Hi, I am looking for help on how to correctly bid on painting jobs. Maybe a formula that is more accurate then the one I use and don't feel confident with. Thanks for any help,J.C.

Clough

I would be interested in what the formula is that you have been using and why you don't feel confident with it.

The usual method employed by painters is to charge by the square foot and not by the hour or just some sort of flat figure. Other factors that would figure into the cost would be the paint, surface preparation and any repairs that might have to be made before painting can be started. Estimating by the square foot gives the most honest and qualifying bid to a customer as to why they are paying what they are.

You might like to check out the answers to questions on the following links that have been similar to yours.

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/home-ba...ng-108493.html

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/home-ba...ng-114533.html

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/home-ba...es-107000.html

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/home-ba...light=painting

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/interio...id-103789.html

Clough

If you would like any information about how to advertise for free or very little cost, then please just ask. I can help you with that also.

jimcdee

Thanks for your reply, I guess I am interested in the Dollar amount per sq. ft. in my area. and does that include materials. because I want to be fair.Thats were I am afaid of loosing money.I live inthe north east and cost of everything is very high here. Thanks again, Jimcdee

Bkegg

That’s simple it's all about your competition. I started a business dealing with low voltage and computer networking recently stopped too many hours and was tired of people calling me every time their internet went down...I only network the computers people I DO NOT provide the service for Christ sakes....hehhe anyways

As I was saying what I did before starting out I call some of my main competition acting like I was interested in their services. Asked them for a quote and told them I would return their call if I didn't find a better deal. So if I was you I would drag out the big phone book them you need a 60 square foot wall inside your house painted...They give you a price then let them know you are also interested in getting this 80 square foot exterior wall sand blasted (or whatever) and repainted. Then bingo you have your quotes and your ready to go into business after a few more phone calls. This shouldn’t take more than an hour or two on the phone BTW.

Not sure how business ethical this may be but hey since when have ethics been economical.

Clough

Actually, I don't think that there is anything unethical about it, as long as you are being honest. When you call the competition, there is no need to pretend anything. Just ask them what they would charge per square foot given certain conditions. I.e., how many feet, there are no imperfections, etc.