How do you itemise quotes?

[beesley121]

Hi Guys,

ive just have someone a price for a boiler swap, they've now asked me for a itemised quote. I don't normally do this as I don't really want to spend the time doing it. Another thing is I don't really like them knowing what I 'make' from the job. They don't have to choose me, so if they get a cheaper quote elsewhere, fair enough.

how can you possibly itemise a bill that includes all the little bits that add up?

 

[REDSAW]

i dont...

 

[lame plumber]

parts and labour if they go down that route, however I do tend to show itemised costs and if they try comparing internet prices I just point out they lose all warranties from me and they are welcome to look elsewhere. Lose a few gain a few, thats life. I do also add my 20% and so they just get to see a total cost of boiler flue etc, everything else is bulked together ie cu tube, fittings, waste etc plus sundries of £25 to cover odds n sods and dont forget £25 for building regs (its your time that you need to cost for as well)

 

[albatross]

Never itemise it. The sort of people that ask for that are wanting information to throw back at you and get you to reduce your price. If they are genuine what difference does it make, the total price is the same. I'd walk away cos they are probably the sort of people that will try and get out of paying anyway.

 

[Nostrum]

If you don't you'll probably lose the job for hiding your prices anyway so nothing to lose.

i would add every item line by line make sure you add your mark up and a line for consumables, sundries or whatever to round up screws, clips, fittings whatever.

To be honest its good practice, you'll be able to see what it all equates too, sometimes the customers have a shock when they realise how much all the components add up too! But don't be afraid to be making money, but be prepared to justify your charges whatever they may be.

 

[Roger Welton]

Just list all points i'm going to do itemising the main parts, boiler, controls, etc. Then just one figure to do the job.

 

[Chalked]

For instance.
labour. £350
boiler £1400 ( this includes gas safe registration and warrantee)
flue kit. £ 96
tube and fittings. £ 85
magnaclean. £ 110
electrical work. £150
flushing. £ 200 ( including inhibitor )
sundries. £ 40

total. £ can't be arsed to add it up!

sometimes, if you itemise the customer sees where all the costs come from, and realise its not just the cost of the boiler.

 

[Ermintrude]

Decommission
Supply and install y
Install z
Making good and decoration by others

Tea supplied

Never show costs just price. If they quibble, or show you internet prices just say ok if I'm cheaper can I use your prices plus my current labour charge? If they are stupid enough to say ok, get your invoices out. They won't be able to buy cheaper so your a winner....... Unless u use Williams then it might be a disaster?

 

[townfanjon]

agree with roger and nostrum, I itemise mine , nothing to be worried about

 

[A1P]

Just list all points i'm going to do itemising the main parts, boiler, controls, etc. Then just one figure to do the job.

I agree.In the end the bottom line is your price, what you want to do the job.A clear description of what is going to be done and main parts.I never separate the labour.The last thing you want is someone saying 'How much?! For 2 days work!!A quote is really a paper confirmation of what was discussed when making the initial visit.To some extent you will have got the job based on that visit provided your price is not way out.On a recent quote I was told I was last one of 3 to quote but I had been recommended by a customer.When I was checking the upstairs I heard them talking and it was on the lines of 'He told us what we could do about the showers and different ways of cleaning the system.He knows his stuff.'I at least knew I was in with a chance and quoted a proper rate rather than one to try to undercut the competition.So yes your quote is important and the way it is presented but except to certain types of customer ,it isn't everything.I got the job.

 

[ADM360]

I usualy give a basic break down.

Boiler and flue= £
heating controls =£
Rads and valves =£
Materials (pipe,fitting, chemicals) = £
Labour = £

Have had the conversation with customers that have said " I can buy that boiler for that much on line" to which I generally reply " thats fine but if there is any damage or anything missing I can't be resposible for sorting out, and if I've got the old boiler off the wall only to discover the somthing is damaged you could be without a boiler for days" and "the additional cost of me waiting while they get it sorted out"

they then often reply with, perhaps we'll go with the one you've suggested!!

Nothing to hide and it does let them know where the cost are in the estimate!

 

[REDSAW]

£350 for a days labour?

thats extortionate, i only get £80 a day!!!

new boiler
controls
pipe work
regs cert
flush

£1850 (take it or leave it)

 

[beesley121]

Wish I could get £1850 around here for a boiler swap!! £1400 is the max

 

[hammers4spanner]

Wish I could get £1850 around here for a boiler swap!! £1400 is the max

try your luck

 

[hammers4spanner]

I dont take to long to be honest i always give them hourly rate on estimates now with hours to do the job as they like to know cost.

If they dont like my price look elsewhere no skin off my nose

 

[mfgs]

I wont itemise everything, I give one price for all parts and labour. Too much hassle itemising it, any customer which asks for that will be a pain in the arse and best off avoided anyway in my experience.

 

[townfanjon]

£1400 is the max

jesus my Viessmanns cost £1170 and then plus all copper, chemicals etc etc.. I would be paying them to let me fit one LOL

 

[REDSAW]

Wish I could get £1850 around here for a boiler swap!! £1400 is the max

the last baxi/main solo i swapped i got that, where dol you live yorkshire? !!

charge twice as much and work half as hard is the target lol

 

[AWheating]

im happy and do sometimes write an inclusions and exclusions list so the customer knows what they are and are not getting. but if they want a cost break down i would only give them seperate prices for extras and sometimes i would if asked do a labour only option but that includes more labour added to cover lack of materials.

 

[Killy Bing]

I just say i'll have to spend an extra hour doing the paperwork, would you like to pay for it now or at the end.

they tend to not want an itemised quote then...

 

[TBServices]

No price breakdowns here. Can't be arsed

 

[Ermintrude]

It's a free quote pet not a schedule of works love!

 

[Mrs Tara Plumbi]

Just list all points i'm going to do itemising the main parts, boiler, controls, etc. Then just one figure to do the job.

We do this.
It is important to list what you are going to do so when they compare you with someone cheaper they can see what the other person isn't doing.
Yes don't forget to list obvious stuff such as:
flush system
install Magnaclean
Building Control Notification
Clearing all rubbish from site including removal of old boiler

But just one price at the end.

I know we often (always) lose to cheaper quotes but we've often gone back to do work in those same houses and discovered that the cheaper guy didn't do a lot of the stuff that we quoted for.

 

[Ermintrude]

We do this.
It is important to list what you are going to do so when they compare you with someone cheaper they can see what the other person isn't doing.
Yes don't forget to list obvious stuff such as:
flush system
install Magnaclean
Building Control Notification
Clearing all rubbish from site including removal of old boiler

But just one price at the end.

I know we often (always) lose to cheaper quotes but we've often gone back to do work in those same houses and discovered that the cheaper guy didn't do a lot of the stuff that we quoted for.

But the cheaper bloke told custard a load of tripe ....... We also get this, just makes me giggle and add on 25% to the price. Plus I like to take a very close look at work and issue a few ncs, AR notices too just for good measure.

 

[bright spark]

I usually name the boiler that I'm going to fit for them. I only fit good quality, and tell them that they may get cheaper but it'll be crap.
Tell them in writingwhat they're getting for the price, but that's it.
i find once you start itemising, they start bargaining.

 

[woodsy]

I usually name the boiler that I'm going to fit for them. I only fit good quality, and tell them that they may get cheaper but it'll be crap.
Tell them in writingwhat they're getting for the price, but that's it.
i find once you start itemising, they start bargaining.

Once you start itemising quotes with materials, you are just giving them a shopping list to go do the jobs themselves. I give them a full itemisation of the work being done to get away with the line , 'I thought that was included' but apart from the make of say a boiler then a general overview as in pipe and fittings.

 

[Deleted member 44451]

they could be asking for itemized quote so that they can see that your doing a proper job, as i said on a previous post i dont think we are all very good salesmen. and some customers may need a little convincing that you are going to do a good job.

 

[TBServices]

I itemise my quotes so they know what they're getting for the money, but it all falls under one price.