How to Create a Winning Paint Estimate For Profit

Here are some ways to create a winning paint estimate. If we do the same as all the other paint contractors, then how will we appear different? How will our paint estimate be different from all the others? Some inexperienced paint contractors will only use low pricing to appear different and that is a sure fire way to not make a profit.

1) How do you appear to the customer?
Do you look professional? Do you actually measure the job or do you guestimate?

2) Do you do the painting estimate process in two calls, one the measure call and two the actual proposal?
This is the best way even though it takes more time.

3) When you do the measure call do you attempt to do your selling then?
A good thing on the measure call is to keep your mouth shut. The customer may remember what you say but not who said it so do not waste your selling on the measure call, do your bragging at the final estimate meeting.

4) Do you give a detailed proposal or lump sum?
A lump sum bid is a good way to get forced into doing extra work because the customer can always say they thought this or that was included. Giving exact counts of doors, windows, shutters, square footage, room by room, does not give the customer the opportunity to take advantage of you.

5) How do you deliver the paint estimate?
Do not email fax or mail the estimate, the only way to give yourself the edge is to personally deliver the estimate.

6) Do you have all buying parties present at the second meeting?
When all buying parties are present, you can get an answer immediately, when only one is present, they can always say I will talk it over with my spouse, and you probably lost the job, because the spouse that you gave the paint estimate to will not sell your job very well. That is your job to do.

7) Do you focus on being the lowest price bidder?
If you do then you are not winning the paint job, you are giving it away. Focus on the benefits to the customer working with your company.

The estimating process for paint jobs is the most important part of the job including doing the actual work. At first it might not seem as though it is important to the client, but if they are awake and focus on the complete job and not just the price then they will realize that the estimate as a contract and job description is the most important part of the negotiations.

Painting contractors who just play follow the leader; often find themselves bidding low just to please the customer. A professional will take the leader's position and set the standards. They will describe the job because they know the best way. The customer usually does not know. Do not waste the best chance you have of getting a profitable job by not giving the attention to the most important part of the paint job.

Source : Ezinearticles