How to write a quote request that providers answer

A provider sees only what you write in the request. If it is vague, the quotes will be too: guesses whose price may change later. A good request takes five minutes and saves weeks.

1. Start with what you want to achieve

Describe the result, not just the job. "I want the living room walls painted before Christmas" is better than "painting". Then the provider can suggest a solution you may not have thought of yourself.

2. Give the key facts

• Where: postal code, floor, whether there is a lift, whether parking is nearby.
• How much: square metres, rooms, number of windows, size of the yard.
• Current state: age, materials, known problems.
• What must not change: for example furniture, plants or a wall.

3. Attach photos

A photo often says more than a paragraph of text. Photos cut down on questions and make the price estimate more accurate. On Palvelunyt.fi you can attach photos and PDF files directly to the request.

4. Tell the schedule and how flexible it is

"As soon as possible" and "by 15 November at the latest" are different things. If the schedule is flexible, say so: a flexible customer often gets a better quote, because the provider can fit the job into their own calendar.

5. It pays to talk about budget

A budget range does not raise prices. It helps the provider suggest a way of doing the job that fits you. If you do not know your budget, say that.

6. Ask directly what you want to know

You can write in the request what the quote must include: whether the price covers materials, travel and cleaning, and when the provider can start.

What to leave out

You do not need to write your contact details in the request. The conversation takes place in the messages on Palvelunyt.fi after you have chosen a quote. Do not include unnecessary personal details either, such as your home address in more detail than the provider needs before quoting.

Example

I need a quote for tiling a bathroom. The room is about 4 m², floor and walls are being renewed, the floor drain stays. It is an apartment in a housing company, second floor, with a lift. Photos attached. I would like to start in January. I would like the price to separate labour and materials.

A request of this length is plenty.