Rant: A potential client in Phoenix asked for a 'ballpark' quote over the phone, then got mad when the written estimate was $300 higher.

My buddy who runs a small plumbing shop said he's started adding a 10% 'verbal quote buffer' to every rough number he gives out because people ALWAYS hear the lowest possible figure and ignore the caveats, which made me realize I need a better system before I even pick up the phone.

3 comments

3 Comments

morganl712d ago

Betty's got it right. Stop giving numbers over the phone, period. You can't see a leak through a phone call. Tell them you need an onsite visit for any real quote. It sets clear rules and filters out the price shoppers who just want to argue later. A firm policy protects your time and your reputation.

carr.luna2d ago

So they want a crystal ball too?

betty_sanchez552d ago

Ugh, that buffer idea is a trap. It just makes the final price look dishonest. The real fix is to stop giving numbers on the phone. Tell them you need to see the job first, every time. People can't picture the real scope from a description. A firm policy saves the headache.