Why do people quote and not follow it up?

[bodsier]

This seems to happen every time I contact tradespeople to do a job. Can I get inside knowledge as to why this is? I figured it was because

A). They get bigger jobs and ignore the smaller ones?

B). Realise the job requires more skill than they have?

Have I missed anything out?...

It's a bit annoying really

[aytons renovation]

Hey there, i'm kinda new here, my cousin recommended the forum to me. There are a few reasons why lots of people quote and do not follow up, these are but a few of them:

1, Generally when a tradesman quotes for a job, he/she will await a response from the customer re whether the price is ok etc. and in this case the can seem too pushy by calling or following up.

2, They may have too much work on and are quoting jobs to "fill in" between bigger jobs.

3, They may feel they have under priced the job.

And the list unfortunately goes on, your two reasons being in that list also.

It is unfortunate that so many of englands tradesmen are in it solely for the money and have no sense of customer focus.

Another sad statistic is that although many of the good handymen/builders are being undercut, by bigger companies, or by people that want a fast buck without paying there taxes etc.

Another reason, around 75% of jobs quoted come to nothing, and each and everytime a tradesman quotes a job, it cost him money, as he is using his fuel and time, not spent earning by actually doing jobs.

This is one of the aspects of tradesmen that people do no see, granted there are a few out there that do like to waste peoples time, buy they are few and far between.

Sorry to go on.... I hope I have been some help.

All the very best

Mick

[bodsier]

Thanks for responding. He sent me a quote, I responded the next day, good to go, and then nothing...... I can understand it on occasion....but it happens every time. Some don't even bother quoting after visiting... Think I w I'll just do it all myself..... Run myself into the ground for a month.... Relax at Xmas then spend the money I have saved on a nice holiday......

[edcam]

I've had the same with a couple of tradesmen on here that have been recommended. Pretty rubbish really, as it makes the recommendations pretty redundant.

[Salsaboy]

It cuts both ways. When I quote for a job, I usually send the email and then wait. I don't like to follow up as I don't want to appear pushy and desperate for the work. However it is a bit annoying when you spend ages doing a quote, send it off and don't even get a 'thanks but no thanks' back.

[*Bob*]

From the last few experiences of doing building work - I've been amazed at how much potential business is let slip by utter half-arsedness sometimes on the part of tradesmen but (the bigger offenders) suppliers.

Glazing, carpets, plumbing supplies, specialist electrical stuff - you name it - nearly 50% of the places I called promised to call me back but never did. Some of them I even called twice - still nothing. Incredible!

I'm a bit more forgiving of tradesmen and builders because - as above - they probably get their time wasted a lot. Some of them need to get better at sniffing-out when someone's serious or not though: they've missed-out. Generally I'd rather they just say they're not interested then leaving you dangling.

[ruffers]

Salsaboy Wrote:

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> When I quote for a job, I

> usually send the email and then wait. I don't like

> to follow up as I don't want to appear pushy and

> desperate for the work.

I think you're worrying over nothing there, if you follow up in a professional way you won't appear pushy or desperate for work. If anything you'll look like an efficient, busy operation.

And if you don't follow up on unsuccessful quotes how do you know what you're doing wrong?

[njc97]

Turning it around, why do people get quotes from traders and then not bother to acknowledge them? Is it:

1) because they think that because they're the ones paying the money they can be as rude as they want?

[firstchoicegary]

Njc97 I agree I supply many quotes every week and no response from probably 60% of them after taking the time to see the job and give advice etc . . after 14 years of trading now I'm use to it and I'm not complaining but it would be nice to know either way so you can arrange your diary and work schedule.

[Kai_63]

You are lucky you even get as far as getting a quote. So many recommended tradesmen have forgotten appointments or forgotten to send the quotes afterwards with me. You would think that we aren't in a tough economic climate and don't need the work!

[ruffers]

firstchoicegary Wrote:

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> Njc97 I agree I supply many quotes every week and

> no response from probably 60% of them after taking

> the time to see the job and give advice etc . .

> after 14 years of trading now I'm use to it and

> I'm not complaining but it would be nice to know

> either way so you can arrange your diary and work

> schedule.

My career has generally been in sales, as is yours if you're selling your services in a trade I guess, and we always follow up a quote or pitch with an agreed call and I did when I was hands on. In my business if a sales person didn't have feedback from over half his presentations we'd be having a word.

We are inviting tenders for same fairly major work on our house and I expect those pitching to follow up. If they don't I'll interpret that as they're not that bothered which won't count in their favour to be honest.

[edanna]

That's really interesting ruffers - I don't think that at all. If a trades person has told/shown me what they can offer and for what price I would assume it's up to me to tell them whether I'm interested or not.

[firstchoicegary]

Nice to hear so many varied opinions on this matter. Have p.m you ruffers. . .

[Sue]

edanna Wrote:

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> That's really interesting ruffers - I don't think

> that at all. If a trades person has told/shown me

> what they can offer and for what price I would

> assume it's up to me to tell them whether I'm

> interested or not.

Same here.

I've read this thread with interest.

[Jeremy]

Depends on the job I suppose... but if I got someone round for a quote, and then they chased me for an answer, I'd think they were coming across as a bit desperate.