Entering customer homes - Page 2

i love going into houses the more at risk i am the higher the bill but i do estimates ahead of time

Originally Posted by 1956

When doing trash pick ups it is in my opinion you must give a estamiate,you will save your self a lot of time and agravation knowing what you are dealing with,you have to offer the inside removal to get most jobs,the best part is the more time consumming the higher the price a few furniture blanketts are a great investment p,s, we charge fair prices and do not work for free, a little cheaper than the nationals but not half there price if you are worried about the cost of giving a estamiate then you might have to look at you priceing structure just my two cents ]

My pricing structure is fine. It is the point that gas here fluctuate between $3.25 to almost $4 a gallon. You would start being out a lot of money, really quick if you spend $20 to $30 each time you go out, and not always getting the job.

This is why I ask very detailed, very precise questions. However, if it is a LOT of stuff, I ask them for pictures. 9 times out of 10, they can provide them.

If not, then I tell them that the quote I am giving, is a ROUGH ESTIMATE and subject to change when I arrive.

Luckily, I had to do that only 3 times so far, and wasnt a lot.

I offer free estimates within approx. 25-30 miles...........That's just the cost of doing biz

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

I offer free estimates within approx. 25-30 miles...........That's just the cost of doing biz

Rough example. Get 5 estimates a week. 1 a day. $25 per trip. That is $125 in gas for the week. Now lets say that 2 out of 3 get a pickup done, and it is for my minimum of $65. That would be $130. Minus the $125 for gas, I only made $5 for the week, not including any other possible expenses.

There fore, unless I am out doing a job, and they happen to be close by, I dont drive and give an estimate.

That is just the way it is right now.

I agree with what your saying though Mike, about cost of doing business, but like anything else, situations vary.

wow u actually agreed with me george

I don't drive to give estimates unless they are close or I happen to be going that way anyway. But I will often have the guys stop while out and do a QADOS. That is Burlyspeak for Quote And Do On Spot. And only if in the neighborhood or on the route between jobs where they will be working.

Texted pictures are a big help.

Originally Posted by mikeinreco

wow u actually agreed with me george

First time for it all lol

Originally Posted by BurlyGuys

I don't drive to give estimates unless they are close or I happen to be going that way anyway. But I will often have the guys stop while out and do a QADOS. That is Burlyspeak for Quote And Do On Spot. And only if in the neighborhood or on the route between jobs where they will be working.

Texted pictures are a big help.

Same here. When I get asked if I can, I tell them that with all due respect, with cost of gas, etc it isnt feasible. Which is why I ask for pictures or a descriptions. Works well 95% of the time.

Like you John, I dont mind if I am close or passing through, but other wise, no.

Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

What are you driving that costs 25/30 a trip?

Chevy Silverado, and then my father in law has a dually.

It doesn't always require that much. Just if you look at it all, and do a rough calculation it does.

The point is, if you have more going out then in, where is the profit? None.

Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

Ahh duallys.....had a 88 extended cab with the 454/3 speed auto a few years ago. Quite the thirsty beast.

Yeah, they are a thirsty beast indeed! I only use it when hauling really major items. Also use it when doing vehicles sometimes.