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Receiving a quote
AUTHOR Question: Receiving a quote
Melissa
Jacksons Point
Posted 9/24/2012 at 6:19:51 PM
I had a guy come to take measurements for a privacy fence and was told he'll call me back to give me a quote.

What is considered a reasonable time waiting for his call before I choose another company?
 
 
RESPONSES
Robert from Better Choice Electric Ltd.
Electrician in Port Coquitlam
Posted 9/24/2012 at 7:13:20 PM
First, did he tell you when he would call you back? A good contractor will tell you when you can get a quote, and not leave it open ended. It really shouldn't take any more than 2 or 3 days max.
Tom from Goodfellow Handyman Service
Goodfellow Handyman Service
Handyman in Burlington
Posted 9/24/2012 at 7:19:52 PM
Why don't you just call or email him and ask him if he intends to bid. Take the initiative and communicate. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Eno Enald from Belco Services Inc
Carpet Cleaning and Power Washing Contractor in Mississauga
Posted 9/24/2012 at 7:29:52 PM
Hi Melissa,

A quote should not take more than 5 business days.
Russell from R.A.M. Renovations
Renovation Contractor in Saint Lazare
Posted 9/24/2012 at 8:26:20 PM
I always provide my clients with an estimated date when they can expect to receive a quotation. If there were to be a delay, I would call them well in advance to let them know.

A quotation for a privacy fence shouldn't take very long. If the contractor hasn't called you back after a week, I would suggest you start looking for another company.

Russell McLaren
R.A.M. Renovations
Tel: (514) 743-5322
Dan from HightecH Installations
Renovations Contractor in Chilliwack
Posted 9/24/2012 at 8:32:33 PM
It depends on how many days you allowed him to provide the quote.
Brett from Lone-Wolf Enterprises
Lone-Wolf Enterprises
General Contractor in Newmarket
Posted 9/24/2012 at 8:54:23 PM
There can be several variables that may have prevented him from getting back to you in a more timely manner. One such variable would be how many quotes his is doing. For example, I did two quotes tonight and have another one tomorrow. One of tonight's quotes is fairly straight forward (as is yours) while the other is more intensive. However, I anticipate that I will have contacted all three people by week's end with a price. And, as has been noted, if there are mitigating circumstances slowing me down, I would contact the customer to let him/her know.

Also, it is often wise to get more than one quote anyway.

Brett
Lone- Wolf Contracting
(A Division of Lone-Wolf Enterprises)
647-994-0785
York Region
Greg from GRP_Carpentry Services
Renovation and New Construction Company in Ladysmith
Posted 9/24/2012 at 9:31:05 PM
I'd take Tom's advice and contact the guy. Remember, at this stage you have no obligation.

If I have a delay in delivering a quote I make it a rule to contact the client. Good communication is key and I can't stress that enough.

Good Luck !
Greg
Mark from Solutions Repair & Maintenance
Handyman in Alberta Beach
Posted 9/24/2012 at 9:42:36 PM
Melissa,

All the comments are correct in that if you don't receive any communication in approximately three days, something is wrong. That is unless you were given a time frame that is different.

Bottom line is that you are under no obligation to this person or any other until a contract is in place. Call another, ... and request a second estimate. Pick the contractor you feel comfortable with.
Kaayla from OmegAurora Management Group Inc.
General Contractor in Abbotsford
Posted 9/25/2012 at 12:34:01 PM
Hi,

You should be getting more than one quote so you can compare cost, make sure you are telling each company the same information so you can compare apples to apples. I would go ahead and get at least two more quotes. Usually it takes less than a week for a response. I hope this helps.

Have a great day!
Sales from Forward One Construction
General Contractor in Richmond
Posted 10/1/2012 at 1:27:31 PM
I feel it comes down to integrity. If your prospective contractor cant even honor their word on when to give you a quote, they are probably a little short on commitments with tier work as well. He should have at least called to tell you he is swamped and cannot get you a quote till the following week.

Fencing is fairly straight forward, I would imagine there are lots of companies who would be eager to help you out.
 

 

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