chasing up quotes

[mikethetile]

Crikey you must be a walking computer! How do you remember all the prices of all the different adhesives, grouts, trims, decoupling membrane, silicones etc etc?

tel

that was my first thought when i read this post

but i think deanos got something

im a multitrade so it would mean quite a comprehensive price matrix with everything on a m2 price

also a box of catologues and price lists in the van for reference

if you can give them an estimate on the spot and they are happy then a few follow up calls to confirm some materials prices wouldnt be a problem

theres nothing wrong with striking a deal while the irons hot and before some silver tongued devil gets in there

ive a feeling the doleys give a price off the top of their heads and say they can start monday, they aint worried as its only beer money not their living

on rated tradesemen i was riging on the day and being told they had someone sorted

now i know why

things have changed and its those that go with changes that will survive

im going to try it and see how i get on

 

[White Room]

On the odd occasion I have given a price there and then, the trouble is there to many variants to a job at times.

I will phone or give a written estimate and then it's down to them but alot of jobs I do are etheir word of mouth or thru other tradesmen, plumbers are good source for me.

 

[merlecollins]

I always give a written quote which I work out pretty much as soon as I get back from the measure - generally emailed to the customer the same day - it's far better to have given it to them in writing, no argying then:lol:

 

[Aston]

i dont personally chase up quotes, maybe i should?...i think if you've explained what you are going to do well enough and demonstrated your professionalism and experience then thats as far as you can go without looking pushy or desperate.

if the customer is going on cost then fair enough, you cant win them all. you have to have a level of quality that your not prepared to drop because that effects your reputation.if i have given a fair price and prepared a broken down typed estimate and explained the benefits of your company, then thats all i can do.

i never knock money off because it reminds me of the kind of tricks double glazing and car salesman do..if you can afford to knock money off, then you have been overcharging from the begining imho and the client will see through that in these times.

i also find that when your not desperate, you get the jobs, weird isnt it?? if somebody wants you, they'll call you, if they havent, its for a reason. the cost, or your overall impression...i know a lot of sales companies ensure their salespeople follow up calls but if you like it you buy it, you dont need reminding imo.

 

[Colour Republic]

I always follow up quotes (unless I didn't want it) If they haven't got back to me within a week then i ring them up and ask them their thoughts, absolutly no presure but I explain that i've got a number of quotes out there and should I keep them in the 'maybe pile' or have they instructed somebody else already.

It gives you an insight into your business and customers. Some will say they have gone with somebody else so you ask them why, was it price? did they feel more comfortable with another firm, was the price not detailed enough? Thank them very much for any feedback and wish them luck. Others will tell you they haven't made a choice yet, at this point you can see if you're in the running, if you are then offer to match the price on a 'like for like' basis only as you can't possibly match a quote that says 'I'll do it for x amount love". I've even had customers that have lost the quote and couldn't remember who the hell they had called and by ringing up you jog their memory that it was you they wanted to speak to.

If you don't chase them up you run the outside risk that all will call you and want it done at the same time so you may lose a few, if you ring them as you go along you get to manage your diary not the customers doing it for you.

And one week is not nearly enough time to write someone off, in fact most of my prices are accepted after a two week period. Although I have a good idea why that is.

 

[RockCeramics]

When i first started out on my own, every invite i got to quote for a job i would send them my quote with the confidence that i,d get the job. After a while 1-2 weeks after i,d give them a call and the main answer i,d get was "we havent had any news from there client yet but we,ll let you know when."
In some cases some companies will get a quote then pass it to there own contacts and saving them the time to price it themselves and save them money at the sametime.
So when i do price a job i,ll quote them a job and charge them my expenses, if and when i get approval i deduct the expenses at the end of a job.( i usually do this if travel to job is a fair distance.)
Saying that i priced 1 job back in July didnt bother about it ,got a call last week asking if price was same , revalued it with 15% increase due to vat and product costing looks like i,m starting this job next month.
So i would chase up contacts but Dont hassle, ask if when you need the quote in and how long you expect to get a reply . most companies wont both in contacting you only if you get the job.
bonus if you get the job.
Saying that i p

 

[mikethetile]

I always follow up quotes (unless I didn't want it) If they haven't got back to me within a week then i ring them up and ask them their thoughts, absolutly no presure but I explain that i've got a number of quotes out there and should I keep them in the 'maybe pile' or have they instructed somebody else already.

It gives you an insight into your business and customers. Some will say they have gone with somebody else so you ask them why, was it price? did they feel more comfortable with another firm, was the price not detailed enough? Thank them very much for any feedback and wish them luck. Others will tell you they haven't made a choice yet, at this point you can see if you're in the running, if you are then offer to match the price on a 'like for like' basis only as you can't possibly match a quote that says 'I'll do it for x amount love". I've even had customers that have lost the quote and couldn't remember who the hell they had called and by ringing up you jog their memory that it was you they wanted to speak to.

If you don't chase them up you run the outside risk that all will call you and want it done at the same time so you may lose a few, if you ring them as you go along you get to manage your diary not the customers doing it for you.

And one week is not nearly enough time to write someone off, in fact most of my prices are accepted after a two week period. Although I have a good idea why that is.

i think colour republic has the key to a sucessful business and its good of Rob to share these insights with us
other successful businesses have said much the same

over recent years ive been arrogant and more than a little c ocky

theres my price love ,take it or leave it

communication is the key


by phoning your building a rapport and making them feel valued

you care about their custom which will reflect in the job

your looking professional in the way you run your business

you have an outstanding quote and you will either book it in or put it to bed,,,,,,,,,,,,no loose ends

thats how you will approach their job

tidy and eveything dealt with.........no loose ends

ive had feedback and im putting it into action

unambigous quotes,,,,,,,,were not sure what that included, the other guy said this are you going to do the same etc

its taking a lot longer to type up a quote now but its all spelt out for them and broken down

talk to them and they will talk to you