You know they will ask for the extra spots and the chrome. You bury them in the base price “to be helpful.” They take the job, then ask you to drop the chrome they never knew was in. Optional lines exist so the yes is clean and the extras are extra.
How to list them
| Block | Rule |
|---|---|
| Core job | Can be accepted alone. Total stands. |
| Optional A, B, C | Each has a price. “Not included unless ticked.” |
| Grand total if all ticked | Optional, labelled as such |
| Acceptance | YES to core, and which extras |
Worked decorating quote:
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Core — hall, stairs, landing, walls and ceiling as scoped | £1,800 |
| Optional — gloss 4 doors | £240 |
| Optional — ceiling rose swap | £90 |
| Optional — paper one feature wall (paper supplied) | £160 |
| If they take core + doors | £2,040 |
Quote attached: core job £1,800 (HSL as scoped). Optionals listed separately — not included unless you name them. Reply YES and which extras (doors / rose / paper). Valid 30 days.
Pick add-ons you would actually do this visit: doors, extra coats, a thermostat, making good a patch they will notice. Do not list a loft conversion under a boiler swap. Wisdom is three extras, not a catalogue.
What people miss
Mixing optionals into the core total. Then a “no” to chrome looks like you overcharged. Split it.
Eighteen optionals. They will freeze. Three that fit this job beat a menu.
Unpriced “we can also…” If it has no figure, it is not an add-on. It is a chat you will have on the tools for free.
Doing the extra because they “probably want it.” Wait for the yes on that line. Mid-job extras still need a number.
Related guides
FAQ
- Will optionals scare them off?
- Not if the core is a fair job they can buy. Scare comes from a bloated base they cannot parse.
- Should I discount extras if they take three?
- Only if the time actually stacks. Do not gift a bundle that eats the afternoon.
- VAT on extras?
- Same treatment as the core. If you charge VAT, extras get VAT. If you do not, they do not.
- They tick extras after we start.
- Fine — new yes, new figure, same rule as any variation. Do not assume the original optional list is still priced.
