[painttofish]

I was wondering how you guys and gals deliver your estimates. When I started my business I would sit out in the truck after meeting with the homeowner and hand write the estimate. My handwriting looks the same as when I was in 2nd grade so I soon switched to typing it up at home and faxing. Now I email 90% of my bids. My only concern is that by not being there to deliver the estimate I cannot be there to sell it. I do educate the customer about our company during the estimate process and do my best to sell myself. I also leave a logo''ed folder with info about us, product specs, and have recently added PWG's estimate comparison form. Thank you BTW. This also gives the customer a place to store my estimate if they choose to print it out. What's your guys process. Write on spot. type and print on spot (I think this to be ideal, but $$). E-mail/fax. Or take home write/type and deliver in hand.

 

[Mark of Jacksonville]

It depends. If you aren't the only bidder on site, then I might suggest presenting an estimate upon completion after hand-writing it.

But you want to appear to be as professional as possible and to open up an additional channel by which you and your client(s) can communicate. A clearly type-written proposal is much easier to read, understand and edit if additions/deletions are requested.

When you send a proposal via email, are you sending an attachment that is not able to be edited and that bears your signature?

Mark

 

[painttofish]

When you send a proposal via email, are you sending an attachment that is not able to be edited and that bears your signature?

Mark

Not talking about proposals. Estimates. Proposals I type and either fax for signature or bring with me and have them sign before work starts. The only way my proposals are edited is by change order.

 

[HomeGuardPaints]

I have notebook pc as my computer(instead of a desktop) and I bought a $50 ink jet for my truck, and a $30 power inverter to run it. So I print most of my proposals in the vehicle. However if it is a large proposal/estimate I like to take it with me and put a little more time into writing it up and I print on the laser printer at the office( better quality prints).

 

[MAK-Deco]

I was mostly fax or drop off next day if I was working close by, now email I will send everything as an attached pdf file so they can not modify it. I would rarely give a price in person I would sell the job when I looked at it, then the price is less of a concern to them when they actually receive it.

I also like to take my time on larger re-paints (mostly what we do)especially if there's a lot of trim involved. If it is just a repaint for a couple of bedrooms etc. Then it is email the same day usually. I book out pretty far in advance so if someone needs a price asap and wants the painting done tomorrow then there not my client to begin with.

 

[bikerboy]

Email, but am looking towards the printer in the truck this year.

 

[painttofish]

I also like to take my time on larger re-paints (mostly what we do)especially if there's a lot of trim involved. If it is just a repaint for a couple of bedrooms etc. Then it is email the same day usually. I book out pretty far in advance so if someone needs a price asap and wants the painting done tomorrow then there not my client to begin with.

It amazes me how some people expect you to start the project immediately or in a few days. Or they say it has to be done before memorial day. Every second home owner (summer resort area) gives the trades this deadline around here. I would love to see these people try and schedule at least two crews through a season with inclement weather. I ask up front when or if they need there job done by a certain date so as not to waste my time with an estimate. Our client el gets a pass.

 

[AALory]

Differentiation from other contractors is always the goal. Hand written estimates seems like a perfect way to differentiate yourself as a less professional contractor. I think a thoughtful, speedy, printed estimate delivered in person on a date you set with the homeowner when you measure the job is a chance to deliver the best possible impression. Show them you took the time to deliberate, that you are prompt in your response and thus excited to work with them, and that you are punctual by showing up on time twice.

 

[Crown Restoration]

I prefer to always deliver estimates in person when possible.

This gives me a chance to close the deal on the spot. The more chances I have to gain the customers confidence the better.

 

[timhag]

I prefer to always deliver estimates in person when possible.

.

:yes:

 

[samthedog]

I prefer to always deliver estimates in person when possible.

This gives me a chance to close the deal on the spot. The more chances I have to gain the customers confidence the better.

Thats the same for me too. It also gives me a last chance to have a quick look over and include some 'value add' items to my estimate. For example, I also do building and plumbing so when I see that someone needs a wall repainted and it seems like the problem could be humidity, I will mention in passing that for a 'small' additional fee I can add a vent or fix the problem with their roofing that is causing the problem in the first place rather than just paint over it. It generally turns out that painting results in about 1/2 of my income while building and plumbing subsidizes my earnings in bad weather or slower times of the year.

 

[smalljobs]

I have my notebook and printer in my truck. Estimates, proposals ready in minutes. I'm hooked up wireless so I process my credit cards right in front of them, show them ben moore's site, halman lindsey's site if need be. Powerpoint my processes and close immediately 90% of time.
I sold used cars for years (my father was a dealer). He always said "GET A DEPOSIT!" (more like yelled), its non-refundable. Once its done, they almost feel obligated to go with you. Afterall, they bought you,not the paint job. If they complain, I give there money back, reluctantly.

 

[George Z]

Everything we do is e-mail (except paint)
Never had to pay a second visit to close a job.
With the number of leads coming in, one visit is more than enough.

 

[cullybear]

email estimates and invoices

I agree I do all my estimates and invoices by quickbooks email. Also I have my email programmed to forward estimate or invoice questions to my cell phone. Does anyone else have their business line forwarded to their cell phone. I find alot of amazed customers when they get a live person and not a answering machine in the middle of the day. I used to come home and see several calls on my caller ID where people just wouldn't leave a message.

 

[The paint whisperer]

Sent all my Estimates by e-mail and followed up with a phone call.

 

[George Z]

Also I have my email programmed to forward estimate or invoice questions to my cell phone. Does anyone else have their business line forwarded to their cell phone.

I used to, but it wouldn't stop.
We now have a full time office manager,
I don't have to speak to or e-mail anyone unless I want to.
The office manager and the 2 sales people
work out of the same, on the web calendar.
It works amazing.!
It is part of the Google Apps system we switched to.
By the way, it is free!

http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/business/index.html

 

[alta]

I feel it is important to sell your proposal in person. My closing rate is higher when i do.

 

[MAK-Deco]

You sell the job when you are there looking at it IMO. Then when the price comes in they are all ready comfortable with you and your company etc..

 

[aaron61]

"Not talking about proposals. Estimates. Proposals I type and either fax for signature or bring with me and have them sign before work starts. The only way my proposals are edited is by change order."

I'm not sure what you mean here? Isn't a proposal the same as an estimate?


I do "proposal or estimate" right on the spot (mobile office) sometimes contracts too..
Most projects have very similar criteria so there aren't alot of variables IMO.
Larger projects are brought back to the office and are emailed or faxed(depending on what the customer prefers) that same day.with a follow up call imediately after presentation.

 

[Aaron]

and have recently added PWG's estimate comparison form. .

What is this? does someone have a link?