Church Estimates

[Walrus Gumboot]

We're going to stop wasting our time doing estimates for Churches.
We never get the job. All we do is provide the high end estimate.

Should we say we don't do free estimates when they call?
How do you handle it?

 

[AI FredC]

It sounds like you've been facing some challenges with providing free estimates for churches. It's understandable that you're considering changing your approach. Here are a few suggestions on how to handle this situation:

1. **Qualify the Lead**: Before providing a free estimate, it might be beneficial to qualify the potential client first. This can be done by asking a few questions about their budget, timeline, and specific needs. This way, you can gauge if the project is a good fit for your business.

2. **Charge for Estimates**: If you find that a significant amount of your time is going towards creating these estimates without a return, you might consider charging a small fee for the service. This could help to weed out those who are not serious about following through.

3. **Provide a Range**: Instead of providing a high-end estimate, you could provide a range based on the information they give you. This way, they have an idea of the potential costs, but you're not spending a lot of time on a detailed estimate.

4. **Limit Free Estimates**: Another approach could be to limit the number of free estimates you offer per month. This way, you're not overwhelmed with requests and can focus on the ones that seem most promising.

5. **Referral Program**: You could also consider implementing a referral program. If a church refers another organization that ends up hiring your services, the church could receive a discount on their next project. This could incentivize them to hire you or refer other potential clients.

Remember, communication is key in these situations. If you decide to change your policy on free estimates, make sure to communicate this effectively and professionally to any potential clients.

 

[hogjowl]

It takes time. You have to lower your price low enough to get the first one and keep it for about 20 years and then the rest will fall in line slowly.
It really takes off when you get the First Baptist in your town,

 

[BIG WOOD]

We're going to stop wasting our time doing estimates for Churches.
We never get the job. All we do is provide the high end estimate.

Should we say we don't do free estimates when they call?
How do you handle it?

I got all my churches through members in the church that know me or heard I did a good job. There's a few that call me out of the blue that don't know me. If you're not getting any of the jobs, you might be too high. I've seen that very few churches around here aren't worried about price

 

[Walrus Gumboot]

It takes time. You have to lower your price low enough to get the first one and keep it for about 20 years and then the rest will fall in line slowly.
It really takes off when you get the First Baptist in your town,

Yeah, that. I don't have 20 yrs left.

 

[Walrus Gumboot]

I got all my churches through members in the church that know me or heard I did a good job. There's a few that call me out of the blue that don't know me. If you're not getting any of the jobs, you might be too high. I've seen that very few churches around here aren't worried about price

You're in a smaller market. There are probably 200 Churches around here and plenty of guys that will do it on the cheap.

 

[Mike J]

If you think you can do a better job, better whole experience, just put in a day for free. Get the write-off and show them what you got.
Give your personal cell phone in case they are in a jam, tell them not to worry. If you want some of those accounts, you will get them. Dont drop price.

 

[BIG WOOD]

If you think you can do a better job, better whole experience, just put in a day for free. Get the write-off and show them what you got.
Give your personal cell phone in case they are in a jam, tell them not to worry. If you want some of those accounts, you will get them. Dont drop price.

Doing work for free is dropping the price, goober.

 

[FredC]

Get the write-off and show them what you got.

What write-off?

 

[hogjowl]

He’s probably expecting a discounted pass by St. Peter.

 

[Jim Pemberton]

We're going to stop wasting our time doing estimates for Churches.
We never get the job. All we do is provide the high end estimate.

Should we say we don't do free estimates when they call?
How do you handle it?

That can be frustrating, and a waste of time.

You deserve to be paid for the work that you do, and if your pricing structure isn't a good fit for them, neither of you are at fault of course.

As you asked, the real question is how to handle being asked to do something with an inevitable, unrewarding outcome.

You could ask if they know their square footage, then calculate the price, and submit your proposal via email. In that way you aren't "blowing them off" and coming off as impolite.

 

[Mike J]

Probably dont do that then. I thought it could be a donation. Jeez

BUT
You are talking churches, not casinos. Why not if you need work..

Ask yourself why you should get that job.
I like to show what I can do.

Full or Free for me. I get a lashing if I give discounts.

 

[Ludwig]

I just posted about this in another thread. I agree with you. Give a per sq/ft price range over the phone (.20-.30 ect.) and avoid the trip out. I've found most churches to be like government, they have to get a certain amount of bids and that's the only reason they are calling.

 

[Kenny Hayes]

Generally that’s true. My post you responded to, that particular pastor called me, whom I know and have done work for him elsewhere. I was surprised it didn’t materialize. At my stage, when they ask for a price, it’s usually to know what to expect, not a bid. If I suspect
they’re bidding, I ask. Then I don’t participate.

 

[AlienAgent]

Churches can be great accounts, even at lower per ft2 price points. The carpet is usually an easy clean, they often have lots of sq footage, the people are usually super easy to work with.

I usually bid them on the low side. There are a few here locally that do a lot of good community stuff, I hook those up with free and reduced price work on a regular basis.

Just try putting a few lower priced bids in and see if you can make it profitable.

 

[Mikey P]

my church just had the blacktop re-slurried...yipee!

 

[hogjowl]

Oh lucky you

 

[darcie smith]

We have a ton of church accts, but then Scott has been in business a long time and word of mouth gets him most of them. Most churches are looking to spend less on maintenance and more on furthering the kingdom understandably, so you just need to explain that your pricing may be more than the company down the street but your methods and products keep the areas cleaner longer. (If that’s true. Don’t lie to the church.)

 

[Walrus Gumboot]

We can't justify lowering our prices any further. We already give reduced price bids.
Home based O/O's can have at it, we pay $30k per year in rent.
I've wasted more time since I posted this on 1 more bid. No more.
"Send pictures & I'll send a quote"

 

[Brian H]

We do a number of church's/places of worship. Some of them are massive jobs!! We'll take as many as we can get.

• They can be done during the day, during the week.
• For the most part, they are pretty clean.
• Opportunities to clean a lot more than carpet. Upholstery, drapes, tile, etc.
• We don't have trouble with payment.

 

[Walrus Gumboot]

We do a number of church's/places of worship. Some of them are massive jobs!! We'll take as many as we can get.

• They can be done during the day, during the week.
• For the most part, they are pretty clean.
• Opportunities to clean a lot more than carpet. Upholstery, drapes, tile, etc.
• We don't have trouble with payment.

All of that is true, but evidently there are some folks around here that will do them on the cheap.
We do have some cleaning companies call us for specialty spotting in Churches. We charge the Hell out of em