I say give the window shoppers the free estimate without a plan
and if they want a plan, charge them $300 for it and it is NOT deducted
from the contract price.
at least this way you are being paid for your time and you didn't waste
more than 20 min. on a plan that a window shopper is expecting for free.

I usually give free estimates at the time of looking at the job,
then I inform them about the "design fee" to get a plan.

works like a charm
it usually weeds out the garden so to speak.


"RicodJour" wrote in message
oups.com...
| On Jun 22, 7:39 pm, Brent Bolin wrote:
| On Jun 22, 5:27 pm, "ScottO" wrote:
|
| My friend is in the market for a kitchen remodel. He says Home
Depot wants
| $100.00 to just come out and measure. I've never heard of this
before. Is
| this common?
|
| Just did this. The money is refunded/applied to your order.
|
| Which is pretty standard. I started charging for estimates a long
| time ago. Same deal. You sign up, you get a refund. Cuts down on
| the tire kickers. It also lets people know that you value your time,
| and you expect them to do the same.
|
| R
|