Owning a tile business is hard work - especially if you are new to the industry. At ProMatcher, our goal is to help tile contractors find more work and bid on jobs. While a basic "T&M" contract might work in some cases, we want you to consider some other factors when bidding on new tile jobs.
Read this article to learn some simple tips for winning tile jobs and staying busy all year long.
1. Research how much other tile contractors charge
How much do other local contractors charge? Doing a little bit of competitor research can give you a better idea of the "going rates" near you. Calling a few companies for quotes is an easy way to do this.
You can also take a look at
ProMatcher's Tile Work Cost Report. We've polled tile contractors from around the country so see how much they typically charge.
Don't ever feel like you have to lower your prices to win jobs - especially if you are a reputable and experienced contractor with good reviews. Local consumers will pay a premium to work with a professional.
2. Don't forget about overhead and extra expenses
"Time and materials" is one of the simplest ways to think about pricing tile work. However, it's important to factor all of your overhead costs into this rate. Think about any items that may make the project more challenging (requiring more time or more materials). Here are some important factors to consider:
> Approx. mileage to job site
> Crew size and local labor rates
> Demolition and surface preparation
> Permitting fees
> Required materials (tile, grout, sealers, fixtures)
> Equipment requirements
> Office expenses
> Payroll and benefits
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3. Give on-site estimates
It's important to meet with your potential client in person before preparing a bid for the job. It can be very tough to give accurate tile estimates over the phone. Whenever you have a schedule appointment, take a few extra seconds to make sure you are presenting the best version of yourself. That might just mean putting on a clean shirt. Dress professionally, arrive on time, and be respectful of people's homes and businesses. Making a great first impression can make a huge difference.
4. Put everything in writing (don't skimp on the details)
The more detail, the better! Protect yourself by putting everything in writing. You bid should specify exactly what your quote covers (and what it will not cover).
We asked tile contractors from around the country how they bid on tile installation jobs. Most of them said they
charge by the square foot. However, the difficulty of the job may impact the unit price.
5. Deliver the bid in a timely fashion
Don't wait too long to get back to the customer with your estimate. If you can, you might even drop it off in person. It doesn't hurt to leave behind a brochure or a business card as well. Your contact information should be super easy to find. Don't make them go searching for your phone number if they were to have questions about the bid.
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6. Use a template to get started
If you don't have a standard bid proposal already, it can be helpful to have a standard template ready to go. If you don't feel comfortable doing this on your own, you might consider purchasing a tile work bid proposal template. There are many online resources (even free ones) that can help you accomplish this. Over time, you can customize that basic template to fit your tile company's needs.
7. Have reliable references
Be prepared to offer references! While online reviews are very popular now, there are still customers who will be interested in speaking with a reference. A satisfied customer that you've worked with in the past should be happy to do you this small favor.
Create your free ProMatcher account today! We help tile contractors find new lead generation strategies.
Last Updated: October 18, 2018