[scott.]

I know this subject has been covered many many times, probably...but, being in a tiz over pricing, im trying to find a pricing structure that wont fighten people with large lounges off. After taking advice from a previous topic in the forum, i decided to drop the survey in a majority of cases and give estimates of between £45 -£59 for a lounge..obviously this would apply to an average size lounge of 20x 12ft.  The "between bit" allowing a scope for stain removal etc....however ,there are monster sized lounges, as you know, and this could present problems with customers that get this estimate, and think it's their birthday!..I dont want to sound mis-leading to them on the phone....any ideas would be appreciated...

[declanb]

If estimating over the phone, ask them the approximate size of the room ang give your estimate in £`s per sq. metre/yard/foot

Dec

[Dave Parry]

Agree with Declan on asking approximate size, but why complicate things with price per sq foot etc. Just give them an estimate based on their sizing, with a tolerance (Mrs brown, based on that size lounge i estimate my price would be between £70 to £80). This gives you a chance to arrive at a price your comfortable with.

[Big_Fish]

Why have you decided to "drop the survey" in favour of pricing over the 'phone?

BFN

[declanb]

I think, in case you need to justify a price, its good to show that you have a method to reaching that price. It saves the client thinking "Mrs. X down the road got hers cleaned for £50, why am I being charged £80" when Mrs. X`s carpet was only half the size. You tell the client that you charge by the sq. foot and that automatically explains away any descrepancies that may arise.

Regards,
Dec

[scott.]

yes, was thinking along those lines...

hello again big-fish

Havnt droped surveying, just trying to simplify things a little on the phone...obviously, testing etc, is a must.
giving an estimate would seem to satisfy a lot of people on the phone...as stated by many, if you spent all your time driving around doing surveys, you wouldnt get much done..i tend to agree with this now...when you get the booking, do the necasary and give your written quote then...if youve given them a "between" estimate, then they cant really complain.

[John_Flynn]

I find that the people who WANT the price over the phone are PRICE SHOPPING, they are no good for man nor beast, do as I do refuse to give them a price and concentrate on the genuine clients that have got the money which of, some is for you for cleaning their carpets.

[ABLECLEAN]

Scott

You are worrying unduly. I get a rough idea on the phone and I ask if the room is a lounge or lounge/diner combined. I charge £45.00 for up to 20yd2 and £60 up to 30yd2. If the punter cannot tell you the size then quote those prices and tell them if it it is any larger then you will price it when you get there (but be fair). :