Why is it difficult to obtain a written quote

[simond]

Exactly

 

[Agile]

I would certainly expect a written quote, to include a full itemized list of the mains materials, type of rads, boiler etc.

There is not a cat in halls chance I would use a tradesman that refused or wanted to charge for it either.

That cuts me out then, John!

Unless you had indicated that you wanted to accept my verbal quote.

However I am sure that you would agree to pay if you wanted specifications for a full system to be drawn up! ( If you felt you could not do it yourself that is! )

Tony




What does a cat do "in halls"?

 

[doitall]

How many cats have you got in your hall then dia?

Nope I hate the dirty smelly things.

 

[doitall]

Just to clear up a point.

breakdowns and repairs are not included in my previous statement, servicing can be priced with an materials extra clause.

 

[Corgigrouch]

I always provide a written quote once the customer has agreed in principal, it lists equipment that will be fitted and work that will be done, if the customer wishes to do his own bricking up of flue holes then that will also be stated so there are no misunderstandings.. All followed by a total price for the job inclusive of VAT but no breakdown on price.

 

[shuggy50]

Seem to have hit a sensitive subject, but my conclusion, is you are all right, those of you who are one man operators, put across a good argument, regarding time and cost of quotes and travelling. Additionally those of you who regularly quote, have a conscience that believes in, "what would I like if I was a customer" Ultimately, you all run your businesses, to your own ethics, experience and knowledge of the general public, whether your opinion is timewasters or customers. In my opinion, its still a people business and I will go for the person, I trust in. You could call it gut instinct, but you gain an insight into someone, in 30 minutes, by their appearance, knowledge, explaining of procedures (in layman terms) and overall character. This isn't the right method, its my method. Thanks to all contibutors

 

[EliteHeat]

In my opinion, its still a people business and I will go for the person, I trust in. You could call it gut instinct, but you gain an insight into someone, in 30 minutes, by their appearance, knowledge, explaining of procedures (in layman terms) and overall character. This isn't the right method, its my method. Thanks to all contibutors

As long as he tells you his hourly rate.

 

[namsag]

When i first started used to always do a written quote even when price was accepted there and then. Now Only do written quote if customer asks for it,have never charged for a quote ever and can`t see ever doing it unless exceptional circumstances.
Not blowing own trumpet but as i don`t advertise every job is from word off mouth so people already know roughly what job is going to cost and they are just getting me round to discuss position of boiler and what customer actually wants .
As for breaking down cost etc i never do this and to be honest only ever been asked a couple of times.

Shuggy i Don`t think you have any need for this as you will be on the net anyway working out what stuff is going to cost and think fek the guy is making a fortune as you can get the boiler for £500/700
And that boiler will fit itself without pipe,fittings,flue,clock , filling loop,clips,screws,inhibitor,bricks,sand cement,flux solder etc etc etc and the guy will bring boiler to the job strapped on his back because the garage want money for a van,diesel insurance etc etc.

 

[Garfeild]

Shuggy i Don`t think you have any need for this as you will be on the net anyway working out what stuff is going to cost and think fek the guy is making a fortune as you can get the boiler for £500/700
And that boiler will fit itself without pipe,fittings,flue,clock , filling loop,clips,screws,inhibitor,bricks,sand cement,flux solder etc etc etc and the guy will bring boiler to the job strapped on his back because the garage want money for a van,diesel insurance etc etc.

But im sure this is what a lot of people think.

 

[namsag]

Yep had it in pub when people sit and chat , when you explain that roof flue systems can cost half as much as a boiler it soon starts to add up, everyone is an expert . They think

 

[Nige F]

Truth is a boiler swap= £600 for a days work THAT`s why they are all cagey and they know it

 

[Corgigrouch]

Truth is a boiler swap= £600 for a days work THAT`s why they are all cagey and they know it

Yeah thats right... that 600 quid goes straight in our back pockets, we don't have to pay for vans, diesel, insurance, public liabillity, Corgi fees, ongoing training, income tax, VAT, NI, accountants fees..It doesn't matter to us if our vans get ripped off and all our tools are swiped by the local druggies, If we take a day off or are sick, then we don't get paid, who pays for our time off when we are on holiday??

Do you really think that your employer sells your labour out at the same rate that he pays you?...Dream on.

 

[gas4you]

I always allow 2 days for a boiler swap and power flush to do it properly on my own.

Therefore I must be charging £1200

 

[topgazza]

I am always amazed but the responses to this subject. Some say they are a one man band so can't afford the time to do written quotes, some want to charge for written quotes..so I get three quotes and have to pay for two of them when I accept the third ?.....I would hate to say yes and then find when I get the written quote I disagree with some of the work descriptions.

A provisional written quote is the bare minimum I would expect...until formally accepting. How can I compare quotes if I have nothing formal in writing so I can compare eggs for eggs?

The smart trader buys some decent software for his computer and can bang out quotes in minutes. So it takes a few evenings away from bending pipes...welcome to the real world of running a business...its not all about pipes, cables and eating chocky biscuits .... Small shopkeepers work long hours doing their books and stock...why should any other profession be different ?

Some have said that the cost of running a van etc etc is expensive..of course it is guys...has anyone here done a business plan to amortise those costs over a year to spread the costs evenly as possible over ALL your jobs ? Why not amalgamate with a couple of other local guys and form a small co-operative to gain savings in scale for insurance, pay for anadmin person,quotes, vehicles and provide cover for each other? I know some do of course....

Look, I would employ any of the professionals who post here...no doubt in my mind. I have been reading this website for long enough to figure that out. I also understand the pressures of running your own business...I've done it myself. The transition from employed to self employed is a big change..all of a sudden the things that were always taken care of become YOUR responsibility. "I haven't got time" is no excuse. I bet the number of good jobs won by people who are good at the paperwork is far more than those that don't.

But the suspicion amongst Joe Public of being overcharged for boiler replacement is real...even allowing £1000 for a boiler and parts..adding another £1000 for a straight replacement seems excessive..even if it took two days thats £2500 a week revenue....if thats all they did of course. I think the plumbing profession is taking a huge opportunity to cash in on Government regulations...just as electricians are doing with the new regs. Thats not my beef and in some respects I don't blame them but..if a Corgi installer/plumber is worth £500 a day...the least I would expect would be for them to give a toss and provide a written quotation.

Blimey...I didn't expect to rant a bit...apologies good people....

 

[gas4you]

As a general rule if a ch install comes to around £4000 I would expect parts/materials to be approx 50% of that, and out of the remaining 50% I would hope to get approx 50% of that for my wage after all expenses taken into account.

Not much to live on really after tax etc.