Estimates and Quoting
Estimates and quoting can be difficult to understand. The do's and don'ts will be broken down below.
DO:
Find out if the client has been here before - if they have, you can get an idea of what they're due for.
If the client has been here before, its easy to see the history and tailor a rough estimate to them based on what they've gotten in the past, but let them know the doctor could make additional recommendations while they are here. "Based on your previous history, it looks like a starting point would be _____, outside of any recommendations the doctor has once they examine him/her."
Use the canned estimates to quote for basics - puppies, kittens, yearly visits. Work With --->Estimate will give you a list; you can safely quote anything with an asterisk * next to it.
For things like yearly exams, it's important to let the client know this is an estimate that is complete with all of the recommended services, preventions and vaccines - if they have not been here before, we can tailor that to their pet after we are able to assess their vaccine record and understand their lifestyle. We would not recommend quoting new clients the full cost of a yearly canned estimate - the number can be jarring since it does include EVERYTHING they could get while here. See script - "An estimate for a yearly will include all of the vaccines and the nose-to-tail exam by our doctors, as well as routine bloodwork, a fecal test for parasites as well as heartworm, flea and tick prevention. After we are able to see your previous records and understand your pet's lifestyle, we can make a more personalized recommendation. We can get an estimate emailed over to you, would you like to go ahead and secure your appointment? "
New clients can be quoted the cost of puppy and kitten vaccines, especially if you know the age and if the pet has been to the doctor previously.
You can give people a round-about cost - "After an assessment from our team and doctors, they will be able to personalize a treatment plan for you, but I can go ahead and tell you the office visit is $55, an ear cytology is $40, and medication will be necessary on top of that if they find infection.
DON'T:
Quote surgeries or health certificates over the phone. Erica will put those estimates together, and the health certificates can be dependent on many different factors.
Hesitate to go over a created estimate with a client over the phone (estimate is in date (~30 days of creation) and attached - you're free to discuss it with them!!