We usually stick to around 60 days for smaller stuff, but honestly, even that can feel tight sometimes. Like you said, permits alone can drag on forever... I swear, sometimes I think the city office is just messing with me. 😂
I've tried the expiration date thing before, and it works pretty well—clients seem to appreciate knowing upfront that prices might change if things stall out. But I've also had a few who got annoyed when we had to renegotiate, even though we warned them ahead of time. So it's not perfect, but it beats getting stuck with outdated pricing.
Do you guys ever build in a buffer or contingency for bigger projects? I've thought about doing that, but I'm always worried it'll make our quotes look inflated compared to competitors. Curious how others handle that balancing act...
We usually factor in a small contingency for bigger jobs, especially if materials are volatile or the timeline's uncertain. I get your worry about looking overpriced, but honestly, clients who've been burned before tend to appreciate transparency over rock-bottom quotes. Maybe just clearly label it as a "contingency allowance" or something similar? That way you're upfront without seeming inflated... Hasn't really hurt us competitively yet, but every market's different. Have you tried testing it out on smaller bids first to gauge reactions?
"clients who've been burned before tend to appreciate transparency over rock-bottom quotes."
Totally agree with this. I've found that when I clearly label something like a contingency allowance, most clients actually appreciate the honesty. Had a client last year who'd been through a nightmare renovation—hidden costs everywhere—and when I explained upfront about potential variables in my inspection quote, they were relieved rather than put off. Transparency builds trust, and trust usually beats out the lowest price... at least that's been my experience.
- Agree transparency helps, but as someone who's always watching the budget, I'd say clarity on how long quotes stay valid is equally important.
- Had a contractor once who honored a quote for 60 days, but material prices jumped after that. Wish I'd known upfront...
- Maybe clearly stating a short-term validity (30-60 days?) and explaining why prices might change afterward would balance transparency with realistic budgeting.
"Maybe clearly stating a short-term validity (30-60 days?) and explaining why prices might change afterward would balance transparency with realistic budgeting."
Totally agree with this. From what I've seen, 30-60 days is pretty standard, but it's always good to explain why. For example, roofing materials like shingles or metal sheets can fluctuate quite a bit depending on supply chain issues or seasonal demand. Giving customers a heads-up about potential price shifts after the quote expires helps avoid misunderstandings later... and keeps everyone on the same page.
