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Subject: Re: [Hx] Typical Fees
From: Steven Finder <sfinder@me.com>
In-reply-to: <list-1560788@realpeople.com>
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:27:10 -0500
Message-id: <6BC2625C-F6CA-439B-B692-C42411AEC20D@me.com>
References: <list-1560788@realpeople.com>
To: Helix Discussion List <Helix-L@realpeople.com>

Wade, somehow I think you are making a jab at me and I am not sure what it is based on. I can't remember ever asking you for a quote for anything. I have spoken to people over the phone and have gotten some advice but that was no different than on this list. I have also helped others on this list and on the phone. So it works both ways. 

Now on to the bigger picture. We are all adults and all capable of making an adult contract with each other. In other words, if you someone asks for a phone consult and you choose to give it, don't complain about making that choice. And kudos to the person who asked for it and received it. 

Ultimately, this is about sales and your ability to sell your service. Of course clients are going to look for their own self interest. You need to manage that.

I can see a situation where someone would say to a potential client. "I am not really sure that we understand what you need and that I know what this project is going to entail. I can't give you a fair quote so I propose that I look at the project and put together a detailed plan as to what it will take and cost to complete. This way we can make sure that you are getting exactly what you need. Evaluating your project will cost $XX and if you decide to go forward with me, then I can apply that toward the full project. If you choose not to go forward, then you will have clear specifications that you can use to bid the project somewhere else." There is a lot of ways to sell this.

Finally, we don't do a phone quote but not because we don't know the price. Because we want the potential client to come in the door, see our location, meet the staff, and give us an opportunity to sell them. Here are our basic rates. Phone call to consult conversion rate approx 90%, Show rate approx 75%, Close rate approx 80%. 

Here is our rate if we give a quote over the phone. Phone call to consult conversion rate approx 5%. Show rate approx 10%, close rate approx 80%.

Take care,

Steven Finder


On Aug 25, 2010, at 1:52 PM, Wade Brezina wrote:

> Only he knows enough not to do the phone quote but expects to get one.
> 
> Wade
> 
> 
> On Aug 25, 2010, at 1:36 PM, Ron Jenkins wrote:
> 
>> I imagine for Steve it would be like giving a quick phone quote to remove a little body hair and then having Robin Williams show up . . .
>> 
>> Ron
>> 
>> On Aug 25, 2010, at 2:07 PM, Wade Brezina wrote:
>> 
>>> You don't do business the way you expect a helix consultant to.
>> 
> 
> 
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