Thoughts on Estimates and Quotes
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- čas přidán 23. 08. 2024
- Come along with me as I measure two houses and give you my thoughts on quoting and estimating jobs.
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I’ve been in the trade for 10 years and have bid on more jobs than I can remember. I’d say 95% of my work is word of mouth and because of that I get 95% of the jobs I bid. The jobs I bid I measure and take notes and customers have told me they chose me simply because I measured out the job instead of throwing out a figure. I don’t do follow up also, bid the job to make money and leave clean sharp work behind. I work year round because I’m on time, clean up after myself and take pride in my craft. Take your time and take no short cuts and you will have a great profitable career and excellent reputation of quality craftsmanship.
Andrew Pope I am making it there, the key is bidding enough for labor.
I am a damn good Carpenter, but I am in this to make $$, not hear about how I'm charging to much for a bitches wall panels stained.
Thanks. That gives me some insight to how I will work on things. Very useful tips!
Good advice
What is a good amount to mark up per linear foot? With the cost of supplies going up it seems like you’d have to be almost $10 a foot to make any money?
I'm not sure how I got to your content, but I have to say, just as a consumer and someone with a soft sense of business, I really like your attitude and approach to business. In your industry, like you said, people come to you. They want what you're selling, or they wouldn't have contacted you. Giving them information, letting them have time to think about it, being professional and trusting the person to make the 'right' choice, I think it really leaves a positive impression and leads to sales. That matched with the work I've seen on some of your other videos about the quality of work you do, it's pretty good. Thanks for making these videos, they're entertaining and it's a nice look inside the world of the business and how this really works, without all the HGTV flash.
SO nice to see a young,competent, careful artisan and who drives a clean well cared for work vehicle.Of course I'm envious of his tools and equipment.A first requirement of mine when I built houses in Houston was to casually walk to the job seekers vehicle.If it was neat inside, and out, no trash on the dash no empty coffee cups nor beer cans in the bed he was 3/4ths to getting the job, If he had a tool box I asked If he would show me his tools. A polite attitude, neat and clean and I could sense a good potential member of our crew.
The new tools and assists being introduced tell me I retired way to early, but with a man like this I left it in great hands,(and minds).The morning a team member arrived with the first Rockwell miter saw we were like kids with our first Lionel train set.
Thanks for being so candid. I feel like i'm in the passenger seat, and you're talkin to me. in all your videos it feels like I'm workin right beside you. I am a very seasoned and skilled trim carpenter and I've learned some great tricks from you. you have by far one of the very best channels on you tube. You're a pleasure to watch, a pleasure to listen to , and I will share share share. God bless.
Any time I get an estimate and someone tries to push a sale as quickly as possible it just makes me NOT want to do business with them. It just screams desperation and not quality. Really good advice in this video.
Never compete. You're a great contractor. When they want something done they want it done by a professional like you. I think like you and it works.
Thank you!
here, here !!
I've noticed the same thing. People who set an appointment are the one's that usually give you the job as opposed to the one's that send a very vague text and want a quote. I've seen several of your videos and enjoy them. Your work is top notch!
Yes, it is a good thing to know. Especially when I am in a lazy mode and I want to just send an e-mail. I know its better if I just go over and meet the person! Thank you!
Good job bro, im not in your industry, but i watch a lot of your videos because how you carry yourself and run your business.
You bid the same way I do, I remodel car dealerships. I'll measure everything and get my prices from subs and suppliers then it will take days to bet in the mood to sit down at the computer to type it all out and hit send. I hate that part of the job!
Too funny!!
Great videos!!
A good carpenter needs no marketing , business cards etc etc . It takes time to build a reputation . After you have put in the time and effort you will have more work than you can handle . To those that are starting out and the up n comers , be prepared to take a dip here and there on your quotes but never drop your standards even if it costs you . Just think of it as investing in your future. Another thing that clients really appreciate is letting them know where you are at , if your running ten minutes late , ring or text them and let them know you will be ten minutes late , trust me they will appreciate it and it also builds trust .
Unreal, I do most of my estimates on Saturday, I have the exact same Dewalt zip binder, I only bring it, my Bosch laser measure, a 25 ft tape and a smile. I measure, ask the pertinent questions then a little friendly chit chat and leave them be. Next day send a friendly "Nice to meet you" email with a professional estimate attached. 1 week later a follow up e mail and that's it.
I find most people are interviewing you as opposed to looking for a price...looking at what you drive, how you dress, how you talk, knowledge, competency, experience, professionalism, if they like you you get the job. That said if your work looks like a dog chewed on it you're done, you have to deliver and it appears you do. . Love your vids, keep it up!
Years ago when I was out with my grandfather doing cabinet making we would always wear a shirt and tie when going out to do estimates. He never used to give a price on the spot and would tell potential clients that he would need to put an estimate together and then give it to the on paper.
It seemed to work for him ever single time without fail. When you spend 40 years of your life doing high end carpentry you will become the must go to in your area.
I am a carpenter from Indiana and I am the same way. I don’t like being pushy most of the time I don’t even give them numbers there I go home and figure it up and sent the something over by email. I use joist it works great. And I have it on my iPad so I just take all my notes on my iPad then go home sit in my recliner and figure it up. It is a lot better then sitting at a desk for hours after working all day.
Thank you for this video. I work for a flooring company and do a similar measure. The need to sell the job is felt in the environment.
Some times when you get to met your customers all they want is to interview you! Make sure your the right fit and get a hood vive from you and most definitely they see how sure or secure you are about your work ....good job bro cant wait for you to do my baseboards and crown
Thanks for all the tips I haven't been able to get my job back into the warehouse industry and starting to do crown molding on my own now thank you for sharing
Man I have to say thank you for the website you said about its really helped me a lot I have got a lot more jobs and its great man keep up the great work love your videos I am on my way over to the usa in the summer love it over there
I really enjoy your videos as they are very informative and honest and have used some of your techniques in my own home. Keep those videos coming
Thanks Paul!
I basicly quote my jobs the same way you do with some small diferences, I email the quote and include references with phone # so they can actualy talk to a real person about me and my quality of work, I also send pictures of recent projects that I have done. I never pressure them or call them back. It's worked for me for over 30 years, before computers I used the the us mail !
I'm with you on the computer thing bro, the going to job sites and meeting people driving around and interacting with people is the fun part. computer thin not so much
Richard thanks for the vids man. I'm a carpenter in Baton Rouge. I watch your videos all the time. I'm a firm believer that you can never stop learning. I've def picked up some new tricks from you and I've been doing carpentry well over 20 years. Thanks for sharing the wealth man. One question you showed your notes from the first estimate and on it was an arched doorway. Do u use pvc moulding for the arch? Do you make your own? Or do you order it? Lol sry that was 3 questions haha
Thnx Brendan
Thx Richard very professional way of doing business ur a great dude im sure people can get a good vibe when meeting in person. And im having trouble locating bulldog radius corner jig.
Thank you. I appreciate it. Try to see if you can find them on Amazon that is where I got it.
Happy New Year Richard.
They want YOUR, talents and product. A competitor may do the same type of work but the end result isn’t the same. I always tell the customer my price is for my work especially if they want what they’ve heard of how pleased others are.
Thanks a lot. Yes good word of mouth can really make the quote process a lot smoother.
You are doing a great thing here. Thanks for the effort of sharing your process!
Can you do a video on how you spray and how you prep and control overspray and so on
As a customer who IS interested in certain services and entrepreneur. Definitely you need to follow up, because as a customer I get so busy that maybe I don’t have time to call you back, but still want to give you my business. I’m california, but I think the same applies over there. And if you really want to get a lot of work, try sending out marking postcards to new developments with your service, hope that helps!
If they bite they bite.... great video bud
Exactly! Thanks!
Thanks Richard. I enjoy the videos and always learn from them.
Thanks Warren! Good to see your comments as always.
Exact same attitude I take. Too busy right now, call back but let them know be awhile. Charge for design fee on big jobs but I let them know refund the fee if I get the job. Always charge for insurance work estimate as the insurance company will reimburse the amount of the estimate. If they don't want to pay for it just weeded out a potential problem client.
Im new to this subscription, im pretty young myself ,but this guy got some skill. Good stuff
I do the same thing I do not give them a price right then I go home and work it up and then email it over to them and wait to hear back from them. And I usually works pretty good when you’re not pushy I do trimwork as well as you. I also Build custom entertainment centers and kitchen cabinets
When you are good. and you have established you're name..you can basically get what you want..after I established my name I always got what I wanted..there was never a problem.
I have met the tentative customer I believe they get a chance to look you over and get to know you see what you drive and how you act as few examples. When I delivered my proposal would get more than asked for when completed normally tipped far more than I charged, with markup and profit added in. If they call believe are just getting quotes for price comparison.
The biggest lesson I learned from another contractor when I started my business was to never quote a job based on what I thought it was worth. Always quote it based on how long it will take you (not the market) to do the work. Being on time is the number one reason you will get the job most of the time as well.
Hi Richard, love your videos, detailed works meticulous and professional....what kind spray gun and tip do you use??? Do you ever work in houston??
Richard, I notice you use college rule binder paper. I switched over to graphing paper, for me it was easier to draw and scale things on paper plus it looks more professional. This is comment is not to put you down just an fyi. Your videos are awesome and show real world carpentry out on the job. You should do a video on how became a finish carpenter.
Richard have you ever gone on an estimate and really don’t want the job for whatever your reason is, shoot them a price to have them say no and get the job anyway? In my 41 years of self employment with a very good following it’s happened many times surprisingly.
Keep up the great videos.
Thank you for your video, very helpful
Come back to AZ.. lol.. you are doing a great job.. awesome videos.. I learned a lot..
Thanks for the video and taking us along with your thought process. I just realized you’re in my area. I may be giving you a call for a trim job that’s a little too big for my guys.
Happy 2018 Good to see your off for another good year .
I love all your molding , wainscoting work etc , But I'm also very interested in the painting end of it ( right down to the tape etc. )
With all the wood work , you can do the messy cutting/sawdust part out side . So not a concern for the home owners ..nice part of being in Texas ( little different story up here in Calgary Canada when we have snow and nasty cold ) .
But do you ever get homeowners not sure about getting the work done because of the painting end ? Do you get a lot of "Can't you paint it outside and then install it ? " type questions ?
Question I've had for awhile ... ever since you met up with Chris in Idaho .
Did you learn anything new from him ?
Is there any of your painting that you do completely different now because of something he taught you ?
Or do you have it all dialed in ?
Thanks
Bob from Calgary
Thanks Bob,
Usually the homeowners are not concerned about the clean up since we do all the cutting outside. We never cut the materials in the home. The people we work for trust us with the painting so they are not concerned if we can do it or not.
Some people ask us if we can paint it before we install it, but I just tell them "No."
And I explain to them why that is not ideal for a good finish.
I learned a lot from Chris, I still consult with him from time to time when I have a question. I definitely don't have it all dialed in since painting is so different from job to job. But he is the first one that got me on Graco FFLP tips, and that changed a lot for me.
I can quote three ways, LF, flat price or hourly. I prefer hourly with a backup linear footage. I’ve lost money on flat price and clients are beginning to stay away from flat price as was told to me that some “professional” carpenters submit a large amount with little work involved.
By charging hourly my clients know what their bill will be. I work up the LF so the client can compare.
I agree with not chasing clients. By not chasing them I have gotten calls up to a year later asking us to do the work or correct work that was done. They understand that the original quote is no longer valid.
A light amount of sales does no harm. Keeping it simply and letting them know what has to be done without over complicating things is generally a good rule of thumb.
I was the exact same way with estimates. I had a friend that would bug people about estimates a day or so after he have them. I would not be pushy. I was always upfront with my lead times during the estimate. I'd put a price and a estimated start time and how long the job would take.
Thanks for sharing there are not a lot of videos about estimates. I'm starting a custom closet business and it's a peace of mind I can give estimates without the pushy salesman angle because that's not my style.
Great video. You have a great attitude.
Can you make a video on making window arches out of MDF? I know you get the riser and width , but I wanna find a good way to make perfect arches for top of windows and doors .
Thanks for helping a few months back . Insend you a pic of angle I couldn’t get . We contacted you thru you web page and you helped us out . Thanks for the help
What is the approximate cost, if you don't mind me asking, for a job like the one in the vide, "$3500 mistake?" Was that what she paid before or for the revision? Great work!
Yeah I was interested in that too!!
Hi great movie and advice
Where from do you get the leads ?
Have you often use leads generation ?
Have you some examples of websites of lead generators in the USA ?
Regards Michael
London UK
Basically how I do mine.
I don't like talking too much, but I got a friendly face, so people tend to drag on and start discussing about it, what they'd like ... pretty much as though I already got the job without even giving them a price. It's really weird tbh. On the other hand, those who don't talk much to me while I'm there, I typically don't get those jobs.
Great video brother! Keep up the good work.
Nice video!How do you get consistent work?Do you market through other organziations i.e Angies List, Home Advisor? My problem is I get jobs, along with great reviews but I can't seem to get that steady work.
What was the app you use for estimates? I dont see it in the description..... great videos as always but don't forget the cool intros i love those
I was wondering about this wave app. I took your advice and have been using it ever since. they have a great platform. However making the jump to processing CC and payroll kind of have me wondering.
Do you happen to use these service by them and if so what are your views? Also how do to contact them direct on the phone to deal with processing issues?
I prefer to work for new home builders. Most things have a set price and you can stay very busy. If I had to hustle my work everyday I don't think I would do it.
Very informative as always, another thing customers are impressed by by is punctuality.
Show up on time and keep your appointments
Thanks
FrankNYC
Looks good to me
Your videos are awesome, Richard! Do you use any sort of marketing service to drum up business?
Thanks! I do not do any marketing right now. I have tried the mailers before and I was not happy with the results :(
So I just stick with word of mouth right now and my website does get several views per week.
dfw crown Thanks for the reply. What sort of marketing would you recommend for someone who is new to a particular area?
dfw crown I agree
As an old person previously involved with electronics and computers in a spring-making business, it is only my current interest in woodworking in my retirement that brought me to your videos - which I enjoy for their own sake even though I shall probably never get involved in moulding work. I guess you may get some income from posting these videos, but I do wonder at the fact that by doing so you appear to be helping potential competitors - especially when you reveal your estimating techniques and costing system.
Do you feel that there is sufficient work available for anyone to find, and that competition is therefore never going to be a problem, or are you just a completely altruistic good guy?
Don Johnson24 in Texas there is always work but when people want custom high end work most of the time they are choosing a company by their standards of life. Someone willing to pay for the work like to know that they are supporting a good guy, they expect whoever they go with is going to be knowledgeable and do a good job or they will run you off. If a man can keep himself working and people like him, he must be good.
John Turner ,
A customer once told me if you boast too much about being good ?? I’ll have to watch YOU even more...
( his reasoning :??
“...you must know how to be real “bad” , in order to know how be real “good”
True story.☝️
He is ultruistic, because he fears no competition since he Dominates It !! 💰💵👍
Rock On with your bad self.
Just out of curiosity, Richard how much of your business comes from people who have seen your work on CZcams?
I would guess about 5%. Most of it is from people who have never seen a video from me. But I do now have some videos in my portfolio page on my website.
great vids man how old are you btw???
I think you're absolutely right, these people are calling you because they want this done
Yes most of them are very serious about moving forward.
I don't think I've ever gotten a job from a bid were the homeowners weren't home when I went to bid. These are outdoor jobs btw.
famous636 that's interesting. I guess they want to see the person and meet you.
People make decisions based on emotion and justify it with logic. When they meet you and like you their emotional side decides they want you to do the job.
good video.. good luck . all the best,,
Great video very informative,was that a ridgid work light?
Yes, we do use that ridgid work light.
dfw crown is it worth buying? I have the spot light and that thing is pretty sweet
I really like it. It has a spot for a cord too if needed. I think it is worth the $100.00
How do you put moulding over an arch window?
What’s your stance on charging for estimates? I suppose in your niche there’s not a ton of design and drafting work when you give your quotes so you could give away that small amount of time. The Concord Carpenter has a very interesting video on charging for quotes.
Why do you guys paint your own stuff instead of subbing it out?
William Butler I’m guessing he can’t get subs to do small jobs. I have the same problem. Started painting my own jobs the last few years.
Richard, do you tell the owners that the rooms you will be working in need to be vacated so you can work without moving around their possessions?
I ask them if they can move the small objects. And we usually move or work around the bigger furniture.
Happy New Year Richard. Ask the customer how they got your name. I suggest you send an acknowledgement to the person who referred you. Next-door.com is a great source of referrals here in SW Florida. North and MidWest Angies List is popular. I differentiate between an estimate and a proposal - Estimate = barnyard range of what I believe it will be, and a Proposal = written hard numbers. Since I've become so busy, I typically do an estimate on site to see if the customer gets sticker shock. Nearly all of my proposals are emailed, and like you, I only follow up to make sure they received the proposal. I'm a house painter and 100% of my work is repeat business or referrals, and 90% of my work for the past 3 years has been in 1 subdivision, even though I'm $500-$1,500 more expensive than another painter who does a little work in the subdivision. I'm booked out more than 6 months right now, with work still coming in. Remember too Richard, that it is easier to 'sell' someone on additional work after they see how well you do things. There is rarely a job I'm on that someone doesn't ask if I know someone who can . . . with the clear hint that they want me to do it, or they come out and ask whether I will do it.
The definition of luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Good Luck Richard.
Hey, just wondering what the app was that you said would be in the description for estimating. Thanks.
I literally do estimates in NY exactly the same way...LOL
SteveVHT www.waveapps.com
Thanks for the link. It is a great software.
@SteveVHT Hope that helps!
What is the estimating app? The document called you send?
Wish you worked in NY.
Good video!
Thanks!
Ey im from Texas too what area you from?
Out of interest..
Whats your routine on when to do quotes.
Like during work hours/after work /weekend's.
Its nearly a job in itself.(unpaid)
Great vids dude!
Very true. It is a whole job in itself. I prefer to do them on Saturdays becasue I can do several in one day . But If I am already in the area doing a job I will measure some on the way home. Thanks!
dfw crown
Thanks dude.
Im trying to find some balance with work and home life.
Im in ireland and right now theres more work than men...tbh its gone mental.
You would make a fortune 😉
If you get low on work, following up is not "pushy". What I do, is wait a week or two before I call and ask "Can I (we) be of any further service to you?". They'll either tell you "no", or tell you they want to use you or tell you they're going to wait til next year or whatever. And that's it. Thank them and hang up. Is that "high pressure"?
Point is, following up is just good business. Again, a follow up call does not mean you are "high pressure" at all.
I don't like the pushy sales approach either. No one does. Well, except the guys that are actually high pressure.
I've stood in a lot of living rooms and I have learned that customers are buying YOU. If they see you as genuine, not pushy, trustworthy, and a decent person, they will use you. I have always just used the approach of educating. Educate them on the products we will be installing, and most of all, our process of installation from start to finish including how we clean up at the end of the day. I just tell them what we will be doing. I don't sing our praise or bash the competition. Just give them information they ask for, and return with a professional bid package.
Now, I if you ask me I'm not "selling" them. But, in a way we are. All guys say "we don't sell our customers". Well, call it what you want, but you are selling, and they are buying. Just because you're not high pressure, doesn't mean you aren't selling.
But there are guys who want to avoid being seen as a salesman so bad, that they barely talk to the customer at all, and give one page estimates in the mail. It's ridiculous. If you are in business for yourself, you have to sell. It doesn't have to be the stereotypical "used car salesman" high pressure sales, but you have to sell, or you won't have work on the schedule.
I used to say the same thing as this guy. LOL. He will learn. LOL.
If you don't think you are selling, show up with ripped clothes, smelling like beer, and use swear words when you talk. If you aren't selling, none of that will matter.
"but I want to appear professional" you say? Then you are selling your professionalism. Your image, your demeanor, How you talk, the information you give on your process, etc. is all selling. You trying to appear as professional as possible to the potential customer is selling.
I think the issue is with your definition of "selling" and associating that word ONLY with high pressure "used car salesman" types.
You are selling, my friend. If you weren't, you wouldn't have any work on the schedule. People want to meet the guys they're going to hire to be in their homes. If you don't sell them that you are trustworthy and professional, you won't get any jobs.
My main thing we do is renovating staircases. Here is a link to my video on how I go about doing it.
czcams.com/video/v2-2CG1PfXA/video.html
Do you ever learn of bids that you didn't get because of being undercut by contractors with a cheaper price and lesser quality ? I maintain high quality work as do you but I will not perform lesser quality just to get the job... but some obviously do....
Did you get some new Dewalt goodies
Yes, I did!
Time to go 🎣
thats true i will never quote over the phone.......again......huge mistake
Selling... Swedish word.... meaning to serve.
my biggest worry with becoming fully self employed is doing quotes and estimates
I was in the same boat years ago but am good at it now. You only get better at it through practice
Two tumbs
What part of az did u live?
Phoenix near Baseline and 143
hey bro...do you ever settle for less money....just bc of other peoples bids...ie market value or does your quality hold your price above the others....you follow ?? its better to be working than not...right.....but then you kinda get in a low paying, hurry up, cut corners.. low quality kinda rut......how do you get quality customers....fliers, advertising newspapers, word of mouth i'm sure but whats yur main squeeeze ???
You get good customers over time by never, and I mean never cutting corners. Even if you lose money you still see the job through and do it the right way
If you do high quality work for someone they will recommend you to anyone whenever the subject comes up. If you do hack work they will go out of their way to bring it up to any and every person who will listen. Build a good reputation and you won't have to worry about finding work
👷👍👍
Grant Cardone says follow up till they die he's a millionaire you have to know how to follow up without looking pushy
If you knew the exact amount a customer would say Yes at,,,,,, you’d be loaded 😎
Gary Thomson Joinery lol yeah I guess you are right.
Here is my website as well. Www.TheCarpenterPros.com
first
Talk to much...? There is a reason that Nature gave you two ears, two eyes.... and only one mouth....
Hi great movie and advice
Where from do you get the leads ?
Have you often use leads generation ?
Have you some examples of websites of lead generators in the USA ?
Regards Michael
London UK