They send “bit steep mate.” You are on a roof. The easy reply is “I can do it for £400 less.” That £400 was materials markup, unpaid quoting, or the van. You just paid for their kitchen.
Use when
| What they said | What it usually means | Your move |
|---|---|---|
| Bit high / steep | They have another number, or a budget in their head | Ask what they compared |
| My mate would do it for X | A cash favour, or a different job | Hold the spec. Do not match a mate rate |
| Can you do anything on the price? | They want a discount, not less work | Offer to remove lines, not shave the total |
| We’ll leave it | Not now, or they already booked someone | One calm close. Do not chase |
Copy these
Ask first. Paste this when they have not said why.
Thanks for coming back. Happy to look at it. Was it the total, or a particular line? If you’ve had another price, send the scope and I’ll tell you if we’re quoting the same job.
They want it cheaper, same spec. Offer less work.
I can’t drop the price on the same job — that number already covers the labour, materials, and the bits that go wrong on this type of work. I can take the four doors / extra coat / [optional] off and send a revised figure this afternoon. Which bits do you want to drop?
The number is right. You are letting it go.
Understood. I can’t do that job properly at that figure. If the other quote misses prep / waste / VAT, you’ll feel it on site. If you want it done to this spec later, I’ve got the measure and can pick it up.
What people miss
Matching a screenshot. You did not see their fuse board, their plaster, or whether VAT was in. Matching a JPEG is how you work Sunday for free.
“I’ll knock a bit off.” They will ask again at the end. If you move, write a new quote with a reason — fewer hours, cheaper tap — not a vibe discount.
Writing an essay about your insurance. One line on what is in the number is enough. They are not hiring a lecture.
Arguing on the thread at 9pm. If they are shopping, you will not convert them tonight. Sleep. Reply in work hours.
Related guides
FAQ
- Should I ask what the other quote was?
- Ask for the scope, not their shopping list. “Are we quoting the same job?” is enough. You do not need their PDF to hold your number.
- What if they are right and I overpriced?
- Then recost. That is a maths error, not a discount. Send a revised quote with the correction, once.
- Can I offer a smaller job as a tester?
- Yes, if it is a real smaller job. A “half price to get in the door” is still a fake number.
- They said too high but want to book next week.
- Confirm the original figure in writing before you order anything. “Too high” plus a start date is not a new price unless you agreed one.
