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Posted on 6/10/16 at 9:06 am to BugAC
quote:
Well, seeing as the OP went with a Contractor not charging estimating fees, looks like the other contractor just lost potential business. Great strategy!
Right? No business and they didn't even get the $125.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 9:07 am to Tigeralum2008
quote:
Shouldn't a contractor be able to quote you over the phone?
Doesn't seem like the work to install a generator would be that unique for each customer
Correct, whole house generator is about $8500 for 22Kw, 200 amp service. $5,000 for the unit, $1500 for electrical, $1500 for labor, $500 for permits and what not.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 9:12 am to Ignignot
quote:
So you want him to come out and use his time that he could be out making money to give you a quote, and if you turn it down he's out that time......
Welcome to construction
This is the way the industry operates and "estimating' is absorbed as home office overhead. Generator (or electricians that install generators) companies are a dime a dozen and obviously OP found someone who operates under the industry standard of providing a free quote. quote:
Sounds like you're a cheapass and while you may be in construction you've never been an owner-operator, thats obvious.
Lol what do you own and operate? Also you just called every construction client (including the federal government) a cheap arse
Posted on 6/10/16 at 9:20 am to jamboybarry
I don't see the issue, it's just capitalism. I always call 3 companies for estimates anyway. If the other 2 don't require an upfront fee, then call a 4th.
The reality is, the OP may of saved $1000 on labor charges because the company that charged the estimation fee has lower expenses due to much lower estimation expenses. But he'll never know. If the company has been around for years then they clearly have an idea of how to stay afloat.
Could also be that the OP sounded like he was going to waste the companies time so they threw out a fee to not waste their time.
The reality is, the OP may of saved $1000 on labor charges because the company that charged the estimation fee has lower expenses due to much lower estimation expenses. But he'll never know. If the company has been around for years then they clearly have an idea of how to stay afloat.
Could also be that the OP sounded like he was going to waste the companies time so they threw out a fee to not waste their time.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 9:27 am to baldona
quote:
The reality is, the OP may of saved $1000 on labor charges because the company that charged the estimation fee has lower expenses due to much lower estimation expenses. But he'll never know. If the company has been around for years then they clearly have an idea of how to stay afloat.
It's not hard to find 3 electrical companies who will give you a free estimate on a 20kw standby system so your post is irrelevant
Posted on 6/10/16 at 9:27 am to Ignignot
quote:
People's time isn't free.
are you in favor of paying a car salesman for his time showing you a car?
Posted on 6/10/16 at 9:31 am to baldona
quote:
The reality is, the OP may of saved $1000 on labor charges because the company that charged the estimation fee has lower expenses due to much lower estimation expenses.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 9:45 am to Tbooux
Well, "installing" a standby generator means it would involve an electrician (possibly engineer) to make sure all electrical work is up to code and permitted correctly. If that's the case, I can see where they might be worth the fee.
If you're just talking about forming a slab and bolting down a generator, then it's not worth it.
Many times a company doing things right costs a little more but ends up saving 10 times that in money and frustration. Get what you pay for
If you're just talking about forming a slab and bolting down a generator, then it's not worth it.
Many times a company doing things right costs a little more but ends up saving 10 times that in money and frustration. Get what you pay for
Posted on 6/10/16 at 9:46 am to N2cars
quote:
A detailed proposal with accurate information and true estimate of project cost takes 8-12 hours to prepare. That's including a site visit to determine physical layout and various environmental components.
Why would anyone expect this for free?
I work for a major EPC company that can easily spend $100-500K precontract chasing a job. You're crazy if you think we can charge the client for that.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 10:14 am to FootballNostradamus
quote:
I work for a major EPC company that can easily spend $100-500K precontract chasing a job. You're crazy if you think we can charge the client for that.
Understood. But again, it depends on the scope of his quote. If it's an electrician/company, there are taking men off of other paying jobs to go quote something that is EASILY shopped around.
If I were said company, I would have a stock quote on installing and give over the phone letting customer know that additional electrical costs would probably happen OR we could send someone out for 125 and give a full all inclusive quote for his specific project
Posted on 6/10/16 at 10:16 am to GeeOH
quote:
Understood. But again, it depends on the scope of his quote. If it's an electrician/company, there are taking men off of other paying jobs to go quote something that is EASILY shopped around.
If I were said company, I would have a stock quote on installing and give over the phone letting customer know that additional electrical costs would probably happen OR we could send someone out for 125 and give a full all inclusive quote for his specific project
Yea I think giving a generic +/- 30% quote over the phone and then requiring some retainer or exclusivity before engaging in a firm price makes sense.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 10:28 am to Puck82
quote:Let me give you another perspective on this. I am part owner of a demolition company as a side venture, we've been in business for about 15 years. Most (I'd say 75%) of the people who call to get estimates to demolish a home or small building are in the process of either buying or selling that property and they want the cost of the demo in the offer they make. They don't tell you it's for that purpose and usually lie when you ask. After Katrina, it was a lot of people trying to collect insurance $, grants, etc.
If they are worried about recouping that cost it should let you know that every dollar counts and it would seem not too many people use them.
Over the years we've learned we have to absolutely grill the person and even verify ownership of the subject property (and even then they lie). We ask them point blank if this is for real estate purposes or if they're seriously considering having the work done. If they're honest about it, I give them a rough estimate verbally over the phone just to offer some guidance. We have never charged for an estimate but it would cut out a lot of the bullshite and people using you with no intention of ever hiring you.
Bottom line, companies charging for estimates aren't always just trying to make an extra buck, there can be a business reason behind the policy.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 10:43 am to FootballNostradamus
quote:
Yea I think giving a generic +/- 30% quote over the phone and then requiring some retainer or exclusivity before engaging in a firm price makes sense.
This is my feeling on it. We're doing a commercial build right now and currently looking for a general contractor. I'm having a few come out to look everything over and provide estimates. Obviously, I'll only pick one of them, but the easiest way to not get my business would be to charge me for trying to get my business.
Now, if I could call and get a very rough estimate over the phone, I'd do that. I'm not looking to waste anyone's time or have my time wasted, but I'm going with the person I feel will do the best job at the best price.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 10:44 am to The Mick
so much ignorance in this of some people.
I have in fact owned my own construction company and there is an item called overhead that is factored into quotes to cover estimating time. Currently work for major industrial contractor and we spend significant money estimating project with only the hope of getting them. Unique cases allow us to bill for proposal but usually this is tied into us developing the scope for an owner who then in turn may use our scope to bid the project on the open market.
I have in fact owned my own construction company and there is an item called overhead that is factored into quotes to cover estimating time. Currently work for major industrial contractor and we spend significant money estimating project with only the hope of getting them. Unique cases allow us to bill for proposal but usually this is tied into us developing the scope for an owner who then in turn may use our scope to bid the project on the open market.
quote:Would have no problem paying if I wanted deliverable s in the estimate such as exact permits required, layout drawings, etc. However I want them to come out tell me whats the best way to do the project and a price in which I then decide who will get my business.
and lay-out of the system
quote:Valid point, however I would have 1000 times more respect for a company if they tell me that they are at capacity now due to hurricane season and cannot price the job for me at this time. I would honestly consider postponing project to allow them to price if that was the case.
Hurricane season
Posted on 6/10/16 at 10:51 am to N2cars
quote:
A detailed proposal with accurate information and true estimate of project cost takes 8-12 hours to prepare. That's including a site visit to determine physical layout and various environmental components.
Why would anyone expect this for free?
Let me put it to you this way- for an open bid contract, do you think the client pays for each and every bid?
Posted on 6/10/16 at 10:55 am to Ignignot
quote:
So you want him to come out and use his time that he could be out making money to give you a quote, and if you turn it down he's out that time......
Sounds like you're a cheapass and while you may be in construction you've never been an owner-operator, thats obvious.
The fact that he'll deduct quote price from the purchase price if you say yes is very fair.
People's time isn't free.
I bet you pay every salesman for their time, don't you?
So much
.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 10:56 am to Tbooux
Sounds like when you call the AC repairman or a plumber. It's a $65-85 dollar for the trip and they'll deduct it if they provide a service.
If this guy comes out and gives you all the information you need and they;ll provide, are you going to shop that estimate?
If this guy comes out and gives you all the information you need and they;ll provide, are you going to shop that estimate?
Posted on 6/10/16 at 10:57 am to jamboybarry
Yes, you're right. Point being though, that in a lot of instances when the customer wants a accurate estimate on cost, beyond ROM pricing, you have to spend some time.
Obviously, a quick estimate for a simple project cab be given via the phone.
Just know you will always pay more.
Always.
Obviously, a quick estimate for a simple project cab be given via the phone.
Just know you will always pay more.
Always.
Posted on 6/10/16 at 11:05 am to NYNolaguy1
No, but we know they're really going to buy.
Obviously, there are quite a few variables in this thread.
One point, though:
If I pay for an estimate and/or a detailed price breakdown I would expect the vendor to stick to a firm, fixed price.
So, as always, you get what you pay for.
Obviously, there are quite a few variables in this thread.
One point, though:
If I pay for an estimate and/or a detailed price breakdown I would expect the vendor to stick to a firm, fixed price.
So, as always, you get what you pay for.
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