How do you deliver your quotes?

[Oli]

Hi Guys n Gals,

Just wondered how you deliver your qoutes, (when the customers providing the materials)

At the time of measuring in person, via telephone once you've been and measured up, or in writing.

Your opinions / experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Oli. (formerly Logi6260).

[CLAYS TILES]

i usually go round measure up then get back to them with a written estimate!
some times i post it out sometimes i deliver in person,never over the phone!

[GazTech]

I had a duplicate book for quotes, would always price the job on the night and leave them a quote if they needed time to think or get alternative quotes in. I always stressed that any other quote had to be like for like......Gaz

[Oli]

Thanks for the replies,

Im trying to work out what paperwork i'll need when I get started.

Got the business cards sorted, trying to figure out what i'll need / what to use to write out, quotes / invoices / reciepts. Only planning to do smaller domestic jobs for the time being.

As ever any advice is greatly appreciated.

[grumpygrouter]

I always go away and produce a written estimate. I have actually won work from other tilers because my documents looked professional, even though I was not the cheapest.

[whitebeam]

Same as grumpy, I never give a price there and then.

[eyebeetiling]

I have given quotes there and then but have made silly mistakes when working it out so either lost work for being too expensive or lost money by under-quoting!

I also ask if they would like their quote emailed (save a few trees here and there), but try and make your documents look as proffesional as possible, as it can make a big difference as to whether you get the job or not.

[Turkish]

I have given quotes there and then but have made silly mistakes when working it out so either lost work for being too expensive or lost money by under-quoting!

I also ask if they would like their quote emailed (save a few trees here and there), but try and make your documents look as proffesional as possible, as it can make a big difference as to whether you get the job or not.

I produced a headed document which i then e-mail or post, whichever the customer prefers but never quote there and then because it gives you a little extra time to think back on your measuring up and what you`ll need for the job.

Turkish

[Varley]

Always a written quote either posted or hand delivered. Made the mistake of giving prices there and then when I first started out and kept missing things, will never give a price at the time of measuring now even if I am 100% sure that I have not missed anything.

[ANDY5284]

I too am waiting on my business cards coming through, and too think that if you present yourself professionally you will stand out more in the crowd. There are printers who can have letterheads to match your cards made for you with your business name, details/guarantee , and logo (if you have one). it shows that you take pride in what you do. This is my next move.
Cheers
Andy

[theyomper]

I either post or e mail my estimate the day after measuring the job. I itemise the products and sundries that I will use, it helps you to ensure that you haven't missed anything. I use an accounts package that I have adapted, so that when I print the estimate, it prints my logo and details as the same time. In my opinion presentation is paramount. It reassures your customer that the professional way in which you present your estimate and present your self, that they will get a professional job. I have spent a long time in perfecting my business paperwork and it pays dividends.

[Fekin]

If I have to supply a load of materials for a job then I'll go and measure up, then come away, price everything up, print it out and either e[-mail them with it, call back round and post it through the door and sometimes just tell them over the phone.

If it's just a labour charge job only as in they already have everything needed sat there and I know they want it doing as soon as, then I just tell them how much there and then and say I can start whenever they wish, as I can easily work my jobs round to fit people in in very short notice, and that normally get me the job there and then.

[frostfree]

Most of my work comes by recommendation and usually I just give a verbal estimate. I try and avoid giving quotes. I like to have a bit of flexibility in my price, just in case of unforseen problems. If I have a customer who I think may be troublesome or possible bad payer, I give a very high written estimate or just walk away.

[Sean Kelly]

Measure up. Go home. Open up Excel and input my requirements for the job. That gives me a price for materials. Open up my Word template for Estimates and I input the price of the job. Then I print out an address label and use a 1st class stamp. I'm always thinking about the job and what I can do for the customer. I stop thinking when the letter goes into the post box!

[enduro]

I never give a quote always a estimate then if you find any unforeseen problems you can explain to the customer the problem and that you hadn't estimated for that problem and adjust your price.

[whitebeam]

Same enduro, Always an estimate and was advised many years ago not to say specialist when advertising, Asked why, If it aint perfect your'll getting a phone call

[Oli]

Thanks for the help guys,

Did the businees cards online and goodprint, then transferred the design myself onto an estimate form in excel, and a letterhead in word, which then got transferred into an email template for good measure so should be pretty much covered.

I've included the payment terms on the estimate form which includes a table breaking down all the materials and unit costs etc, then the total cost at the bottom. It also has a written description of the job i.e supply and fit....... and also shows the labour cost.

I've also made a much less detailed version to give as a payment reciept.

Cant really think of anything else from the quotation angle.

Time to move onto the bookkeeping but that thread will save for another day.

Cheers guys.

[davy_G]

Im afraid im a bit more gung ho and have a quick look, measure up, ask a few questions, do my sums and give them a price that I will stick to. I may back this up with any prep work will be charged at XX per hr on top of my tiling price and I expect that to take x hours.
I then get out the diary, see when im next free and try and get a handshake!
I usually know by their facial expression if i need look at the diary!
Only time i give a written quote is for insurance work.