It is that time of year

It is going to be hot as hell this summer and the price shoppers are going to be out in force, I find that about 1/2 of the estimates I give not only do not go with me but to not get it done at all,with that being said.

A) do you go out and give free estimates.
B) I charge for an estimate and deduct it from the bill if they get it done.
c) I pick and choose what estimates I go on.
D) I only give estimates via email or phone.
E) I give the a ball park price an if they are still interested I go out.

This was supposed to be a poll

i give a free estimate.if they give me a ballpark measurement i give them a ballpark price.i wont travel far for one skylite or something dumb like that.most of all i sell myself first.

fixed it for you.

Is that fixed or semi fixed ??

Go out and give free est.

Sucks sometimes... but I feel it's just part of the game.

I think times are changing. As customers will try to eajacate them self’s rather than just run out and make a purchase. As price will still mater to them but they may start to look at quality more now than before. So I think it is time to step up the sales end more so now than before. So we will go out and give a free est. as we always have and that has been for over 40 years in this business. As lately most of our work has been from past customers have not see too many new ones lately. If it was not for repeat business things would not look to good right now. But it could be better. Service was a big deal when we started and we kept at it throughout all the years, as small jobs can lead to bigger ones. And a truly satisfied customer will come back for more. just had to throw that in hear as it makes me smile.

Houston is huge! I have gone as far as Galveston and College Station, Paladin, and I live in Cypress. So you know those are a good ways from me. I have NEVER turned down an estimate, even though I knew it was one window, and far away. I hope other companies would turn it down so I would stand out. A friend of mine who is in the window treatment biz (shutters, blinds, shades, etc.) told me there was a lady that called him, as well as many other comapnies to price out 1 custom blind b/c the one she had was phucked up. Nobody was willing to do it except him. He lost money on the deal, or broke even, i cant remember.

A year and a half later, the same lady called him. She had just moved into a new home and wanted him to put shutters throughout the house. The price? $64,000! All from one little blind no one wanted to mess with.

You just never know...

free estimates

Hell yea free estimates and a toaster

Free Beer!

Free estimate, but no free toaster.

Who has free beer?

always have, and will, give free estimates. Alwats have the film with me and offer to install at the time at a discount, since I will not have to waste time and fuel coming back. This almost always closes the sale...

JFW in their SEMA booth.

got to love their booth