Free Estimates

[herschel]

Firstly, I like doing estimates. I get to meet all types of people and see plant material growing in all kinds of conditions.

Even though they are free, I don't advertise "free estimates" anymore, not because of any bad incident, just because I felt I was doing too many "feelers" that were a waste of valuable time.

Sure, I believe in the motto "Every person you meet is a prospective client", however, I've been to estimates where I knew the whole point was to get free info from an expert. They still took a written estimate from me, but you get the feeling that there is no job to get. Just free advice.

During an estimate that might take 1/2-1 hr, there is alot of consumer education going on. And somewhere during that time is the fine line between "free estimate" and "paid consultation".

On two occasions I have charged a "consultation fee" for a longer than usual estimate, without complaint.

Anyway, on to my point. I understand that any meetings with possible clients may lead to possible work, but has the era of the "free estimate" come and gone? Sure, the public can get all the estimates they need, on the other hand time is money.

I just wanted other opinions from my respected peers.

 

[tshanefreeman]

I too have been stuck in the same position that you have defined.

I like the idea of providing good customer service by giving them the time to look at prospective work, yet, like you said, time is money. I too have put countless hours of thought into consultation fees and the only conclusion that I have come to is that I charge for consultation when the customer knows up front. This way he/she can't walk away with harsh feelings towards the way that I conduct business..........no one enjoys hidden costs!

In an attempt to somewhat limit the time given to estimates and the fuel involved with travelling from one place to the next, I have now placed the clause, 'free estimates within 30 minutes radius'. This way the cliental are less likely to call for free consultation and all I require of those outside the limits is a fee to pay my fuel. So perhaps they are still getting something for.............

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

One way i can get around that is to get the estimate done, explain the prosess, then say that I'm on a tight schedule, but will answer any other questions when we do the work. If I get a signature, then I will ask if they have any other questions.


I'm all for educating the public, but I also make my money as a paid consultant. I'll always throw in a little educational stuff since i enjoy it though.

 

[Menchhofer]

I agree 100% with all the threads.

Just because you spend 1/2-1 hour with the potential customer, it does not guarantee you will get the work. I use to think this but it is not true.

I believe, as stated previously , it is necessary to establish a "line," and when it is crossed---pay me.

 

[Dan Flinn]

This is a good topic. I still provide free estimates and all the information I can. Spending a little one on one time is great for building a clientele.

Come to think of it, most of the work I have now is from people I spent a little time with in the past, or from their neighbors. They almost always turn into long term customers.

I am, however, running into the same problems as discussed here. I don't have the time to chit chat with someone who is just poking for information.

My guideline is that I'll discuss all of their concerns, give advice, etc. The initial consultation is free. I'll even write an estimate if they want one. If I have to make a diagnosis or return for any other reason, I charge for that.

For what it's worth,
Dan

 

[TREETX]

I spend a good amount of time walking and talking with neighbors and references. Very little with those from the yellow pages - that is where the shoppers come from

References are great, the trust is there. "Mrs. Smith said he did a good job and her trees look great, this price must be fair..."

Not, "I am getting opinions from every other joker in the yellow pages."

I also qualify by neigborhood. Big house, nice cars, big trees, a better chance I will get a good return on my time invested. If they are in a working class neighborhood, less chance of getting a return on my time invested.

 

[TREETX]

I have had people call and their first question is, "do you give free estimates", and I have told them NO. I say - I give estimates free of charge but they are far from free as they cost me a lot of time.

Now I ask where they live before saying yes to a free estimate. I ask under the guise of how far from town are you? They always say the neighborhood. That lets me know priority.

There is way too much about tree work that has nothing to do with trees.......

 

[treeist]

I think its best to charge a fee for estimates. I call it an initial consultation. when I have to run around talking to people all day at least I have gas and oil money from it. I charge all new clients 25 bucks. Previous customers are free of course. Try it folks it will set you above in customers mind. It is worth talking to you because you state up front that you are an expert. Anything free is worthless

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

It all depends on where your workload sits. I know guys who have a comfortable clientel so they will charge a consultation fee for any new customer. Weeds out the shopers and allows them to talk up the buisness.

I also know guys in the buisness fot 20+ years still chacing every lead, well almost, they know to decline larg willow removals <g>. I will only do things like that on T, E & M.

"Six grand too much for you? Well how much can you budget I can do as much as possible for $1500 in a day. It will be the easiest stuff, because we really need a crane to get the big wood out of the back yard...."

We had 2 of those last year. One actualy scheduled for next winter before we drove off.