Wasted time on estimates

[Roger Walling]

I am reading everyday about people writing estimates using the big three estimating systems and complaining about the times.

My first thought is why don't they use the system to create an estimate and then re-write it in an excel system using the "guide" (as it is called) and entering their own values, based on your shops needs?

Some people say that it would take too much time (I hear, " do you know how many estimates I write a day?) The real question should be how many repairs do you do each day! Each repair needs an accurate invoice when billing, so why not start with an accurate estimate?

Anyone who uses the insurance company estimate for an invoice is an incompetent businessman and is wasting his time and money in an investment that cannot make money in that scenario.

My questions to you are;

How high is your estimate to invoice ratio?

Is it really necessary to write an estimate for anyone who is out collecting estimates?

Do you enter the insurance company estimates into your computer?

If so, why do you use a tool that is designed to write for the least profit possible?

I have do not write cars so I am not familiar with the above questions and I wonder why people cater to insurance appraisers tactics.

A 142 line estimate is a lot of writing when all you have to do is inc. all your necessary procedures in the time for each item. I.e. “
One fender $168.32
Install fender $274.54
Tax $8.42
Total $451.80
Thank you

[mastertech]

If you don't pass out paper you don't get any jobs.

The final invoice has nothing to do with the estimate.

I bill as you do Roger in Dollars and for what was necessary for that vehicle.

The guides are only "guides". A joke at best.

I like when an adjuster tries to include glass R&I in a quarter panel replacement. I sublet glass and refuse to work for glass company rates. The all say it is included in the quarter replacement and not in the p-pages (except for the $12.00 for urethane) I tell them to send a glass company out and pay the bill but so far no takers. So I sub it and mark it up. Then they try to deduct it from the quarter replacement time. Then after I add all the includeds back in and charge my fee it gets interesting.

I just tell them I do not care how they get the bottom line but this is what it the final bill is period. Just pay it.