Following up on an estimate....

[sythai]

Morning Chaps..

Just wondering how long (if you do that is) you would leave it on following up an estimate if no response from customer, it's been a week and job provisionally starting in 10 days time ?

I normally dont bother unless it's a pretty special job, as usually quite busy for a good few weeks plus ahead.

But hit a bit of a quite spot and not much coming in at the mo.

BTW - it's a 3 bed rewire/ unoccupied, but just found I've been pricing against another spark how is non vat, I am, so if they play cheapest one wins think I'm out anyway.

Many Thanks,

Sy

 

[imago]

I don't follow up as there doesn't seem any point really. If you'd got it they would have let you know, so leave them to it and move on.

There's always a temptation to start making knee jerk changes when work goes quiet, we've all done it at some point. Drop your rates, spend more on advertising, chase old/new customers, follow up quotes etc. It's just a case of keeping your nerve and waiting. Use the time wisely though, as you can work out overheads and where to cut back, new areas to take the business into, which advertising methods are working best and how to improve return etc.

 

[sythai]

Many thanks for the advice much appreciated,

Sy

 

[oldtimer]

I never chase a quote and sometimes the customer will call and say I have not heard anything from you and I always say well you invited me in for a quote i sent it to you and its not for me to push you on it. If you do push it the customer smell desperation and then starts angling for a discount.

 

[Spudnik]

I have quoted for work (which was accepted) to start 'in a few weeks', only to get a message a few days later "we have chosen someone else, as they could start straight away" !!!

Go figure...

 

[oldtimer]

I have quoted for work (which was accepted) to start 'in a few weeks', only to get a message a few days later "we have chosen someone else, as they could start straight away" !!!

Go figure...

Yep I got a call as a washing machine was wired directly into a SFCU so I suggested that they change it to a single socket for £5 extra on the callout explaining that they need no longer get an electrician in for this plus they are not affecting the warranty on the WM by cutting the moulded plug off. All good will get back to you then a text to say flatmates boyfriend is going to have a go. I texted back fine but there will still be a callout charge if they hit any problems and need to give me a call or need me to attend. In other words ok you doing it yourself after wasting my time no probs but next call will cost.

Don't like doing this but I am running a business plus the last time I had something like this I was asked to come out to check / fix the guy who got the the job with a cheaper quote and they hit the roof when I mentioned callout charge and hourly rate saying you sparks are dodgy my reply was in a calm voice was look I am running a business not a charity so when someone like yourself gets me to quote for a job then gets someone else in to undercut me I have to accept this even although I have spent time and money giving you the quote. So there is no need to take that abusive tone with me the person you are angry with is the guy who done the job I cannot be expected to sort this for £20 plus I understand the situation you are in so but it would not be fair on my business to get involved.

By this time I have got them calmed down and before they can say anything I finish with but anyway thanks for concidering me for the job but I will have to go as I am in the middle of a callout where the lady has no electricity. I then hang up and continue to drink my tea and take the mute off the TV.

 

[imago]

There's usually little point in getting or taking any notice of, the reasons for rejection. A lot of people are uncomfortable with saying why they don't want to go with your quote, so they tend to make up a 'less upsetting' excuse.

 

[baldelectrician]

I have quoted for work (which was accepted) to start 'in a few weeks', only to get a message a few days later "we have chosen someone else, as they could start straight away" !!!

Go figure...

I take a third deposit when booking anything that is more than a couple hours work, balance due on completion.