Is a ballpark too much to ask?

Whilst in the market for a new Thingy, I struggled to get a straight answer about cost. I mean, how hard can it be to make a rough guess? Very, it turns out.

Noel: Hi, I’d like an estimate for a new Thingy please

Supplier: Great! I’ve designed tons of Thingies. In fact my tagline’s ‘Cost effective Thingies for businesses of all shapes and sizes’.

Noel: Ah brilliant, so you’ve done a few then?

Supplier: Mate! I used to manage Thingy development for a huge company in Melbourne. Then I moved to New York and headed up the Thingy division over there.

Then the kids came along and I got jack of corporate life, so I started up my own business, Fantastic Thingies! Been making them myself ever since. I make about 40 of ‘em a year.

Noel: Superb, ‘cause I need a new one. Nice and simple, about six sections. What sort of cost are we looking at?

Supplier: Weeelll, no way I could tell you that. I tailor them all individually to precise specs. I'd need a thorough understanding of your business strategy, needs and industry before I could quote you.

Noel: But all I need is a ballpark for budgeting. You said you’d designed hundreds of these things, what sort of range are we looking at?

Supplier: Each and every one is a unique price.

Noel: Can’t you give me an idea?

Supplier: Well, how long is a piece of string? [Smug look]

Noel: What!?!

Supplier: How long is a piece of string? [Smugger look] Could be any length, could be any price. See what I’m getting at?

Noel: No I bloody don’t. String’s worth about three bucks for a roll of 50 metres. So if you need 100 metres then budget around six bucks – give or take.

Supplier: Ah you see Thingies are very complex. Not like string.

Noel: You mentioned string. Let's put it this way: I want a simple six section Thingy, nothing too flashy. Can I do anything for $5K?

Supplier: Mate, that’s pretty much the minimum we like to do…

Noel: If I’ve got $10K would that cover it?

Supplier: Oh yeah, we could do something pretty schmick for $10K

Noel: So, I might be able to get away with something around the $7 to 8K mark then?

Supplier: Couldn’t say.

Noel Ranger is a real Australian soloist operating a professional service business. Basically, if you pay his hourly rate he’ll pretty much do whatever.

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the perils of quoting... Heather Smith from BRISBANE | Read my articles
Noel, this Friday 13 is YOUR lucky day! Sit down mate. You won't believe this. I have a Thingy for sale. Wait for it... it's 5K with NO hidden extras. Isn't this AMAZING???!!! When can I deliver? carl from Sydney
Thanks Carl, but it seems I can get them offshore delivered and installed overnigt for $800, so I got four. Want to buy one? Noel Ranger from Consultantville | Read my articles
Great article Noel - love the way you write!
Sometimes it's easy to quote a Thingy at a set price if it's virtually the same as a previous Thingy. But if it's a unique Thingy, then when quoting I think one should give a range covering the 'tons of unique Thingies'. Basic at 'x'' to all the bells and whistles at 'y'. Then ask politely, 'if you could share the range of your budget, and your time frame, we can see what we can do for you'.
Recently I was in the market for a new shiny Thingy with a definite budget in mind. The fourth dealer was the only one who asked me to share my budget and spent the time, (without pressure), to work out how to get the limited edition Thingy special I really liked and wanted, down to within my budget. This took a lot of effort on his part negotiating with senior staff, but he finally got down to my budget and a sale. We also were given a cuppa and cake whilst waiting. A very pleasant experience all round. Karen Curran from Springwood
I get people phoning me up asking for a price on thingy's a lot. Part of the problem in being brave enough to just give a rough price guide is that a lot of people are very aware that prospective customers may well be sensitive to cost.
The key is to charge what you're worth, forget about being embarrassed that the customer might think you're too expensive, and just give them a rough price while reminding them it is a guide only.
If you try to give everyone a price that keeps a big smile on their face, you're likely to end up with a client book full of sharks, tightarses, and other people who just don't want to pay. And you're not going to make any profit !
People who are happy to pay a premium for good service are far better to chase. You also end up happier providing a premium service, rather than continually cutting corners and rushing things in an effort to keep the price down. Ben from Sydney
Give me your thingy's specs, Noel, and I'll give you a quote - otherwise you're an ESOK (the technical term is tyrekicker) and I don't have time for mindgames! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles

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