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Chasing up quotes
Hi folks, this is never something i have ever done as i thought it seems pushy but having recently been losing bigger jobs to a much larger competitor, i was wondering if this approach could help to get the job or at least see what your competing against if they are open and free to talk.
Is this something you do?
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6 Replies
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Yes, and I wish I did it more.
It’s not pushy, you’re just checking up as you.have a few projects at the moment and want to get them booked in.
Most of what we do isn’t all that important, the job I’ve done today the customer wanted changing for the past 3 years. I’ve a few jobs that have dragged on for months.
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how long would you leave it, few days, a week?
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Depends…
I have heard some people call straight away, if it’s a new customer to make sure they have received it.
A couple of days is sufficient I’d say, but don’t just call the once, follow up a few times.
It’s worthwhile to find out why you aren’t winning work, perhaps someone is just undercutting the whole market, or they offered an alternative solution. With our industrial there are so many variables to consider.
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Something I’ve never done as I don’t want to appear to be chasing work, but I realise that not all emails get through (usually invoice emails but I have had other emails not arrive) also a lot of customers don’t prioritise van graphics or signage and put it on the to do list and get back to you in several weeks time.
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“It’s worthwhile to find out why you aren’t winning work, perhaps someone is just undercutting the whole market,”
It a company in the next city. 40 mins away. They are a big outfit, turnover a few million a year. They have always been there but in the last year expanded even more. They have buying power on materials and can do everything. Up until now, i haven’t really seen much of them in my town but companies now seem to be getting more quotes and going with the cheapest. The old attitudes of reputation, local guy etc etc seem to have gone out the window.
I think reality is that on bigger jobs i need to give discounts on my prices to become competitive.
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Or they may be struggling and trying to keep the machines busy. The days of Litho Printers they used to do the same, keeping the machines running, otherwise they’re expensive ornaments. They probably have sales reps, or account managers who’s job is solely to bring in new work.
It depends how you chase quotes – you don’t have to make it sound like you’re desperate for work… You’re busy and don’t want to let them down. It also creates a sense of urgency, and if you’re busy you must be good.
What we supply isn’t essential or a priority, so there’s no harm in prompting the customer.
If you’ve quoted £1000 for a wrap, but that’s too expensive, you can offer an alternative that is cheaper. Granted not a wrap, but still profitable.
Remember we do this day in, day out, we know about different materials, pro’s and con’s, the customer doesn’t. It’s important to educate the customer rather than throw blindly throwing prices at customers.
IMHO, more recently getting the work in and over the line is much more difficult than actually producing and installing it.
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