Providing an accurate TAP® quote for a prospective customer is a very important part of the TAP® sales process. After all, mistakes can cost you money whether it’s a lost job from over-pricing or an underpriced job. If you follow some simple steps, however, you might be surprised at how easy it can be.
Two Important Factors to Consider
Two of the important considerations for quoting a TAP® job are:
- The ability to accurately measure and obtain the attic’s square footage
- Creating a detailed graph
Obtaining the proper attic square footage correlates directly to the amount of EPA-registered TAP® Pest Control Insulation product is needed to install. This calculation, thus, is an important part in making sure the quote is correct.
Don’t Rely on Zillow or the Homeowner
Many Pest Management Professionals starting out with TAP® often think that real estate websites such as Trulia and Zillow are a reliable source for determining square footage. This would be false and can cause your company a costly mistake. Real Estate websites are often wrong in their estimates.
Another common mistake is to take the homeowners’ ‘word for it.’ In reality, most homeowners are guessing or pulling from memory that which they were told by their realtor.
Accurate Measuring
Two of the practical methods of measuring are using a measuring wheel and using a tape measure. Simply walk the exterior perimeter of the home with a wheel or lay out a tape measure. Both of these will provide a conservative number on which you can rely.
If you are looking for a more automated method in calculating square footage, laser measurement tools can be a great resource and time saver. There are models that just give you the straight line distance and models that do all the calculations for you. Of course, the more sophisticated the laser the more expensive it is.
Don’t Forget the Graph
Putting together a graph is a great way to keep track of the measurements and show your potential customer great attention to detail. Utilize standard graph paper or use the TAP® Attic Inspection Graph. Trace out the perimeter of the attic and jot down the measurements accordingly. Once back in the attic, it is easy to cross reference the graph and attic square footage measurement with any areas that might not be applicable to installing TAP® (i.e., storage, HVAC systems, or other obstacles). Simply calculate the square footage using the measurements you recorded on your graph.
It is recommended to partition off the graph making several rectangles/squares which help in calculations. Add them together for a total square footage. Once your graph is complete, snap a few photos of the attic and present your sales pitch to the homeowner. Your due diligence and attention to detail coupled with a proactive and preventative approach to pest management helps the homeowner understand the benefits of EPA-registered TAP® Pest Control Insulation.
Need help providing an accurate TAP® quote or interested in gaining access to the TAP® Member Site? Contact us.