AgentBuddyGuide
5 Quoting Mistakes Painters Make (And the Fix)
Avoid these common quoting blunders that cost painters time and money.
1. Forgetting to charge for prep work
Many painters only quote the painting, skipping the sanding, filling, and priming. This eats into your profit. Add a line item for surface preparation to cover your costs.
2. Guessing paint quantities
Estimating paint by eye often leads to under ordering or wastage. Use a paint calculator or measure wall areas properly. Order exactly what you need to avoid multiple trips to the shop.
3. Ignoring weather and drying time
In NZ, weather can change fast. If you quote for a fast drying day and it rains, you lose time. Add a contingency for weather delays, especially in high humidity or rainy seasons.
4. Not factoring in access costs
Two story houses need scaffolding or extra ladder hire. Many painters forget to include access equipment in the quote. Always inspect the site and charge for any special gear needed.
5. Underquoting for labour
Painting takes longer than you think, especially with detailed trim or high ceilings. Track your actual hours on past jobs to set a realistic hourly rate. Don't sell yourself short.
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