What do you do before you go out on an estimate?

I am working on a marketing project and I am trying to think about what every roofer does before they go out to bid. What is the common denominator?

Look up the address? Bring a Clipboard and pencil? Bring promo materials? Use Software?

Get the lead from the office staff (or your own notes) write up paperwork Go pee-pee, get coffee, load the ladder, comb your hair?

What am I missing - what does EVERYONE do before they drive over to the job?

Too weird of a question?

wywoody Said: Gee Tinner, if you didnt have a belt, I hope you found something to clip your tape on.

My notepad. :laugh: I got the job though! :)

Make sure they know I charge for that first consult and estimate. Try to establish budget expectations. Then, I try to remember to get dressed to go. I embarrassed myself once when I only had my tape, notepad and flip-flops once. I try not to do that too often. :woohoo:

Well, before you go charging off down the road, there are a few things to check.

1) How serious is this call? You need to qualify the call in terms of urgency; knowledge (what needs to be done, what’s there now, how much it’s going to cost); fit with your type of work; whether you’re the only one responding, or are you the thirty-eight contractor who got called for the same thing.

2) What do you need to determine the facts (ie, inspection, etc.). There is a toolkit that gets brought to most estimates/visits/inspections, that includes measuring tools, camera and flash, breathing mask, various flashlights, ladder and safety gear, and binder with various checklists. Depending on what answers I get in #1, I may also bring other tools as well.

3) What does the customer need to firm up their choices? This may be brochures, samples, photos of existing installs, case studies, reference lists, etc. Much of my material is on my laptop so that always goes with me to the customer site or home.

The answers to be above determine what I need to pack.

In addition to the above, what goes to every customer is a folder with notes from the qualification call, references that are relevant to that area/product type, interview and inspection checklists, and some “leave-behind” material.

And of course, take care of body needs (water, food, bathroom break) before you get there, hopefully before you even leave the office.

The first thing I do is try to determine the quality of the lead. As in what type of work do they need done, location of the job, Sincerity of the caller, urgency of the project and what type of buyer will I be trying to sell to. This is a fine art and a huge key to success.

Most of the time, I look up the address on the satellite imagery and print out a map just of the neighborhood. I've been working here for nearly 20 years and already know how to get just about anywhere without a GPS.

The ladder STAYS loaded as does all promo materials and other necessary things. I don't think there's any software available that can compete with 30 years of face to face experience with homeowners. That would be like the tail trying to wag the dog.

On the way to the job, I prepare myself mentally. Try to get in the zone so to speak. Thinking of everything that was talked about and all the facts that have been exposed to this point, comparing it in my mind to similar past experiences and coming up with what I believe to be the best approach based on the results of those past experiences knowing that often times when I get to the job things will change somewhat. But that's ok. I know how to adjust to most anything fairly quickly.

The only thing that I consider too weird is that I never have to pee until I pull into their driveway! :dry: