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estimate letter critique

by crazman
4 replies
Hi everyone,

I am a self employed tiling contractor. Could I please get some feedback on this estimate letter I send potential clients after a site visit with them. The following letter is on my letterhead and emailed to the client. any suggestions on improvement are appreciated, thanks

Hello (client name),

Thank you for the opportunity to quote on your property at (clients address). Based on the site visit, the price of tiling your home as requested is $xxxx. This include labour and materials.

When we have your approval and a starting date has been arranged, I estimate 5 days for completion.

All of our work is fully insured and covered by our 5 Year Guarantee to be free from defects resulting from poor workmanship.

We want to give you the peace of mind while making an investment in your home. Should any problems arise within 5 years of completion, we will rectify the problem for you at no charge.

Our business puts quality and service first. Your job will be given the utmost care and attention, therefore we do not cut cost by cutting corners. Please remember . . .

"You only get what you pay for"

We want you to be a satisfied client who will refer others to us without hesitation. You can rest absolutely assured of professional workmanship.

Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to quote your project.


Regards
(name)
#critique #estimate #letter
  • Profile picture of the author 1Bryan
    First impression?

    It reads very boring. Like a standard template. And when that happens ...

    The only thing I can go on is price.

    If all estimates read the same way - and I mean all companies I've contacted and you better believe I contacted more than one - the only differentiating factor to go on is price.

    Is that how you want to compete?

    Cuz it's a big THUD when you hit the bottom.
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  • Profile picture of the author havplenty
    Boring? Not to me.

    Since you've already visited with the potential client it's hard to suggest you lead with anything but the price. It's an estimate after all. People are busy these days so most want you to tell them what you got. Get to the point quickly.

    But...

    Since price is a huge filtering mechanism for many people, you could in your case lead with the benefits you've outlined in your letter. You could perhaps sandwich price between a stack of benefits.

    Also, towards the end of the letter you could introduce some sort of inducement for the prospect. A sort of "now this is a deal I'd be a fool to miss" kind of thing.

    I don't understand your market or product very much so forgive me if the advice isn't terribly helpful.

    Good luck all the same mate.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
      I'd include a short paragraph reminding the prospect what emotional benefit he gets when the work is completed.

      Something like...

      "When the work is done, you'll have a kitchen floor that's the talk of the entire neighborhood." Or "When the work is done, you'll find excuses to walk into your kitchen and admire your new marble-tiled floor."

      Whatever.

      If the home owner stated an emotional benefit during the sales call, use it.

      Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author gjabiz
    Originally Posted by crazman View Post

    Hi everyone,

    I am a self employed tiling contractor. Could I please get some feedback on this estimate letter I send potential clients after a site visit with them. The following letter is on my letterhead and emailed to the client. any suggestions on improvement are appreciated, thanks

    Hello (client name),

    Thank you for the opportunity to quote on your property at (clients address). Based on the site visit, the price of tiling your home as requested is . This include labour and materials.

    When we have your approval and a starting date has been arranged, I estimate 5 days for completion.

    All of our work is fully insured and covered by our 5 Year Guarantee to be free from defects resulting from poor workmanship.

    We want to give you the peace of mind while making an investment in your home. Should any problems arise within 5 years of completion, we will rectify the problem for you at no charge.

    Our business puts quality and service first. Your job will be given the utmost care and attention, therefore we do not cut cost by cutting corners. Please remember . . .

    "You only get what you pay for"

    We want you to be a satisfied client who will refer others to us without hesitation. You can rest absolutely assured of professional workmanship.

    Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to quote your project.


    Regards
    (name)
    Hello Jack and Diane,

    Your customized tiling estimate has been prepared. Just a reminder; we discussed color, tile type and overall use. You asked for beauty and durability while hiding the kid's playroom spills and messes.

    Your choice of our neutral brown, blue speckled, perma tile is an excellent choice for the family room and the kitchen choice of egg shell white, 12" tiles will keep the kitchen modern and looking good for years to come.

    Bob and Carol, a family similar to yours, had us do a tiling job for them 4 years ago, and if you would like to speak with them about their tile experience, we'd be happy to ask them to give you a call at your convenience.

    You remember we are considered the premium tiler in this area and with our 5 year guarantee, we exceed all expectations.

    Your new tile will be installed within five days of your choice to go with us. The estimate is xxxx dollars.

    If you would like a review of your choices, or want to consider other colors or tile types, please call. xxx xxx 2345

    Name

    The estimate elements you want to include are a

    reminder of your discussion
    relate to their request
    reinforce their wise choice in talking to you.

    gjabiz
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