regardless of how you decide to approach your estimates, a well-designed estimating system will streamline the process. Online estimating software allows you to create, save, and edit estimates quickly and easily. These tools can help you create an accurate, professional estimate that sets you apart from your competitors.
Many online estimating tools allow you to upload your company logo and customize the text to suit your brand. You can also enter your billing and shipping information in the fields provided on the top of the estimate. To make the invoice address the same as the billing address, check the box that says “Shipping address same as billing”. This will auto-fill the billing and shipping addresses for you.
Some online estimating tools provide you with a template for an estimate and a sample invoice to help guide you through the process. These templates and samples can be a great starting point to creating an effective and professional estimate. Using an estimating system that offers a template for an estimate and a blank invoice can help you save time by eliminating the need to write your own estimates from scratch.
If you’re still unsure about how to handle estimates in your business, it might be worth talking with some other contractors who are experienced with the process. Ask them about what they have found works and what hasn’t. And don’t forget to look around at your competition to see what they’re doing and how they’re promoting their service. By doing your research, you’ll be able to determine the best way to approach your estimates and get more of the jobs that you want. So if you’re ready to start growing your remodel business, sign up for an online estimating tool today! And if you have any questions, let us know in the comments below. Preventivi gratuiti