pdxplumber

A while back I told myself that I would stop giving free estimates. It was pissing me off and souring my view of humanity. I started charging a refundable show up fee of $39. If any work is done the fee goes away. There are a lot of companies that charge at least a one hour min of $100- $150 no matter what. I feel like my charge is more than fair, it's pretty competitive.
The last time I went out for free the homeowner couldn't be there and I spent about a half hr going over the job with his partner who finally told me that " he could do it himself ". I didn't charge my fee because it was a friend of a friend kind of a thing. I lost my **** and walked out. Not good.
Things have been slow and I just turned away a water service job because they want a free estimate. I gave them a ball park price over the phone and they just about jumped off the phone. Then they called back and wanted me to come out.
I explained my fee and I could hear the husband yelling in the background. " we will call you back.." Should I have broken my own rule and gone out for free?

SlickRick

I charge a 1hr min. refundable fee for estimates. It is money out of my pocket, especially if I send a truck out to do it. Some understand, some don't. it weeds out the low ballers.

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RealLivePlumber

No way.

I am about sick and tired of the price shoppers, as well. I'm a one man shop, with my younger brother (apprentice). If I ain't workin', I ain't eatin'.

I had one last week, gas to a bbq. Referral from an existing client. It was close to home, so, I go over. When I get there, the ho is asking all kinds of questions, like "where will you tap in for the new pipe, what material, permits, ?" etc.

So, I know that someone else has already been there. I then knew it was a big fat waste of my time. I e-mailed her the qoute, never heard back.

For now on, I will institute a show up fee.

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RealLivePlumber
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Phat Cat

In general, I say stick to your guns. If a potential customer cannot understand a show up fee that is reasonable and refundable, they won't make a good customer either.

Sometimes if they catch me in the right mood, I will ask them what they mean by a free estimate. When they say, you show up and give me a price. . . I turn it around by saying 'how is that free?' I pay a plumber, put gas in his truck, etc. and send him out to you . . . "Are you suggesting I pay for your FREE estimate? I hardly see where that is fair."

Reasonable people will see what they are asking is a bit much. For those who say other plumbers will give free estimates, suggest they contact those plumbers.

And for the smarta$$ who says 'that's a cost of doing business,' I have an answer for that too. Why should all my customers pay for the few who want something for free?

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OldSchool

Thats right PC weed them out..... I hate tire kickers

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pdxplumber

Thanks everyone. Sometimes it's good just to hear that everybody has to deal with this crap. Funny thing is about five minutes after I got off the phone a previous customer emailed me to let me know they want some work done. They never complained about a show up fee, they paid me when I was done and they were actually nice to me. And they are only about ten blocks away. The jerk on the phone was about twenty miles from me.

Master Mark

the next time you get one telling you that they will get back to you, .....

politely ask them if they would be happier if you paid them
35 bucks for the privdledge of driveing across town, burning a half tank of gas ,,,, to give them that estimate....

they wont know what to say for a few moments....
then hang up on them..

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CardinalPumbing

I had one the other day. The lady called up looking to have a breeze way converted into a laundry room for a house that she was thinking of buying. She doesn't even live there let alone own it. She was looking for a free estimate. I told her why am I going to waste my time looking at a project in a home that you may not even live in. She then replied, " I have already had other companies give me a free estimate." I asked how many she said that 6 have been out, already. So I asked what was wrong with the first 6 estimates. She says, "They are too much." Finally, I told her that I was sorry, but I just can't show up and give a free estimate in a home you don't own yet. She said "Well I guess I can't buy the house!" And hung up. It takes all kinds I guess.

Tommy plumber

If someone is not willing to pay me $35.00 to come to their home, then they probably don't want to pay me $500.00. Weed out (pre-qualify) customers by informing them that there will be a fee for the plumber to come out. If they say I should come out for free, I tell them to call a handyman because this licensed plumber won't come out for free. If they get testy ask them, "Do you go to your job for free, or do you expect to get paid?"

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TheMaster

I wouldn't advise being a smart--- on the phone. If you dont want to give a free estimate then dont do it. Tell the customer what the charge is and if they dont like it then tell them to have a good day and sorry that I cant help you. Thats the proper way to do business. You cant sweat the small stuff when your in business.