How to Handle "We're Getting Other Quotes" Without Slashing Your Price
Three quotes on the kitchen counter, and the customer is about to decide on price alone. A few calm sentences can keep you in the running.
"We're getting a few other quotes" is one of the most common things a customer will say, and it makes a lot of contractors panic and drop their price on the spot. That instinct costs you margin and rarely wins the job for the right reasons. Remember that shopping around is normal — 74% of consumers consult two or more sources before deciding — so plan for it rather than fear it.
Hear it as normal shopping
A customer shopping around is simply being responsible. When you stay relaxed and confident, you signal that you are comfortable with your value.
Script: "That's smart — you should compare. Let me make it easy: here's exactly what's included in ours, so you're comparing apples to apples."
Ask what matters most to them
Before you respond to price, understand the decision.
Script: "As you compare, what matters most to you — getting it done fast, the quality, the warranty, or the price? I want to make sure I'm solving for the right thing."
Make your value concrete
Customers compare prices because they cannot always see the difference between quotes. Spell it out — your warranty, your licensed and insured techs, your reviews, your cleanup, your responsiveness.
Compare the full scope of each quote
Encourage the customer to compare what each quote actually includes.
Script: "When you look at the others, check whether they include [permits / cleanup / the warranty / the same parts]. A lower number sometimes means something got left out."
📷 Add image: A side-by-side "what's included" quote comparison. Alt text: "A side-by-side comparison of two contractor quotes highlighting what each one includes, such as permits, cleanup, and warranty."
Hold your price with confidence
When you drop your price the moment a customer hesitates, you teach them the first number was not real. Stand behind your pricing and explain the value behind it.
Reach for options before a discount
If budget is a genuine concern, give them a way to spend less without gutting your margin — a good-better-best set or a financing option. That beats a straight discount every time.
Follow up after they've shopped
Sometimes the customer really does need to see the other quotes first. Set a friendly follow-up so you are back in the conversation once they have. Many jobs are won on that second touch.
Win on trust, keep your margin
The contractors who win consistently make their value clear and stand behind it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you respond when a customer says your price is too high?
Stay calm, ask what matters most to them, make your value concrete, and offer options or financing rather than a discount. Never cut your price the moment they hesitate.
Should I lower my price to beat a competitor?
Rarely. Dropping your price signals the first number was inflated and trains customers to negotiate. Compete on value and what's included instead.
How do I handle "we're getting other quotes"?
Treat it as normal, help them compare what's actually included, stand behind your value, and set a follow-up for after they've shopped.
Related guides: How to Raise Your In-Home Close Rate · How to Offer Financing That Closes Bigger Jobs · How to Raise Your Average Ticket With Good-Better-Best Options
Want a hand putting this in place?
Handling the "we're getting other quotes" moment with calm, value-first scripts that protect your margin is something we coach your team through call by call. If you'd rather have the scripts and process set up for you, let's talk.
Recommended osNOVA Method plays: In-Home Sales & Close-Rate System.
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