I often manage Requests for Quote/Estimate/Bid in my day to day work life, and I see a lot of the same questions or responses, so I gathered them all up here.
- For any and all Requests that I send out:
- I understand that your Quote/Estimate/Bid is based on the information and/or details I have provided. If there is an error in my information, that is my fault, not yours, and changes from you due to corrections on my end are expected, and appreciated.
- I specifically ask for the one I need based on the project status or type, and I ask intentionally.
- I specifically use the Google Doc Scope of Work system to ensure everyone has the same level of access to the information available, and, to ensure that any changes or updates make it out to everyone.
Please be sure to use the links and documents provided instead of downloading them.
- When replying, it’s very helpful to:
- Reply to the email I sent out so I know which project and which scope you’re talking about.
I’m often running 10-30 projects at a time, each with multiple scopes. - Respond with a .pdf document with all the pertinent details in it.
I always look for this before filing it in my system for Client review.
Lacking this, I will often reply asking for one, but I won’t file your Quote/Estimate/Bid for the client without it.
- Reply to the email I sent out so I know which project and which scope you’re talking about.
- What’s the difference?
- A Quote is a rough number based on the information I provide in the Scope of Work, and does not expect or allow for a site visit.
- An Estimate is a detailed cost and breakdown (Labor and Materials Minimum) with details of what work will be done, and how it will be done. You may use my Scope of Work document as the breakdown of work.
I expect you will make a site visit for an Estimate, and I will call out specific days/times of availability. - A Bid is a fixed price for the fixed Scope of Work, that is, you will charge exactly so many dollars for exactly the Scope of Work.
For a Bid, I expect:- You will make a site visit
- You will expect a detailed Scope of Work along with a set of Building Plans, and I will provide those with my RfB.
As always, I hope this post helps to clarify this part of the process, and streamline your process as well!
I do offer coaching for small business owners in the Construction industry to help them level up, and I work with Digital Daniel for documentation, websites, processes, and other digital needs.
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