Should you quote before the car’s on the hoist?
By Frank ·
Short answer
Yes, as long as the customer knows what the quote covers. A quote from good photos, a clear description and the right vehicle details is a fair starting point. Say what you’ve allowed for and what could change once the car is on the hoist. Customers trust a quote that’s honest about its limits.
What you can quote from a distance
Wear items you can see in a photo, like pads, rotors and tyres, are usually fair to quote ahead. So is servicing to the manufacturer’s schedule, once you know the exact vehicle. The rego matters here: the same model can come with different engines and brake set-ups, and the wrong one means the wrong parts.
What needs the car in the bay
Faults that come and go, electrical problems, most noises and anything that needs a scan tool or a road test. For these, quote the diagnosis time first and the repair once you know what you’re dealing with.
How to word it so there are no surprises
- Say what’s included. Parts, labour and anything like disposal or a wheel alignment.
- Say what you’ve assumed. “Assumes the rotors are within spec” is a fair line to put in writing.
- Say what could change. And why, in plain words the customer will understand.
- Promise to call first. No extra work without the customer saying yes.
Avoiding the comeback
Most arguments at pick-up start with a quote that sounded firmer than it was. Being clear up front costs nothing and it’s what customers remember. If the job changes once the car is on the hoist, ring them, explain what you found and send an updated quote before you go further.
How Frank does it
Frank looks up the vehicle from the rego and state, collects the customer’s photos and video, and prepares an AI-assisted report with likely causes, safety checks and questions to ask. Your tech sets the price and puts their name on the quote. The customer accepts it from the same link.
See how Frank worksQuestions
- What if the job changes once I see the car?
- Call the customer before doing extra work, explain what you found and send an updated quote.
- Should I quote diagnosis separately?
- For faults you can’t confirm from photos, yes. Quote the diagnosis first and the repair once you know the cause.
- Who sets the price in Frank?
- Your tech. Frank’s AI helps you prepare, but the price and the name on the quote are the workshop’s.