Mike wrote in message
...
Kate you will remember that I recommended that you get a written Quotation
for any work reference the Nest removal, well in the mail this morning was
an ESTIMATE for some work I would like doing on my car. No, I want a
Quotation. I telephone the company and explained to the lady on the
switchboard/reception that they had sent me an Estimate, but I requested a
Quotation. "Well, it's the same" 'No, there is a difference between an
Estimate and a Quotation' "Oh, I will have to see the person who did it"

Question. Was she trying to pull the wool over my eyes, or was she
ignorant
of the difference?

and I wonder just how many people DO know the difference. When I had my
businesses, I NEVER gave an Estimate, always a Quotation

Mike



Good for you, Mike. There certainly *is* a difference, and more people
ought to be aware of it. Alas, some firms refuse to give a quotation;
presumably they fear losing their profit margin if they give too lean a
quotation. When this has happened with us, we have had the decency to offer
some extra payment - *only* if the job is 'spot on' to the point of being
impressive and the firm worth recommending to friends. I believe in being
fair, not generous! )

An Estimate is a very moveable feast - firstly in terms of time, and
consequently in terms of cost.
As far as I'm concerned, if a firm can't give me a good quotation, it can't
give me a good job either. It takes experience to do both. On the two
occasions we topped up a fee, the firm was new but very professional.
Indeed, the second firm we totally rely on now and frequently recommend the
gent to very appreciative friends and neighbours. We simply know he won't
rob us.

Spider