[Stephen13]

I have a specific job to be done at the house and turned to TOTV for referrals. I called two companies for estimates, let's call them Company A and Company B. It's a straightforward job, not many ways to do it, just tell me what you're going to charge me.
I call Company A and leave a message for a callback. Then I call Company B and get an estimate scheduled for next week. Then the person tells me there's a $65 estimate fee that's deducted from the total bill when they "get the job."
I haven't lived here long so I know nobody, I can usually do things myself, and maybe this is the new way of doing business. I agree to the fee and wait for Company A to return my call.
Company A calls back a few minutes later and schedules an estimate appointment for the day after Company B is here. The person from Company A emphasizes "complimentary estimate " 2 or 3 times during our phone conversation.
You all have good things to say about both these companies, and the job is straight forward, but the fee puts me in a weird place. I understand why Company B is charging the fee, but giving estimates is part of business. It's presumptive to think they're going to win the job. Also, if I'm already in for $65, why not just give them the work? But then I don't know if I'm getting a good price. No matter how I look at it, Company B hurts themselves with the fee.
So I called Company B and cancelled the appointment.
In business there are things you have to do that don't directly earn money. The fee makes me think either you're not working hard enough or you're improperly pricing your work.
Whatever the cause, I think the fee isn't a good idea. Now I'm looking for Company C.

Your thoughts?

[retiredguy123]

I would tell Company B to take a hike. You haven't said what the job involves, but usually estimates are free. But, if you ask a specialist, like a plumber or electrician, to come and diagnose a problem, there will be a service charge to just show up.

[JoMar]

There is limited loyalty in TV. Residents have a reputation for getting multiple bids then going with the lowest bid. There is enough business here that spreading resources is difficult so they are ok with charging fees. My experience has been that most bids (assuming the scope of work is the same) are competitive so small jobs are better awarded based on reputation and service rather than price.