Just received an email from someone with only one question…price.
Nothing about testimonials,reports,how I operate ,how long it takes,how long I have been doing it …but simply price.
Below is the email and my response.
Hi Bob,
I found you through the internet, and I am writing to get a an idea quote from you. I am a first-time home buyer buying a condo. It is a three bedroom and two bathroom apartment, which is about 1000-1300 square feet. The building has four units.
*I am not a discount store .
Home Inspection is my full time job.
If looking for a cheap Inspector you will get what you pay for and may be better off not getting one rather than risking your life savings to save $25-$50 on a cut rate inspection.
My clients get the best service and report possible with lots of detail and knowledge included.
The average rate on my fees for such a unit is in the $275.00-$300.00 range and takes 2-3 hours.
However good luck with your search. *
Have not punched the send button yet so please tell me if I am just in a bad mood or appropriate…thanks.
“If the lowest price is your primary concern for the protection of your investment, I am most likely not who you are looking to hire. I would be happy to explain the difference between my inspection and those who inspect at wholesale prices.”
I had something abrasive like that on my website. Someone emailed me and told me that considering the title of my company it was not appropriate and that if I really cared about family I would do them cheaper. They were full of **** but I did realize that being abrasive like that is not the way to go. I tried, I failed and I learned. I think you are as frustrated as I was when I put it on my website. I would say respond with something more like Troys. Just my two cents.
Never assume they are price shoppers looking for the lowest price. A clue is he stated he is a first time home buyer. He may have no idea what questions to ask, so he asked the only question he knows… how much?
Respond with your own questions. Start a conversation with him. Make him feel like he is important to you and your business. Price is the last thing I ever talk about, and then rarely in the first email. Let him answer your questions first.
Note: doing this makes it easier to charge a higher fee, as you made it personal, and it is no longer just about price.
May need to respond like I do on the phone as non confrontational.
The name is Chinese so he may not feel comfortable on the phone and I have many Chinese clients.
“If the lowest price is your primary concern for the protection of your investment, I am most likely not who you are looking to hire. I would be happy to explain the difference between my inspection and those who inspect at wholesale prices.”
The average rate on my fees for such a unit is in the $250-$275.00 range and takes 2-3 hours.
