Think Like an Estimator

Overview

Preparing an accurate Quote is about much more than calculating a price.

Experienced estimators are constantly thinking ahead.

Every decision made during the quoting process influences purchasing, scheduling, safety, staffing, equipment, invoicing and ultimately the success of the Job.

JGID has been designed to encourage this way of thinking.

Rather than simply asking, "How much will this Job cost?", ask yourself:

"What will it take to complete this Job successfully?"

Start With the Outcome

Before thinking about labour, materials or pricing, understand the outcome the customer is trying to achieve.

Ask questions such as:

What problem are we solving?
What does success look like?
Is the requested solution actually the best solution?

Customers often describe what they think they need.

An experienced estimator works out what they actually need.

Break the Job Into Steps

Every Job can be broken down into individual tasks.

Instead of trying to estimate the entire Job at once, think about each stage separately.

For each task, ask:

What Service am I providing?
What Materials are required?
Which Instruments will I need?
What Consumables will be used?
What PPE will be required?

This naturally follows the JGID Item Type hierarchy.

Think Beyond the Quote

The Quote is only the beginning.

As you build the Quote, imagine your technicians arriving on site.

Ask yourself:

Can they actually access the work area?
How will they transport the equipment?
Will they need permits?
Is there parking?
Is water or electricity available?
Are there restrictions on working hours?
Will weather affect the work?
What could delay the Job?

The best estimators are always thinking several steps ahead.

Think About Safety Early

Safety shouldn't begin when the technicians arrive on site.

It begins during the estimating process.

As you select Services, Materials, Instruments and PPE, consider:

What hazards exist?
How can those hazards be eliminated?
If they can't be eliminated, how can they be controlled?
What qualifications are required?
How many people are needed?
Is a rescue plan required?

The earlier these questions are asked, the smoother the Job will run.

Think Like the Technician

Imagine you're the person carrying out the work.

Would you have everything you need?

Would the Quote allow enough time?

Would the required equipment actually fit into the vehicle?

Would another technician understand exactly what is expected?

If the answer to any of these questions is "no", revisit the Quote before it becomes a Job.

Think Like the Customer

Now change perspective.

Imagine you're the customer reading the Quote.

Does it clearly explain:

What is included?
What is excluded?
What assumptions have been made?
What will happen next?

A well-written Quote builds confidence before any work has even begun.

Think Like the Business Owner

A successful Job isn't just technically correct.

It also needs to be commercially successful.

Ask yourself:

Have all labour costs been included?
Have travel and setup time been considered?
Have materials been allowed for correctly?
Is specialised equipment required?
Have risks been priced appropriately?
Will this Quote still be profitable if something unexpected happens?

Winning the Job is important.

Completing it profitably is even more important.

Let JGID Remember

One of the biggest advantages of JGID is that you don't need to remember everything yourself.

As you build your inventory, Categories and Master Matrix, JGID begins remembering these decisions for you.

The software doesn't replace your experience.

It helps preserve it.

The next person preparing a similar Quote benefits from the knowledge you've already captured.

Experience Is Built One Job at a Time

No estimator knows everything.

Every completed Job teaches something new.

Perhaps a better Material was discovered.

Perhaps a different access method worked better.

Perhaps an additional safety control should be included next time.

Each improvement can be added back into JGID, allowing your entire team to benefit from that experience in future.

Over time, your business becomes smarter because its knowledge continues to grow.

Best Practice

Don't think of estimating as pricing.

Think of it as planning.

The more thoroughly a Job is planned before work begins, the fewer surprises there will be during delivery.

A good Quote doesn't just win work.

It prepares your team for success.

Just Get It Done!

The best estimators don't simply calculate costs.

They visualise the entire Job from beginning to end.

JGID has been designed to support that way of thinking.

By planning once and capturing your knowledge, every future Quote becomes faster, more consistent and more complete.

That's what Just Get It Done! is all about.

Understanding the JGID Master Matrix
Understanding Automation
Understanding Item Types
Understanding Categories & Subcategories
Understanding Purchase Orders
Understanding Job Hazard Analyses