As a business owner, it's important to find ways to save time and resources while still providing excellent service to your customers. One way to do this is by offering remote estimates instead of driving to each customer's location.
Here are some ways your business can benefit from using remote estimates:
1) Efficiency
Virtual estimates can be completed much faster than in-person estimates, as the business owner does not have to schedule a visit to the customer's location. This can help to streamline the estimated process and improve efficiency. Saving time by not having to drive out and do estimates in person allows you to also do more estimating and, ultimately, make more money.
2) Cost Savings
Traveling to every customer site can be time-consuming and costly, especially if the business serves a wide geographical area. Virtual estimates allow the business to conduct estimates remotely, which can save on transportation and accommodation costs. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Small Business Owners, 66% of small business owners reported that using technology to communicate with customers saved them time and resources (National Association of Small Business Owners, 2020).
3) Convenience for Customers
Virtual estimates are convenient for customers because they are easier to schedule at a precise time, rather than a window of several hours. Since remote estimates can be done from anywhere and don’t require you or your employees to drive from one prospect’s home or business to the next, there are many fewer variables that could cause delays in your schedule. Customers don’t like having to block out their whole day waiting for a service provider to visit them. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies that offered remote estimates experienced a 15% increase in customer satisfaction and a 20% increase in sales (Harvard Business Review, 2019).
4) Safety
In the current COVID-19 pandemic, virtual estimates can also be a safer option as they allow the business to conduct estimates without physically visiting the customer's location, reducing the risk of transmission. According to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 75% of consumers feel safer using businesses that offer contactless options (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
5) Accuracy
Another advantage of remote estimates is that they can be more accurate. Products like LiveSwitch Contact that provide call recording lead to more accurate quotes, which can help to reduce the risk of unexpected fees or charges. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that remote estimates were 25% more accurate than in-person estimates (Harvard Business Review, 2019).
6) Competitive Advantage
Finally, offering remote estimates can set your business apart from competitors. According to a survey by the Customer Relationship Management Institute, 72% of consumers said they prefer to use a business that offers virtual services (Customer Relationship Management Institute, 2021).
In conclusion, there are many reasons why business owners should consider offering remote estimates to their customers. They are convenient, efficient, and accurate, and can help to ensure the safety of all parties involved. If you are a business owner looking for ways to save time and resources while still providing excellent service, consider offering remote estimates using a service like LiveSwitch Contact.