Electrical Contracting Estimating Basics

Electric Pro Academy - Real skills to make real money.

EPro-To-Call Beta:
You’ve been a practicing master electrician for several years now, but are finding this hiring, advertising, and logistical stuff to be a real annoyance. Get a 15-year professional electrician’s relevant business advice via video or voice call; EPro’s own Joel Walsman is available for any question, with complete transparency & full-bodied advice for the electrical business owner, small electrical contractor, or general contractor seeking specific problem-solving assistance or greater overall efficacy. Get the certainty of a pro’s past experience, present attention to detail, and knack for the future!

Synopsis:
First impressions are a weighty thing in life: Personal & business! In this video, Joel will walk through his approach to estimates, how they set the tone for a customer, who’s responsible within his business, and the subtle things that set the best electricians apart from the rest. If you’re a DIYer, sorry, this video’s not for you, but if you’re a large or small-business electrician seeking to improve the quality of work for your people and maybe boost your profits while you’re at it, look no further.

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Products We’d Recommend:
*EPRO endorses pro-level tools & materials, and receives a small commission for purchases through our links from Amazon & other affiliate programs. We’d be happy to recommend more cost-effective products for DIYers and low-frequency users if you engage with us in the comment section!

Outline:
0:00 - Introduction
0:39 - Pre-Call
1:42 - Differentiator
2:53 - Up-Front Contract
4:56 - Be The Doctor
6:39 - Equal Business Stature
10:07 - Bonding & Rapport
16:10 - Value Statements
17:18 - Inclusions & Exclusions
20:48 - Margins
23:44 - Expectations: “Let’s Pretend…”
26:04 - Ballparking
27:52 - Just Shut Up
30:58 - Final Audit

Connect With Us:
Jefferson Electric services residential, commercial, solar, and Tesla systems in Indianapolis, IN.

[dansklrvids]

This video isn’t just for electricians. It’s not just for contractors. It’s not even just for salesmen. It’s for people who want results. Excellent material.

[caseycooper]

Very, very good points. I think the bottom line comes not to price, but in being able to convey (and deliver) to the customer that you will privide a quality product timely and not lett them down. If the customer only wants the cheapest price, then it is a self-resolving issue they don't accept the bid

In addition to being humble, i think the best piece of advice is being with the silence after a customer says your price is high. Staying quiet and not qualifying shows confidence in the price and yourself. In general, it's a great way to direct conversations since everyone is uncomfortable with silence and wants to fill it.

[markxx]

This video is gold. Took notes on this to apply to starting my electrical business

[AdamS-lhug]

This hits home for me, worked for a Vet who was starting his own company, he was paying us apprentices decent wages but as an attempt to get his foot in he was cutting deals to everyone and essentially established that market value for himself. Ended up not being sustainable when Covid hit and was the only residential contractor not raking in money, laid all of his electricians off (he was also doing doing GC work, and framing, lots of decks). Ended up starting from scratch under a different company name and doing business north of the Twin Cities instead of southern twin cities where he and most of his guys lived and now gas is $4.50+

[circuitbreaker]

I have run my business pretty well like you have. Done every well. You have very many good points. You will be always be successful doing business the way you do

[guenetteworks]

master class that can be applied in any sales situation

[richsanches]

This fellow is right on with his advice.
Wish I had this advice when I started my own Electrical business!
But I bet he wishes he did too.
Which I think is also an important point which he makes is to know yourself and your abilities and experience.

[MarkFunderburk]

I'm an EE who does some consulting and I have been so impressed with these videos. I think this is so on point both from the point of view of dealing with clients and how I would want to be treated if I hire an EC. I am not surprised you have built such a successful business at your relatively young age (just a few older than me!)

I hope I can find a company like yours out here in North Carolina when I build my house / shop.

[jordanclayton]

A few of the terms you used told me you are part of the Contractor Fight or have studied content. I learned SO much from them!

I'm Tesla Certified but was wondering how you feel about your partnership with Span. Is it similar to the partnership with Tesla?

All of your content is top tier, you and Dustin are the only YT electricians I watch. Keep up the great work!

[briansiebert]

I will be watching this video more than once, and recommending that my colleagues do, as well. Thanks Joel!

[gruffalodaddy]

This was an awesome video.
I am glad you took the time to share.

[johnjefferson]

Way more information than I was expecting. Nicely done

[gblair]

Bars!!!
So much wisdom. Appreciate you sir.

[DariusTate-osey]

This video was outstanding thank you for your insight !

[LashebaLindsey]

The one thing that gets a dominant personality always looking straight

[jeremiahnewsom]

you picking up what Im putting down I love this

[brenthubner]

hey what is the smallest job that you are willing to go and quote? I have issues sometimes spending time looking at a job and giving a quote when its only a couple of hours worth of work, how do you decide what is a service call and what is worth spending time quoting? thanks!

[calebroskamp]

“Differentiate with value not with boasting.” Nice

[pawelelektryk]

Great info, thank u for taking the time to share it.

[charleshill]

This is invaluable. Thank you for sharing.