Discuss How far do you travel to quote/work in the Plumbing Jobs | The Job-board area at PlumbersForums.net

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Scott_D

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Just being nosey, I had nothing on tomorrow other than getting the van serviced.
Then got a call about quoting to swap a combi, thought to myself nice easy job.

When I put the address into the satnav its an hours drive, not loads of miles but no major roads so its slow going.

Quote 2hours round trip, then if I get the job 2hours round trip. I wouldnt mind this as I can price accordingly but going to call and cancel tomorrow as any minor call back is another two hours.

How far in miles or time would you travel?
 
For a boiler change, 1 1/2 hours is probably the furthest I would like to go. Depends on if its a recommendation from an existing customer or an existing customer with another property etc.
 
Did a pool boiler install a gew years back near Aberdeen.
8 hours each way!
 
an hour would be the absolute limit and only if was for existing customer, or family
 
Yeah but you spent a week and a bit....

Was only a tap washer too :biggrinjester:

Shush

i have your number aswell now, more than willing to go into a pink club and write it on a cubicle door!
 
Do initial "client interview" over phone , then if promising arrange a visit . Best trick is to offer to come and service or repair old boiler ( if no parts req) for ÂŁ55 . If they good and will get new boiler you mess around and then suck in through teeth fix boiler but normally turns into a sale.

If boiler is a no go or an ID still charge, offer to refund off cost of new one, you get paid a little for drive and then as you are offering their money back your their friend and get 75. % of jobs .

If really local offer to send engineer foc then price repair but sell new one .

If they don't buy newone, we keep two kitchens direct sales men in every van . Sale 100% of time at 200 % of original quote. #roguetraders
 
usually driving for between say 2 and 6 hours a day. I find that about 2 hours each way is about the most which is reasonable in terms of what's an alright day on the job without having a silly late finish, and still cost effective. Gotta be an early start though - if you're late leaving, the day's half gone. Much more travelling than that, and it makes more sense to lodge away.
 
Give a basic estimate over phone for standard swap and if they happy with that price and offer the job, visit for proper estimate and sign them up. I never give detailed estimate until they are happy with a verbal one and ask me to do the work as all they do is offer it to their local lad and ask him to undercut in my experience. Only work I travell an hour or so for is oil boilers and Agas/Rayburns, coz they pay better and I carry most of the spares needed.
 
Anyone who is wanting a quote and who lives more than about 25 miles from me is going to be paying ÂŁ50 for me to go out and quote them, refundable against the cost of the work if they get me to do it. That sorts out the time-wasters to be honest.
 
If its worth the money an hour. If I sense a waster custard, then won't go further than the corner shop.
 
If I was travelling by time and did an hour I might reach the West side of Bath if I'm lucky...9 miles away !
 
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