Should I give bids/estimates at no charge?

I've been struggling with this myself recently. I sat down and figured out between time and mileage put on the vehicle, if I were to actually pay someone to do it the average cost would be around $120-$130. I got this answer recently:

You should seriously consider charging for estimates when any two of these are true:

- You're spending 30–60+ minutes per estimate (drive time + walk-through + thinking + writing it up)

- You're doing multiple estimates per week that don't convert

- Customers are shopping prices or ghosting you afterward

- You're booked enough that estimate time pushes actual work later

- You're giving expert advice during estimates (not just measuring)

Estimates aren't free when:

- Gas costs money

- Time costs money

- Experience costs money

Free estimates made sense when you needed leads. They hurt when you already have demand.

I've only been in business for 2 years but this hit home with me. I'd love to hear more thoughts from those who have been at it longer than me.