That whole 'never give a verbal quote' trap I keep falling into

I just lost a $450 job last month because I gave a quick verbal number over the phone to a guy in Seattle who sounded reasonable. He asked for 'ballpark' and I said around $600 just rough, then when we met he was dead set on that being the firm price even after the scope doubled. I know better, I always say I'll email a written estimate, but I got rushed. Now I'm wondering how many others have had a verbal number come back to bite them after the details changed. Any tips on how to shut down the 'just give me a rough idea' question without sounding like a jerk?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_lucas2d ago

I've definitely been there, the 'ballpark' figure that turned into the final price before I even hung up the phone.

blair9902d ago

$50 says that "ballpark" figure you got was exactly $50 less than whatever their lowest possible price was. They pad that number because they know you'll hear a lower number and remember it, then the emotional hit when they say the real price makes you feel like you already agreed to it. Next time ask them to put their estimate in writing before they even pick up a tool.

shane1702d ago

Why is it bad to get a real quote though, @the_lucas? I actually prefer when they give me the final number upfront so I'm not guessing the whole time. Ballpark figures usually end up costing me more in the long run anyway.