Quoting a price for decorating

[marie g bushnell]

I've been decorating for the same two clients for a few years

If you have to send in a quote for each location ( which includes supplies,
labor hrs) , how do you every get compensated for the hours you spent working up each quote.

I thought it would be less complicated year after year, but it isn't.
With budgets being cut, I'm very cautious and I'm always very giving and we work on these jobs as quickly, neatly as possible. We also break down in January.

What is a a fair price for evaluating and sending a quote?

 

[OB1]

I do not charge for the time it takes to work up a quote, however, I do pad the set up and tear down time by 1/2 hour or more, depending on how long it takes to figure everthing out.
I like to have everything itemized as a separate line item, with materials and labour clearly indicated, and that includes the time it takes to pack up the items, and drive to the site, as well as time on site, and returning to the shop. For tear down I usually quote a flat fee, based on the info garnered from the set up.
My clients appreciate the honesty of the quote, and it is easier for me when it comes to taxes etc.
We have a number of homes and businnesses that we take care of each holiday season, and this way works well for us.
JP

 

[marie g bushnell]

jp

Thanks for the reply. Our quote that we send out to the company is also detailed to the materials and labor set up and take down. We actually list all decorations (tree, wreaths, garlands and more) These decor. are stored, so we never know if the lights are going to work and window lights are needing new bulbs, so we add an additional fee if we need to purchase these items. If we don't need anything, we deduct this fee.
I know with budget cuts, you never know if your still going to have the job, so I don't add anything extra, just base the labor hrs from last years quote. Believe me, we are all marching in 3 rd gear and cover miles of walking throughout the day. Thanks again for your imput.

Marie