[Luc]

Generally for the last 2-3 years i have nearly always priced most of my work over the phone, with the exception of going out to quote big jobs and comercial work. However, i had to go out and price 3 jobs yesterday and went along and managed to get all 3, at a very good price and managed to sell protecter on 2 of the jobs. It got me to thinking that perhaps i should arrange to do more pricing at the clients houses and maybe but not necessary book all of them.
So was just wondering how many of you guys still go out and price jobs up?

[Colin Day]

I'm pretty much the same as yourself, I go out and quote if they start rhyming off rooms that need cleaned ....

Certainly with the oven cleaning, I have a list of prices and if the custy don't like the price, I don't do the work! But carpet cleaning's different and sometimes I get it wrong and have to say it's slightly more than what I quoted if it's a proper minger of a job.....

But in the main, I usually walk away happy and the custy is usually delighted too

[Jim_77]

Luc you've been chucking enquiries down the pan for a long time!

I think you've proved it to yourself that getting your bum sat down on a potential customer's sofa is far more powerful than spitting a price out over the phone!

Of course it's never that simple.  You have to "filter" off the crap enquiries within the first few exchanges of words on the phone, but as you get to know which ones are worth pursuing you should find that most in-home quotes end up in a job.

As you've found, they will quite often mention other rooms they didn't ask about on the phone, and you can indeed sell protector much more.

It also depends on what market you ctaer for too, that's really important.  If you charge higher prices aiming at the mid to upper sector you need to go visit to quote.  If you charge lower prices and aim at volume sales then the phone is probably best as you'll be forever running round.  You'll win more jobs on price which is what the price shoppers want!

All I can say is give it a go for the next 6 months, really try to get yourself into the home to quote and see what a difference it makes!

[Paul W Jones]

I prefer to visit the client and price there and then.  You can highlight any areas of special concern but also the price you give the client is the price they'll pay.  I also get the vast majority of jobs I price this way.

[Steve Barnett (Carpet Care Plus)]

I always go to quote where possible, it gives you a chance to build a rapport and sell yourself. Overshoes on as soon as you get through the door, ask them about their concerns and problem areas.

You will get a higher percentage of closes and better prices than just quoting over the phone.

Having said all that, I know plenty of successful cleaners that are skilled enough to close over the phone and at good prices.

Steve

[Simon@arenaclean]

I visit virtually every one and normally get the job. as said overshoes on, have decent quote sheet, a spray bottle with some spotter and two clean white terry towels (nappies or face cloths). A quick demo on a mark or traffic area speaks volumes, subject to testing etc. I always keep a clean T shirt and de-odourant in the van so I can freshen up if i'm calling between jobs. I try and set them up to fit in with the area i'm working in and it works out ok most times. Alternatively if your watching the rain/snow with nothing to do it's easy to mention you're in the area and can pop round in an hour

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I'm mainly a telephone quoter and find it too hard to see everyone to quote onsite as I may get 10-20 calls a day the benefit is that I can afford to keep my prices lofty.

The other reason I don't quote in home is that I don't know how, it's a different way of quoting, I did get an offer from Jim to come down and see him at work but never got the chance, do I need help...?

Shaun

[Colin Day]

I'm mainly a telephone quoter and find it too hard to see everyone to quote onsite as I may get 10-20 calls a day the benefit is that I can afford to keep my prices lofty.

The other reason I don't quote in home is that I don't know how, it's a different way of quoting, I did get an offer from Jim to come down and see him at work but never got the chance, do I need help...?

Shaun

ONLY 20-30 calls a day? You need help alright..... I'll pitch a tent up in your back garden and do 16 hour days for you

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I know it sounds like showing off but it's years of being sad and answering the telephone on the bog or taking the phone on holiday.

My missus is weaning me off it abit.

Shaun

[Steve. Taylor]

Shaun i take my hat of to your sir you quote on the phone and with 5895 post on here its good to talk

Got to go now your making me jealous lol

[Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)]

I can identify with Shaun. I don't get quite that many calls (but perhaps my job ticket is slightly higher?) or I get a better conversion ratio.

I too am a converter of telephone enquiries.

However, the assumption in the original post is that we are all as good as each other on the phone in handling enquiries. Just as we know we are all better than "splash and dash merchants" we are possibly making the assumption that we are all equally good at converting telephone enquiries, or not!

Some cc's will simply be better in their phone manner whereas others can catch up on that disadvantage when they can get face-to-face with the potential client.

Roger

[Shaun_Ashmore]

It was over 6000 posts but the mice have been at the gubbings.

6000 post really means that I care about my business with the knowledge I can get from here and other places and also it means I have a lot to say and have a lot of wasted time on here.

I am actually going to make time to see other cleaners for them to show me how they do the selling, I have future plans and am hoping to make carpet cleaning the lesser income or should I really say my other business a greater income (that's what Dan Kennedy would say).

Shaun

[Colin Day]

Shaun, I don't doubt you whatsoever, nor any other seasoned and respected carpet cleaner. We all know where we want to be in the next 5 years and you guys are proof that this goal is attainable!

I've noticed a surge as I nearly complete 2 years in the biz and I've had 2-3 calls a day lately.... This is promising for me and at the moment, I really feel that I am moving forward. I have really got a tent though if you become too busy

[Steve. Taylor]

Hey Shaun 10 -20 calls my missus just said i dont drop that many leaflets in a day i best get of my fat ar$e. you have inspired me. at least to the end of the week anyway 

[will01]

Christ Shaun, 10-20 calls perday and nearly 6000 posts.

What with answering all those calls, working AND being online surely you couldn't have time for anything else?

If you converted even half of those "Calls per day" then you must be a very rich man as i assume (By your knowledge) that you have been in the game a long time so converting say 7 calls per day into work over a number years must be good for the old bank balance?.  

Good luck to you mate

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys

I too am a telephone converter and like Shaun can recieve many calls in a day, which because of my website network may cover a fairly large area.

It would be impractical to visit all.

However face to face must be better unless you are really ugly and newish cc's are wise to quote in person.

Cheers

Doug

[JandS]

Surely it depends what the job is and how far away it is.
Not going to do say an 8 mile round trip just to quote a bog standard lounge.

John

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Conversion rates can vary dependant on recommends to old customers to new enquiries, today I got 75% yesterday was higher but they were mostly all old custies, some will take a price and think about it or not ready for an appoitment yet, some have a price and go elsewhere but that's the nature of the game but to go to the next step I would need to go out and quote.

Shaun

[clinton]

Think if i was starting from new i would prob go and quote in person if it meant not traveling to far.

Supose when you have work coming in you have less time to go and quote.

I will always go out and quote if it is commercial work

[Len Gribble]

Is your time quoting a tax right off know fuel is