Do you charge for estimates, and has it worked for your business?

Does anyone here charge for estimates?

I've been thinking about this for a while and curious if anyone has found success with it. I run a handyman business and solely focus on active listings for realtors.

I've found that most of the time, when buyer's agents call for me to look at inspection punch list items, they never call back after I send the quote.

I can only assume they're using my quote as leverage in the sale to get some sort of credit or concession from the seller.

Now I'm thinking of asking which side of the sale they're on and charging if it's the buyer side, or just charging all around. Obviously, our time isn't cheap so I want to honor that.

If you're charging for estimates, what kind of rate are you charging?

ryaantuttle
20 days ago
YES. We charge an onsite estimate fee, and we’ve done it this way since 2018—long before COVID made everyone rethink how they run their business.
We actually provide free estimates remotely and turn those around within 24 hours. If someone wants us to come out in person, that’s considered a paid onsite consultation.
The reason is simple:
Most people requesting estimates aren’t hiring — they’re price shopping, using numbers for leverage, or trying to “see what it might cost.” That time adds up fast, and it’s not sustainable to absorb it for free.
Charging for onsite estimates has been one of the best decisions we’ve made:
It immediately filters out tire-kickers
It sets expectations that our time and expertise have value
It dramatically improves our close rate on onsite visits
The customers who are serious have no issue paying, and the ones who push back usually confirm exactly why the fee exists in the first place.
We’re not charging to give a number! We’re charging for experience, scope clarity, and professional evaluation. And if a customer doesn’t see value in that, they’re not the right fit for our business anyway.

8 Replies

ryaantuttle
Jobber Ambassador
20 days ago
YES. We charge an onsite estimate fee, and we’ve done it this way since 2018—long before COVID made everyone rethink how they run their business.
We actually provide free estimates remotely and turn those around within 24 hours. If someone wants us to come out in person, that’s considered a paid onsite consultation.
The reason is simple:
Most people requesting estimates aren’t hiring — they’re price shopping, using numbers for leverage, or trying to “see what it might cost.” That time adds up fast, and it’s not sustainable to absorb it for free.
Charging for onsite estimates has been one of the best decisions we’ve made:
It immediately filters out tire-kickers
It sets expectations that our time and expertise have value
It dramatically improves our close rate on onsite visits
The customers who are serious have no issue paying, and the ones who push back usually confirm exactly why the fee exists in the first place.
We’re not charging to give a number! We’re charging for experience, scope clarity, and professional evaluation. And if a customer doesn’t see value in that, they’re not the right fit for our business anyway.
- DelgadoKW
  Contributor 3
  20 days ago
  That's a great perspective! What do you charge for those onsite estimates?
  - ryaantuttle
    Jobber Ambassador
    19 days ago
    $99.00 per visit and does NOT include any work being done.
ThatHandymanVan
Contributor 4
20 days ago
I do charge an estimate fee. I charge $35 for an in-home estimate. This is nowhere near my hourly cost or price. However, it is not meant to be a revenue generator. It simply offsets my Lead Cost from the full hourly rate, down 30% or so. As it was said before, it is also a way to get rid of tire kickers and price shoppers. I do offer over-the-phone estimates from pictures, etc., but I always phrase it in a way that we should meet.
PestFreeCanada
Contributor 4
20 days ago
I believe in charging for an inspection. It is your time and effort to be onsite and create a plan for the client. A free inspection could be taken advantage of for sure and in my case would make the service cost more as I need to work in that time in the end. Even a small fee for your inspection isn't outrageous, somewhere in the $125-200 range.
HUGEHandyman
Jobber Ambassador
11 days ago
I'm a remodeler waffle on this one. If they aren't willing to send me pictures ahead of time then DEFINITELY. If they come from a referral, former customer or I get a good vibe from them on the phone, then no. In Tom Reber's program (shameless plug for Jobber summit, if you haven't signed up yet hit my link :) https://go.getjobber.com/greg-summit) but he says you almost always do. Other people in his program say, if you're slow don't do it. I tried to charge a lady for one, she never responded. Then my ops manager went anyway without me knowing and we closed it and it's a $60k job. Life is crazy. haha I would definitely charge if they can't even give you pictures or are dismissive on the phone. Think of it this way - you want me to consult with you? Ya your **bleep** is paying haha But someone who seems cool and you talk numbers with AHEAD of time, just go if you have time and give them their estimate within 24 hours.

Forum Discussion

Do you charge for estimates, and has it worked for your business?