Negotiating a quote

[jb190281]

Is it the "done thing" to negotiate a quote for some home improvement? What's the general rule with these things - I don't want to go in all guns blazing, but I want to know how far I should/can push it

[boxtops]

How do you mean, negotiate a quote? It's recommended that you always get three quotations from different companies for any work you want doing - but you can always go back to the one you want and ask for clarification on any points. You can't negotiate once you have accepted the quote,if you then want to change the specification you would have to ask for an updated quotation.

[mrpeter]

Once you have three quotes as recommended you can go back to any of them or your preferred quote and discuss any of the details or price. If your cheapest quote is not your preferred choice see if the preferred quote is willing to negotiate.You may have some bargaining power once you can compare prices quoted. Make sure all have quoted for the same specification. I have just accepted a quote because one contractor was not VAT registered and therefore he was cheaper although both quotes I was comparing were the same apart from the VAT added. The cheapest is not always the best.

[bednobs]

i have just negotiated a rate with my estate agent. We had narrowed it down to 2 = 1 with a rate of 1.5% and one with a rate of 1% i wanted to go with the 1.5% one so i rang them up and told them we were chosing betweem them and 1 other, and that the other had a lower rate, and could they do anything to lower their rate

[TonyV]

jb if you list of want you doing and ask the builders to quote for that work

[chas2008]

just the threat of getting a second quote can often make them think again..

[ttfn]

Hi jb - hope you are all well. I would always ask for quotations rather than estimates. You need to be so specific and agree the level of workmanship required. I think a realistic price is the best option to choose rather than necessarily the cheapest. Far better to get satisfaction first time round. There is a competitive market, more than ever, to get the work in during hard times, but one needs to be sure that the work will meet your expectations. Never any harm in trying to reduce prices, within reason.