I am currently in the process of getting my existing boiler replaced and thought people who were about to go through the same may be interested in my experience of quotations.
I initially sought a quote from an installer who had previously carried out work for somebody I know. He quoted nearly £2400.
Given that the work was a straight swap over, I felt this was a bit on the steep side, I was expecting a quote in the order of £1900-£2000 and would probably have gone with him if it had been the case.
Given the high quote I requested a price from another installer. The second installer quoted £1800.
The original installer subsequently came back to me to ask if I wanted him to carry out the work so I informed him that I had recieved a quote for £1800. To which he replied would you be interested if I can do it for £1700.
I have since told him that I have told the second installer he can have the work at £1800 and I will not go back on my word.
I do not have a problem with somebody quoting £2400 for work if that is what they believe the cost should be, what I do have an issue with is the fact that this installer has clearly over priced the work thinking I would only get a quote from him, and is now happy to undercut a fellow Engineer.
Undercutting is a dangerous game that everybody should be wary of. If everybody undercuts, then profit margins become small to non existent. In many industries undercutting has lead to firms effectively buying work to stay afloat, this is not the way forward!
In short if you are a consumer obtain multiple quotes, and if you are an engineer / installer price fairly to include your profit in the first place, do not say you will beat any like for like quote.
I initially sought a quote from an installer who had previously carried out work for somebody I know. He quoted nearly £2400.
Given that the work was a straight swap over, I felt this was a bit on the steep side, I was expecting a quote in the order of £1900-£2000 and would probably have gone with him if it had been the case.
Given the high quote I requested a price from another installer. The second installer quoted £1800.
The original installer subsequently came back to me to ask if I wanted him to carry out the work so I informed him that I had recieved a quote for £1800. To which he replied would you be interested if I can do it for £1700.
I have since told him that I have told the second installer he can have the work at £1800 and I will not go back on my word.
I do not have a problem with somebody quoting £2400 for work if that is what they believe the cost should be, what I do have an issue with is the fact that this installer has clearly over priced the work thinking I would only get a quote from him, and is now happy to undercut a fellow Engineer.
Undercutting is a dangerous game that everybody should be wary of. If everybody undercuts, then profit margins become small to non existent. In many industries undercutting has lead to firms effectively buying work to stay afloat, this is not the way forward!
In short if you are a consumer obtain multiple quotes, and if you are an engineer / installer price fairly to include your profit in the first place, do not say you will beat any like for like quote.