if you're going out to just measure , sure that's pointless. if you're going out to upsell options, build rapport, learn about the client, close the deal and get your average tickets > 1k it's worth it. you need a solid sales process for in person. i use a sheet but if you're just going out to quote a 300 house wash that's pointless and not worth it.
I started doing my house washes online, however for wood decks, concrete or anything that needs to be measured I still go in person. Already, cut back on time either way with online house wash estimates. And I usually try and schedule the estimate if I'm in the area so I don't waste too much time.
With decks, on the phone I ask several questions. What type of deck do you have? Natural wood, or composite? If it's natural wood, is it painted or raw wood? Do you plan on having the deck painted after I am done cleaning it, or just want it cleaned? I then check Google earth quickly while I'm on the phone to see if I can see everything I need to see. If I can get a good measurement, then I know everything I should need to know and there is no reason for me to go. However, even if you quoted House Washes/Roofs/Concrete online. And set appointments to go see decks, that's still saving ass loads of time. I'm also much more likely to be willing to go drive to a estimate if it's 15/20 minutes away vs 45 minutes. I'm not driving 45 minutes to give a estimate and not get the job. I'm quoting that online.
I have always done estimates by pictures and such...too time consuming to go to the home. I never understood why you insisted on doing that...but, good on you for moving forward in your business and doing this without going to the home.
When I quote decks online I ask then if its painted/trex decking/anything other than just bare wood. I price bare wood (sodium metasilicate and oxalic) higher than just trex which house wash takes care of. Worse comes to worse I can usually get them to text a photo of the deck.
I've had them send me photos of houses, concrete and decks sometimes. They do it no problem. But I can't help but think that they are thinking they are doing my job.....
When I quote on line, I quote subject to sight. Just in case I under or over priced. Heard Wood wizard is pretty good. Nate from outside cleaners is a pro when it comes to wood cleaning. Check him out.
