Jsmooth --
We are glad to help !
I know, too well, the situation you talk about above. The Client`s description of the paint is NEVER close to the reality of it. We all know that, right ?
What I do is always, always, try to not quote a price on the phone, since I have not personally seen the vehicle, and need to evaluate it closer and measure the paint to give them the most accurate quote and timeframe for the work.
It they balk at that, then they were just price shopping anyway, and probably looking for the best "deal"..
We all know that probably 95% of our Clients dont know a hologram from a telegram, so trying to explain this all on the phone is probably competing with them playing Angry Birds while not listening very well anyway..
So, perhaps find a way to pique their interest more - offer a free paint condition evaluation/measurement when they come down and meet you, look at your shop, and then you can give them a Custom Package tailored to exactly their needs based on the amount they now want to spend..
I never had good results with phone quotes either - there are just too many variables stacked against you for this to ever work out successfully. You literally have to have crystal ball or something to see their paint condition...
Or, if you cannot get away from closing on the phone calls, then quote way higher than you are doing and if they still want to come, you are covered better when you see they have been hitting the brush/chamois-slapper/kid with dirty towels wiper/ car wash for years...
So, are you just managing this shop and not working or doing both?? Do you have help??
Dan F
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