The Dreaded Word "BID"

[Kevin]

Guys I just wanted to say that the labor or the hours of this job arent bad, its the BIDDING that is THE most difficult in my opinion. Ive done several jobs now and I still cant get bidding down right. You dont want to be too high and scare off the customer or too low and work like a dog either, Ive done both. Just thought id share my thoughts with ya!

 

[hotwaterwisard]

If you are confident and you show it, you won't worry cause you know it. When they look at your work, they won't hire that other jerk. Don't worry about a thing, just listen to the chaaa chinggg

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Hotwaterwizard@aol.com John DeRosa

 

[AranPressureWashing]

I am noticing (SOMETIMES) it's NOT how much you bid - it's how well you educate the customer that counts. People like to know you know all the wistles & bells to the job!

 

[Mike@Everclear]

Kevin,

It gets much easier as time goes on......it just comes natural to me now. Aran is right, you need to educate the customer.......show them you know what you're talking about. If you give more information, you will seem more desireable then someone that comes in and just throws a price at them. Just make sure what you tell them is true!

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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

 

[David l Saulque]

Something you might think about is your approach to the customer. When I look at a job,I make lots of notes and tell the customer that I will make the a proposal that will cover all aspects. This gives me time to consult with my managers and go over the details of the service. Then I prepare a template proposal and tailor it to this job. Included in this would be all aspects of the job and the benefits of my company over all the rest. If the person is looking for quality and service I will be OK-if he is the price shopper I have lost him & I don't want him.

This system works well for me, I close & service about 6 out of 10. All this amounts to is how you package your company before the service.

David

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[Rick]

Use to train rotweiler dogs,What does this have to do with pressure washing???Nothing we could train the dog to do almost anything but then u had to educate the owners to make to dog respond like they would for-us...SO the point I'm trying to make is educate the customer.....& DONT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF IN GODS EYES ITS ALL SMALL!!!!!!! DONT EVER GIVE-UP,,IT WILL COME EASY ONE DAY!!!BID WHAT U KNOW & ASK ALL THESE WONDERFULL PEOPLE ON THIS BOARD THEIR A GREAT HELP!!!SORRY,GOT LONG WINDED....GOOD LUCK....RICK....R&R:>:

 

[Jon]

I have found one thing to be pretty true, 9 out of 10 times.

When someone ask if you can come out and give them a bid today they are price shopping.

I always say let me check my schedule, then I just say nothing while I rattle some paper as if I am checking, then go back on the phone and say I can be there on such and such a day, like 2 or 3 days from now.

If they are serious they will wait for you, if they want cheap price only then they will simply say I need it done now.

Now that one that is honest and needs it done now, well true you will lose him, but you save by not running your butt off giving free estimates so they can call the next guy and get a better price.

I have had a few say so and so will do it for xxx, if you match or beat that price I will go with you. NO thanks, I have my prices and I don't go lower except on large accounts or the monthly ones.

Jon

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Beep beep, the OPC Roadrunner coming through.

Jon Fleischer
Oasis Pressure Cleaning
(909) 792-2247
Fax (909) 792-5633