Web BAsed Bidding!!!!

Dave B said:
So my idea of a calculator was not an online quote/booking tool. It was simply an estimator. This would give them am idea ballpark of whst to expect. However, they still would have to contact me, and I would still sell myself and start that relationship.

I'm not looking at automating my bidding and booking process. I'm just trying to entice more people to contact me before clicking the next guy's website.

I guess my thought was that, if they saw an estimate that they were comfortable with, it's much easier to call me already having a good idea of what it would cost, instead of calling 3 or 4 people, potentially getting voicemail, explain the need every time, and get frustrsted if they don't like the prices.

Instant information, less hassle, no need to waste precious time. If I can provide that service to my potential customers, then I would think they would perfer to do business with me.

Ron, I believe you're the sales/marketing guru. What are your thoughts?
Click to expand...

If your giving a ballpark (a range)i don't see any harm in that

Why don't you try it out - test it and let us know how it works

Cant hurt
 
I created an estimate calculator for my needs. I'm working on updating my home page. Once I do, I'll embed the calculator. Should be soon.
 
Thanks Ty! Honestly, I've already taken a look at your quote form and plan on doing something similar in the future. ;)

The screenshot of the estimator I posted above looks deceivingly simple. That's for the benefit of the customer. You want customer interface to be simple. However, there's some decently stout formulas going on in the background. I have a minimum price threshold set, converting sq footage to linear with an area/perimeter variance adjustment, and calculating rate increases for additional floors. I'm thinking about adding in a scaling discount option or large jobs.

All of the variables are able to be edited on the backend/admin page, so if my rates increase, I can quickly adjust the calculator accordingly. Here's a screenshot of the backend/admin page:

Capture3.PNG

I'm also considering making a quote generator for the contractor and/or office admin to use to quickly provide quotes. It would be similar to this, but able to give a more precise quote quickly by just entering some key data and not having to look up a rates table and pull out a calculator. This could be a stand alone excel spreadsheet or imbedded in an internal website.

Also, I might look at other ways to create calculators for our industry to use. I have probably 15 yrs experience in advanced Excel analytics, so I can create a lot of useful tools.

Also also, if I can find a cost effective way to do it, and there's a need for it, I might look into converting these to simple mobile apps. That's down the road, though.
 
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