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• PRO

  Gary RK September 10, 2010 at 7:01am

  One - You are quite right not to quote your hourly rate, especially out of context. Quote for job as you've done but explain the logic behind it, client confidence, no last minute large bill, budgeting, mention 'benefits' from using you. We always use the issue of "variable speed mowing" as one justification for fixed price job.
  Two - Sow the seed of doubt regarding why they are suddenly avaibable - you have to wait for perfection (ie you) !
  Three - Make an offer of your services in case 'it doesn't work out'
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  Dan Frazer Gardening September 10, 2010 at 7:29am

  Big deal if you bump into him. I'm going to a job today where the elderly neighbour asked me to quote too... I told her I can't as I'm too busy. No doubt she will be out when she sees my van asking if I can do it yet - I'll just say no. Unfortunately it was a pain in the neck job she wanted and I imagine after asking me "Is that the price for pensioners too" she might find some excuse to pay less!
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  HM GARDENS September 10, 2010 at 3:46pm

  Most client I've not been straight away so it's not been a problem before, in the past when we have used a builder we used for work on our house we have had to wait 1-2 weeks for quote visit.
  I struggle because I'm part time and strict time schedule and cant' take children to visit clients and I don't mention this either, but get round it somehow, most are patient just found the email abit snotty and unnessesary.
  I've deleted now that's the end of that.
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  David Cox September 10, 2010 at 4:23pm

  If found that in the cases where I have rushed to quote as the client has made clear the want / "need" a quote soon, they tend to be either price tarts, or simply trying to bag the cheapest quote. They also tend to keep you for 2 - 3 visits, then cancel, then 3 months later ring up and say its in a state.
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  David Cox September 10, 2010 at 5:47pm

  Interesting you say that, as often when beaten to a quote I enquire as to by how much - and just last week was informed someone was installing fencing at £65 per panel (Palings "6x6"), and doing the math I cant see how they are making any money, let alone covering their costs? Sometimes people must either be short of work, or not paying their dues somewhere else.
  
  
  Gary @ Acer Paving said:

  I usually arrange a quote within a few days, ( certainly no more than a week ).
  
  You will always get people who book a quote for 3 days hence and then the next day leave a message to say they have had someone out and accepted their quote, (even with our line of work which is always valued in the thousands ).
  
  I probably get 2 or 3 of these in a year and they don't concern me in the slightest because if they are that quick to judge a quote then we are probably not the company for them anyway.
  
  That said, I think it is a common mistake by people in business to say that anyone who beats them in a quote must be cheap / will lose money / is short of work or whatever. It's a mistake because it certainly isn't true all of the time.
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  David Cox September 10, 2010 at 7:08pm

  Sorry, my bad, should have bean more clear: - 6x6 25mm gap double Palings - we can get these for £27, so cost is about £30 per panel materials. We normally charge about £80 for this sort of fencing, based on our same Garden Maint, Chargeout, plus profit, plus 10% to cover surprise's such as a hidden foundation / rocky soil.
  
  Gary @ Acer Paving said:

  What do you mean by 6' x 6' palings David ? Presumably not 6' x 6' fence panels available at £15 - £20 each !
  
  
  David Cox said:

  Interesting you say that, as often when beaten to a quote I enquire as to by how much - and just last week was informed someone was installing fencing at £65 per panel (Palings "6x6"), and doing the math I cant see how they are making any money, let alone covering their costs? Sometimes people must either be short of work, or not paying their dues somewhere else.
  
  
  Gary @ Acer Paving said:

  I usually arrange a quote within a few days, ( certainly no more than a week ).
  
  You will always get people who book a quote for 3 days hence and then the next day leave a message to say they have had someone out and accepted their quote, (even with our line of work which is always valued in the thousands ).
  
  I probably get 2 or 3 of these in a year and they don't concern me in the slightest because if they are that quick to judge a quote then we are probably not the company for them anyway.
  
  That said, I think it is a common mistake by people in business to say that anyone who beats them in a quote must be cheap / will lose money / is short of work or whatever. It's a mistake because it certainly isn't true all of the time.
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  Nick Donaghey @ Garden Gurus September 10, 2010 at 9:29pm

  I'll quote at the earliest opportunity. Almost always in the evening and within a week. If the person isn't happy with the timeframe, so be it. As I always visit at the earliest opportunity there's nothing more I can do. The one thing I've found is that as soon as you start compromising there's no end to it and it's a downward spiral from there. If you're good at what you do, stick to your guns and you always end up with the clients you deserve.
• PRO

  Paul @ Ashgate Garden Care September 10, 2010 at 10:46pm

  Normally try and visit a prospective customer within a few days of the initial enquiry.
  
  Usually on my way home, covered in muck or 7 to 7.30is so I don't disrupt anyones dinner.
  
  Have had a few people ask if I could call in the day, but have to explain that I'm working for customers then.
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  Boxelder Landscapes September 10, 2010 at 10:54pm

  I visit clients in the evening or at weekends and always try to make it as soon as possible. Maybe different for the maintenance people but with landscape construction once a job is done your off to the next one only to return if they want another piece of work doing, no monthly contracts, therefore you are always out looking for the next job. I'm never comfortable unless I have 2 months work lined up even then I'll look for 3. finding work is as big a part of my job as doing the work therefore if somebody wants to make an appointment on a sunday, I'll be there.
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  Kieran Ray September 11, 2010 at 12:29am

  I always try and visit within the week. Usually in the evenings, i try and give the potential client lea way with time as long as it is after 5 or on my way home. I try never to leave it any longer.
  
  Quotes I try and get them to them the next day but some times people have to wait, especially on the construction side, but I then explain this.