Start with the real phone call
Customer: “How much do you charge for this?”
Owner: “It depends.”
That answer may be true, but it does not help the customer. A better answer gives a useful range, a reason you cannot be exact yet, or a clean way to say no.
If you can answer now
Use this when the job is simple enough that you know the likely price.
“For that kind of repair, most jobs fall between $350 and $600. If the roof access is normal and the leak is in the flashing, that range is usually enough. If you send two photos, I can tell you whether it looks like a standard repair.”
Why it works: the customer gets a real number, but you still protect yourself from guessing blind.
If you need to see it first
Use this when the price depends on access, damage, materials, or hidden conditions.
“I do not want to guess and give you a bad number. The estimate depends on where the water is getting in and how easy the skylight is to reach. The next step is a photo review or an inspection window, then I can give you a written range.”
Why it works: you are not dodging the question. You are explaining what makes the number real.
If it is not a job you take
Use this when the customer is asking for work outside your service, size, or schedule.
“That is not a job I take on, and I do not want to waste your morning. You probably need a full roofing crew, not a skylight repair visit. If you want, I can tell you what to ask when you call them.”
Why it works: the customer gets a clear no and a little help. That is better than sounding available and backing out later.
The line to avoid
Avoid:
“We would need more information. Please submit a request.”
It may be accurate, but it sounds like a wall. Give one useful clue before you ask for the next step.
Good enough version
You do not need a pricing page for every possible job. Start with one sentence that explains whether you can give a range now, what changes the price, and what the customer should send next.