[Mark Stanley]

I'm intersted to know how many of us visit and survey all the jobs we do?

Thanks
Mark

[Kev Loomes]

99% of the time. The only time I really give a price is when I know that they are price hunting (just to get rid of them). Or if they are a bit far away and I really dont want to go all that way for a quote we might not get!

[Paul Kettless]

As above, almost all are inspected

[cleaning co]

never

[craigp]

never,

except commercial

[Mark Stanley]

Some interesting voting - so far.

Regards
Mark

[Neil Grainger]

You do realise that your insurance is worthless if you have not completed a written survey before every Job. You could own a lot of carpet and Upholstery if you dont.

Speak to your insurance provider to make sure but that is what mine has said.

[calmore]

I vistit all jobs before quoting and do a quick survey. If I actually get the work, before I start I do a more thorough inspection.

[cleaning co]

dont think thats fact neil really

[Neil Grainger]

Why would the pay out if you have not checked whether you have done a colour run test or check for possible shrinkage.

Insurance companies will do anything to get out of paying and this is a requirement, dont believe me just ring and ask your insurance company.

I they can prove you are neglegent they wont pay and what's more reckless than not checking a detailing before each Job. Health and safety call it Risk assessment and is also a requirement.

Laws have changed in recent years and need to be checked to make sure you are covered.

[cleaning co]

well i just write out one if it shrinks then

[Neil Grainger]

Gary, then you have to hope the customer will also play along with that. Takes some explaining to the customer that you have to fill this out and sign it and agree that you did all this before the clean so that they can make a claim on your Insurance, not good Business Practice.

Fraud is not a good thing and Insurance companies have a nose for it.

[craigp]

your survey cant be up to much in that case if you done a shrink test and it shrank

[murky]

After years doing Insurance work checking damage that contractors have done, the Ins Co will not replace on a 'new for old' basis if you damage it in cleaning. They will replace 'less wear and tear' for the years the customer has had it.
So then the irate customer will sue you for the difference!!!!
You only get 'new for old' if you accidently damage your own goods in your own home.
Thats the truth check your small print.

Murky

[calmore]

dont think thats fact neil really

Whether fact or not it would surely help in the event of a claim!

[calmore]

They will replace 'less wear and tear' for the years the customer has had it.
So then the irate customer will sue you for the difference!!!!

In that case the customer would most likely lose!

The customer cannot expect a carpet in better condition than the one he already had!

[Len Gribble]

Some times aprox 2% so I could not vote as it dose not go low enough, commercial depending if new but not always the case clients trust me.

Neil

You have a point but it can be done with out an initial visit, generic forms, got a solicitor looking into one problem I have kids I want them shackled he says there human rights I say Health and safety, also done some ff works I say it’s ok customer get on phone to LA it’s now in the skip are you sure they have noses

Sometimes I get divers I way up pos and cons, the phone the best way of grilling them! Not into wasting time and fuel (ncca need to rethink a greener policy )

Len

[Mark Stanley]

RE: POLL

If we aim to earn £35 per hour , lets say for sake of this discussion.
 
The cost of a visit and survey is very expensive. I live within 1/2 hour of most of the people I would work for and it would take me about 2 hours to travel / survey / travel back and a little associated paperwork.

Its a very expensive business - pre visit survey.

Previously I always visit / quote.

My current thoughts are along these lines.

1.  Estimate over phone
2.  Paperwork / confirmation etc.
3.  Survey on arrival - confirm pricing
4.  Start / complete work

From what I can see some of you already follow a similar system?

Surely in this day of Environmentally friendly save the earth and all that - THIS IS BETTER?

Regards
Mark

[calmore]

I feel that you will convert more enquiries into jobs if you visit the customer than if you merely quote over the phone.