When a client asks for an estimate, it’s an exciting moment – the thought of new business, a new project to work on. And putting together a strong estimate is vital for turning that prospect into one of your future clients.
It’s not just about giving a price for a job. Estimates give your prospects an insight into what you and your business are like. And first impressions really matter.
So, with that in mind, here are some top tips to help you write estimates that will seal the deal and hopefully turn your leads into new business.
1. Ask questions
Getting the facts right is essential to providing an accurate estimate. It saves a lot of time in the long run if you’re both on the same page from the beginning. Sometimes, a quick 5-minute call or sending over a quick email can make a world of difference to you understanding your prospect’s needs.
2. Remember your profit margins
The excitement of potentially landing a new client can sometimes tempt you to go in with a low price to win the job. But, you don’t want to undersell the services you offer. Instead, charge a fair price and make sure you allow for sensible profit margins that reflect your time and effort.
3. Offer a freebie
Giving your clients something for free as part of the job is a great way to get into their good books from the start. Even if it’s just a small detail for you, it can mean a lot to them and will help you stand out from the competition.
4. Add a personal touch
Having a ‘one size fits all’ approach, can seem temptingly efficient to save you time and energy. But it’s important to make sure each client knows that you value their business.
Use your client’s name in the estimate and, if possible, refer to any other additional information that is personal to them and their job. These personal touches can make all the difference to the client.
5. Make it easy to read
Clients should be able to read through your estimate and understand it in seconds, without too much effort. Provide all relevant information and make sure you include details of every part of the job, but keep each point brief.
6. Be thorough and accurate
Double check spellings, names, dates, description, prices etc. to make sure everything is present and correct. And make sure you include your business’s details and logo to make sure it looks professional.
Receiving a well-constructed, comprehensive estimate shows you have a considered, detailed approach to your work. This can do wonders for helping convince a prospect that you’re the person for the job. A sloppy, ‘copy and paste’ estimate can be really off-putting to potential clients.
7. Speedy responses
Responding to your leads within 24-48 hours or less shows you mean business, and that you’re enthusiastic about the project. As they say, the early bird catches the customer!
Hopefully, if you can start using these tips, you’ll have your calendar filling up with booked jobs in no time.
Need help? To make the most of Bark, call our helpful support team on 020 3697 0237 (9am-6pm Mon-Fri), or 424-227-5323 if you’re in the US. Or drop us an email to team@bark.com.