Services: compare quotes and scope

Write a testable need

Describe the location, the starting position, the expected result and the deadline. For a course, specify the duration and number of participants; for an intervention, access, material and constraints. Attach the same information to each application. The provider must be able to explain what he will deliver and what will remain with you.

• Documented starting position.
• Expected result described.
• Constraints and specified deadlines.

Separate price and content

Collect units, quantities, labour, supplies, travel, taxes and options. Check what is excluded, including preparation, cleaning or re-runs. DGCCRF explains the value of the quote to describe a personalized service; the exact obligation depends on the sector and the situation. Ask for a detail when the price is not enough to understand the offer.

• Quantities and readable units.
• Additional costs included or explained.
• Exclusions detected.

Clarify changes and payment

Ask how an additional task is proposed, encrypted and accepted. Take up payment schedule and the nature of the amounts paid in advance. Clarify who orders the supplies and who assumes a delay or unavailability. Keep a written agreement for any changes: an oral conversation is difficult to get closer to the final estimate.

• Procedure for written amendment.
• Timeline included.
• Responsibilities identified.

Identify the executing and post-benefit

If a platform intervenes, distinguish it from the professional who executes and invoices. Check contacts, document submitted at the end and processing of complaints. Prepare a simple receipt of the result: check the deliverable, anomalies and exchanges kept. Compare this follow-up to the same extent as the initial cost.

• Execute and billant identified.
• Deliverables and agreed reception.
• Claims and contacts found.

Fictional example · No merchant prices

A quote must cover the same tasks and supplies

Fictitious example: A proposes 140 € labour, excluding supplies estimated at 45 € and without travel to 20 €, i.e. 205 B proposes the same intervention with supplies and travel for 190 €. The difference is 15 € if these perimeters are actually identical. An unconfirmed supply estimate must remain reported; it does not convert A into a firm quote. Ask for the details of each proposal and what could be charged as a surcharge.

• Describe the same task and supplies.
• Confirm travel and other expenses.
• Distinguish the claimant's estimate and written commitment.

Compare perimeter and cost of estimates