How to quote a job without losing it (or your shirt)

A good quote does two things: it wins the job, and it still pays you well after the parts, the drive and the surprises. Most small service businesses lose money on one of those. Here is a simple routine that fixes both.

1. Get the details on the first call

Ask what is wrong, how big the job is, how old the equipment is, and whether they can send photos. Ten minutes of questions saves a wasted site visit. Write the answers down on the job, not on a sticky note.

2. Price from a list, not from your gut

Build a short price book for the work you do most: your service call, your hourly rate, and flat prices for common jobs. Quoting from a list is faster, and customers get the same price no matter who answers the phone.

3. Add your service call, and say so

A service call covers the drive and the diagnosis. Tell the customer up front what it costs and that it comes off the final price if they hire you. That sets expectations and filters out tire-kickers.

4. Quote the whole job, not just the visible part

Include parts, disposal, permits and a small buffer for surprises. If you are not sure, quote a range and name what would move the price.

5. Send it the same day

Customers hire whoever answers first and looks organized. A clear written quote within hours beats a perfect one next week.

6. Follow up once

If you have not heard back in two days, send one polite message. Most lost jobs are not rejections. The customer just got busy.