[scott.]

This has probably come up before on the forum, but i canny find it!
If anyone has any witty answers, i'd really appreciate it.
Customer calls for a quote- I say, i gotta do a survey, bla-bla-bla....
Customer says; " the companies ive called in yellow pages, so far have quoted me by the room, and they must be professionals & trained bla-bla..why are you being awkward?".....I havnt got an answer for that!
Having explained the reason for doing a survey, they think i'm having a laugh. you non-survey boys are causing jip!!
Any ideas

[david_h]

Just explain that it helps keep the cost to the customer down as you'll only quote for the work that actually needs doing.

[scott.]

nice one..im gona keep a little "answer book", and thatll be in it.

[Dynafoam]

Scott,

A good answer from David.

You could add that by carrying out a proper survey you are able to select the most suitable method of cleaning their carpet and at the same time advise them of any problems with the carpet such as shading, which is a result of normal wear-and-tear and not correctable by cleaning.

By being aware of these problems in advance, disappointment can be avoided later.

John.

[Doug Holloway]

Scott,

It depends on how much you want to charge.

After 20 + years in carpet cleaning I'm pretty sure I can quote over the phone ,get the job ,do it and be back home while some are still contemplating a survey.

You have to bear in mind that lots of people just do not want a load of pseudo bull, they just want someone who knows what they are doing.

Cheers,

Doug

[scott.]

doug
I can see where your coming from, however like the other chaps have said, it is important to know what youre walking into. I charge 30p sq ft, and get it..however, i  am of the opinion that most of the surveys are a waste of time as the jobs are straight forward, unless there are stains or protector is requested. dye bleed test can be done on the day, as can burn test. The problem people I encounter, tend to come from a certain ethnic group...which shall remain nameless...

[Dave Parry]

Scott, you have to know when to survey and when not to. If your getting 4 or 5 enquries a day (or more) you cannot survey/quote them all, work and have a life. So the smaller jobs get a phone estimate which has a margin of error built in. Larger jobs get a visit and a quotation.

[shaun_pearson]

i also charge by the room.  it is working fine for me now and i honestly cant see where the time would come from to do surveys.  i understand the benefits of doing a survey such as being able to see exactly what youll be going to and using your sales skills on the survey but im never that far out in my expectations.  i have been in thousands of properties in my area so when the customer tells me where they live i can estimate my time on the job and by asking the right questions i can get a good picture of the work involved.......so what's the problem

[conallon]

LIKE SHAUN SAID ONCE YOU KNOW AREAS, SIZE OF ROOMS ECT EASY TO PRICE,TO BE ON SAFE SIDE WHEN QUOTING ON PHONE, IN CASE OF TIME CONSUMING SPOTTING, SAY IN BETWEEN 30-40  50-60 70-80 ECT

                         CONRAD  

[Derek]

Hi Guys

Like many of you I also tend to give estimates over the telephone where possible...  As Dave has said, to go charging all over the County every night you wouldn't get a life at all..

There is sense and reason in everything.

Two things to remember though...

1.  Make sure that your customer knows full well the over the telephone it is an 'estimate' (non binding)
A visual inspection can result in a firm 'quotation' (binding) This constitutes a contract between you and the customer.

2. When you have estimated by telephone ...ALWAYS... walk the job prior to doing any work and complete the written survey at this point....you can still walk away!

Oh and... I lied

3. When carrying out the survey you can assess the amount of furniture you are required to move and the amount of carpet protectors/fibre blocks you will need to use....
Do you adjust your price to cover large quantities of these items?
 
I have done a couple of jobs this last week where the amount of protectors/fibre blocks that have been required exceeds normal expectations!

Derek

[adl]

Derek,

Furniture Tabs??? Carpet protectors???  Fibre Blocks???  and whats this moving furniture lark??? have you never been on the Jason B course of ethics??? Dont move owt! Dont Protect owt! Dont clean owt! charge a fortune! and dont forget get tonnes of referals, nowt wrong wiv that me owd cocker!!!

regards Dave

[Derek]

Dave

The saying "All mouth and trousers" springs to mind when that name crops up  ... just my humble opinion for what its worth

Derek

[scott.]

ok, chaps...i think i may change tactics here. I now agree with some of the ideas. I guess arranging a survey for one room is a bit of a waste of time, if its 15 miles away, or 1 mile away.
I guess you could give an estimate for different size rooms over the phone, providing the customer states there are no staining probs, and when i get there, write the quote...youre all right!!! more money, less time wasting...cheers dudes