Outline the steps you will need to take to complete the service and be realistic when mapping out the phases. Take a step back and examine the full scope of the project. When a bad estimate is given, you may get the sale, but you will lose future business from the client and people they know. If you don’t know the specific details for a given project, you will never be able to provide a proper estimate. Establish a Realistic Timeline and Create Milestones Here’s how to create the perfect estimate, so you can be competitive while remaining profitable, and increasing the chances you convert your estimate into a paying job.

Although some projects are straightforward, others can get complicated – especially when multiple factors must be taken into account. Potential clients will want to know how long the work will take, what they can expect, and what the final costs will be. For many small businesses, this starts with providing potential customers with a free estimate. But how do you get there?įirst impressions are crucial and can turn a potential buyer into a lifelong customer.

No matter what type of small business you operate, securing and retaining customers is the primary goal. How to Convert Free Estimates Into Paid Revenue