Still, I’d love if they honored quotes for at least a week. Feels fair, right?
Honestly, a week seems totally reasonable—especially for bigger purchases like roofing materials. I get that prices can jump, but “today only” feels like a pressure tactic more than anything else. When I redid my roof last year (went with recycled shingles), the supplier gave me 48 hours on the quote. It was stressful trying to line up everything that fast. If they’re worried about wild price swings, maybe just add a disclaimer about possible changes after a week? That way it’s not all on the customer to scramble.
I’m with you—48 hours is barely enough time to check my bank account, let alone coordinate with a contractor. Has anyone actually seen prices jump that much in a week? Or is it just a way to get us to commit faster?
I get where you’re coming from—48 hours feels super rushed. But I actually did see prices go up in a week last fall when we were getting quotes for gutters. The contractor said it was because of a materials shipment delay, and sure enough, the next quote was higher. I thought it was just a sales tactic at first, but turns out supply stuff really can change fast, especially lately.
That said, I still think 48 hours is pushing it for most people. Not everyone can make a big decision that quickly, especially if you need to talk things over or check your budget. Maybe they could meet us halfway and do 4-5 days? I’d feel way less stressed if there was just a bit more breathing room to figure things out...
I’m definitely with you on the stress of a 48-hour window. Last year when we had to replace our water heater, the plumber’s quote was only good for two days. I get that prices can jump—he even showed me his supplier’s emails with the cost increases. Still, it felt like I barely had time to check my emergency fund, let alone compare options or talk it over with my partner.
I understand materials are all over the place right now, but for most of us, these aren’t small purchases. Four or five days seems like a fair compromise. It’s enough time to look at your budget, maybe get a second quote, and not feel like you’re being pressured into a snap decision. Contractors have to protect themselves, sure, but homeowners need a little breathing room too. Otherwise, it just feels like you’re being pushed into a corner... and that never sits right with me.
I hear you on the pressure. I’ve had folks call me back after a week, hoping the price was still good, and sometimes I can swing it, sometimes not—depends what my supplier’s doing that day. Last summer, shingles jumped twice in one month. I try to give at least three days on a quote, but even then, I’ve had to eat the difference once or twice. It’s a juggling act, honestly. I wish things were more stable, but lately it feels like I need a crystal ball just to price a job. Four or five days sounds reasonable if the market isn’t going wild... but lately, who knows?
