When you make the appointment time to quote the job, make it when you can get there, don’t let the client push into a time you just can’t keep. Being late is a terrible start.
The client will understand if you say, Sorry, I just can’t be there at that time, and I would prefer to make it a different time than be late.
Before you turn up, change into clean clothes, remove all paint and gap filler from your hands and face. If you don’t have time to go home and get changed, have fresh, clean overalls in your ute and change into these.
Remember, a home is the most expensive thing you or your customer will ever buy.
Just imagine that you have a nice car you paid $150,000.00 for, and it needs some work done to it. You take it to two different garages. The first guy comes out of the garage covered in oil, dirty overalls and smoke hanging out of his mouth; his quote is $5000. You go to the second garage, and the guy comes out nice and clean; his quote is $5500; which one do you think might look after your car better?
When you arrive on time (if you are going to be late, Ring the client and let them know how late you are running)
Take your boots off at the front door (even if they are clean). This shows respect to the client.
Now the next thing to do is hand the client the portfolio you have with you and say something like, “Thank you so much for letting me quote on your painting job. This is just a little about me and what I can do for you””
Now ask the client to walk through the job with you and ask questions to establish what is required, like do you have children, do you entertain a lot (these questions let you know the best type of paint to quote using.) Explain to the customer why you are asking.
When you have all the info, you need to put the quote together, thank the client again and tell them you will leave the portfolio with them and tell them when you will have the quote back to them.
When you do up the quote list, everything you are going to do
Prep Work: Sand the walls, remove all loose and flaking paint, fill all holes, clean down the walls,
Paint system: list the paint you are going to use and the number of coats
Now also tell them why you are using that paint IE: I am quoting on this paint because you have young children and this paint is scrubbable, not just cleanable, so it will look better a
a lot longer than using cheaper paint. Include printouts of the products you will use from the paint company’s website with your quote.
The more info you provide upfront makes you look more professional.
Now, this bit is significant; hand-deliver the quote to the client. Let the client read the quote and ask if you have covered what they want to be done; also, ask if they have any questions.
(note the persons you are quoting against have probably just sent a quote that said something like. Paint four rooms $3000+GST, and they mailed or emailed it)
Quick tip NEVER use the words, cost or price in your quote. Always use the word investment.
IE: The total investment to achieve the outcome you want is $5500.00+GST
Also, make sure you list your payment terms on your quote; this way, there is no misunderstanding later about payment.
Pro-tip, when you work out the amount you will quote, add 2hours of labour into the final amount. (to be used later)
Paint products info and tips 