Looking for an example of a Estimate sheet .

ALL-BRITE

New Member
Need to come up with some sort of Estimating sheet when bidding a job.I have Quick Books do I try to do it off computer or just buy some sort of generic sheet? Email me or fax me 517-548-2094 Thanks Tim
 

Harold Brantley

New Member
For small jobs I calculate them on paper and then fill out a proposal form that I designed on Quick Books Pro. For larger jobs, I take all measurements and go back to my computer and put the data in a spread sheet to come up with the amount. The spreadsheet is divided into two sections, one section for walls and one section for flat work. It works very well and sometimes I use this spread sheet to show the customer the breakdown of his job. I do use Quick Books Pro for invoicing and keeping my books. It also gives me good print outs at tax time for my accountant to use.

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Shane Clardy

New Member
You can go to office depot or similiar they have contractor bids, and proposal pads with the carbon copies . It works real well and is real affordable
 

J Prewitt

New Member
Would like to put in my $0.02 worth, concerning your request for a sample of bid proposals.

I feel that it all depends on your customer and what type of work you are bidding?

We've have found that most of our customers who have a collage education request a written proposal, (commercial type of business), the retail type of business managers (people who have "come up through the ranks") which seam to have limited education, (high school and/or some collage) will accept a verbal quotes. Don’t know.

But, all want to know what your are going to do and how much it’s going to cost. Using a preprinted forms is very ease to fill in the blanks, and you can give it to them on the spot.

We have found that by submitting a proposal, you can also show that you have inspected there property, listed everything which need cleaned and why, show why you are charging higher prices that your competitor. Plus. you can submit a monthly cleaning schedule or anything else, this gives you a "IN" for repeat business. This also scares the heck out of your competitors.

Written proposals, "scare" most business owners that don’t have a collage english degree. Myself included, But, I have learned to write proposals, (got by in high school by >>> the English teacher, flunked out of collage because of my English) just write it down like you talk, And that’s good enough.

I can e-mail you a sample of a written proposal if you like.

J Prewitt
 

budsprcln

New Member
I agree with JP above. I do a written proposal for all my large jobs. It protects me from them claiming extra's. We are clear on the scope of the job before we start.
 

5 Star Johnny

New Member
JP - Not pickin' on you, but you spelled COLLEGE wrong several times!! And pre-qualifying a prospect like you suggest is plain ridiculous!! If this is how you view your clients/prospects, I'd bet your sales closing ratio is awfully small.

As far as bid sheets go, I developed my own spreadsheets for every different type of service we offer. I take down all the info upon inspection of the project and enter it at the office. I have learned not to give a verbal "I think it'll be this much" comment while at the client, as 9X out of 10, I missed something from my notes which will cost me money. You will need to figure out what works for your region and your services.

In respect to proposals, EVERY one of my prospects gets a proposal. Even repeat customers for new projects. Firstly, it's the professional thing to do. Secondly, it should detail all the proposed work performed, job site requirements, fees, terms, etc. so everything is on the table. If there are special circumstances involved in the project, here is where that should be explained. This tends to eliminate surprises and avoid confrontation with the client.

The next step is the contract. I just posted a poll regarding this. If you're going to be in business, be a business. If you want to shortcut, get a different hobby!
 

Vince J

New Member
5 Star Johnny said:
JP - Not pickin' on you, but you spelled COLLEGE wrong several times!! And pre-qualifying a prospect like you suggest is plain ridiculous!! If this is how you view your clients/prospects, I'd bet your sales closing ratio is awfully small.

As far as bid sheets go, I developed my own spreadsheets for every different type of service we offer. I take down all the info upon inspection of the project and enter it at the office. I have learned not to give a verbal "I think it'll be this much" comment while at the client, as 9X out of 10, I missed something from my notes which will cost me money. You will need to figure out what works for your region and your services.

In respect to proposals, EVERY one of my prospects gets a proposal. Even repeat customers for new projects. Firstly, it's the professional thing to do. Secondly, it should detail all the proposed work performed, job site requirements, fees, terms, etc. so everything is on the table. If there are special circumstances involved in the project, here is where that should be explained. This tends to eliminate surprises and avoid confrontation with the client.

The next step is the contract. I just posted a poll regarding this. If you're going to be in business, be a business. If you want to shortcut, get a different hobby!
Johnny,

I'm also new to the business in California and would like to see what a good contract would look like. I would very much appreciate anything you could send me.

Thanks - Vince
keeponarockn@yahoo.com
 

akana-hawaii

New Member
Just getting started!!!

[hello] I am just getting my powerwashing business started in Hawaii! I would really appreciate if somebody could email me a sample estimate sheet! Also, can you please tell me what you feel would be the best pressure washer to purchase if I am going to be doing both residential and small commercial buildings. The island that I live on does not have alot of options for places to buy PW except sears. Can you please recommened a place or company? ALohas flawleskin@yahoo.com
 

k&S

New Member
business advice

I am fairly new to the pressure washing business. I have only been able to get about one house a week. I pass out flyers and business cards and I need help. I see alot of talk about bids and I need as much help and advice as you can give. If someone has some sample bids or estimate forms that they would not mind sending me would be greatly appreciated.

K&S
 

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