Time between doing an estimate and actually doing the job

[Fekin]

Went to price up a customer 12 weeks ago or more, full bathroom, master bedroom en-suit and downstairs toilet.

I asked what time frame the customer was looking at for having it started and he said 2 weeks as he wanted it doing quickly.

Gave him the price and was told he'd think it over.

12 weeks later he phones back and says "right when can you start" :lol:

How long has it been with some jobs where they wanted it doing quickly, but then they take forever to get back to you to start the job ?, I guess some of you have maybe been called back 6 months maybe after pricing up ?

 

[DHTiling]

happens all the time adam..then when they do ring they want it done ASAP.....or they think you have it booked in and are ringing to see what time you are coming...now thats funny............

 

[CJ]

Or you don't hear anything............and bin the quote.

Then you have to ask Them for details again :whatchutalkingabout

 

[Olz]

I've included a line on the estimate form i've put together along the lines of booking early as possible to maxime the chance of me being available on the dates they want me to.

Hoping that they'll think that means i'm really busy and booked up a bit infront, and they'll book quickly.

After all they dont need to know im just starting out and looking for work anywhere. :lol:

No idea if it'll work for or against me, time will tell i guess.

 

[Sean Kelly]

Only having just started out myself I have found that most customers want the work done ASAP, and they can't wait. A recent example was that my customer accepted my estimate and we agreed on a date. The start date was the day after I flew back from my hols. I thought to myself 'Great........I can enjoy my hols knowing I have a job to work on when I return. The next day the lady rang to say she wants the tiling done sooner and she had found someone else to do it. :furious3:
The story continues because I rang the customer last week to find out how the other tiler dealt with tiling around a tricky step. Anyway, I was told that the tilers son had a motor bike accident and that they had not started her job. The customer was giving them to the end of May, then she was to give me a call.

If the bike accident is true then I'm sorry for the lad that came off. However, if the lady had stuck to our original deal then she would be sitting in her conservatory looking at her lovely tiles.

 

[Fekin]

So, have you got the job yet then or not mate ?