Only 100% higher than the next guy...

[DaVinci]

So I get this email from a prospect that my "ballpark estimate" was 100% higher than the guy that came in after me. Why would a homeowner quibble over a measly $40k?

I blogged about it here (http://davinciremodeling.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/a-prospective-customer-asks-how-can-estimates-be-so-different/).

[EIEIO]

Excellent idea with a great reply to the customer. The feed back responses were very good as well.

[Blue]

Interesting. Its tough to get apple to apple comparisons when they are still in the design stage. Its at this stage that its imperative to sell yourself not price. I have a feeling that is what the other guy did with his lowball. I am famous for this. When they are in the design stage everything comes in with allowances and it is all builders grade or less to start the process.

[DaVinci]

Thanks EIEIO. If I can turn the prospect into a customer, it would be great (they are qualified). If I can't, its a good education piece for other readers :2thumbsup:

[Silvertree]

this year a prospect gleefully told me my bid was triple, yes triple what it should be, her and the slimeball real estate agent went to Home Depot and got prices on stuff and told me it shouldn't cost more than 20% over materials.

$300 door, then $60 to install and so on.

I hope they were happy with their contractor.:rolleyes3:

[neolitic]

I'd love to hear their reply.
Maybe in the private space?

[bconley]

Nicely done.
The homeowners seem to be smart logical people, it would be interesting to hear the other guys response.
I bet it's not as thorough and you will end up getting the job.
Let us know how this pans out.

[Bodger]

Well done. I would love to see what the lowball guy comes up with when they ask him to fill in the blanks like you did.

I'm seeing a lot of this lately. And the homeowners don't realize they are going to get screwed royally in many cases.

[EIEIO]

This is also one of the big reason I place allowances even on my ball park estimates.. It really makes a difference when prices are that far a part and the homeowner does some research..

If they wanted home depot crap I can adjust my bid, if the were thinking like me as far as quality the other guy looks like he was low balling..

[Silvertree]

Good job Paul, this will make them think harder about what they want and what is being offered.

[neolitic]

Well done. I would love to see what the lowball guy comes up with when they ask him to fill in the blanks like you did.

I'm seeing a lot of this lately. And the homeowners don't realize they are going to get screwed royally in many cases.

And contractor #2 has a standing order
for printing change order pads.

[DaVinci]

First of all, Thanks to everyone. My fingers were shaking as I hit the "publish" button. It was really an experiment... They are really nice folks (qualified) and just confused. They are actually "interviewing" design/build remodelers. I'm not hungry or desperate so I thought "what the hell"!

I have not responded to any of the comments posted - I don't want to appear to be steering the conversation. BTW all comments here are appropriate for comment (I just steered the conversation didn't I).

I think (with your help) this post can hit 200 views tonight, but even more impressive is that we have had 34 views of "about us" and 17 views of "contact us".

Thanks again.

Paul (not The Paul)

[neolitic]

Keep us posted.
We want to know....
"The rest of the story..."

[DaVinci]

Keep us posted.
We want to know....
"The rest of the story..."

I will! They sent me a "holy :censored:" Email about an hour ago. I think they would like to post but are nervous about some comments.

It would be great to sign a contract on the blog :2thumbsup:

[Len]

I once heard a great phrase.
- Build relationships first and business second -

I think this is a great business philosophy for finding great customers and driving business forward with referrals and loyal customers.

Paul, I think you are walking down this road. You will likely have earned their respect with your transparency.

[DaVinci]

I have broken my silence and posted a comment to the post. The whole version here (http://davinciremodeling.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/a-prospective-customer-asks-how-can-estimates-be-so-different/).

Summary Outcome: I got the job!

Thanks guys and gal for the support.

[SLS-Construction]

Congrats Paul - way to go

[ChrWright]

Congrats Paul. Keep us posted on the project.

[OGStilts]

Nicely Done Paul! Congrats!

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[RCP]

That is great! Imagine the outcome of a similar situation a year or so ago before you became so adept at blogging! Excellent Job! Look forward to seeing the progress?!

[neolitic]

http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilie/smilienotworthy.gifhttp://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilie/smilieclap-1.gif

[J F]

Very nicely done Paul. Your's was the first blog that I actually finished reading 'til the end of all the comments. Nice work. http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv135/Jay123_bucket/Smileys/212c2cd4.gif

[Greg from K/W]

Good for you Paul but one problem. I can't find the email on your blog. I looked through all the responses but no can find. Maybe its too early in the morning for me yet LOL

[Greg from K/W]

Ok Scratch that I found it. Not too early after all. Great Job Paul.

[neolitic]

Very nicely done Paul. Your's was the first blog that I actually finished reading 'til the end of all the comments. Nice work.

Yes, there are so many blogs,
and so little worth while reading. http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilie/smilienotworthy.gif