How to successfully estimate electrical tenders

Detailed estimating techniques reduce the risk of nightmare losses and increase the opportunity to win contracts, make a profit and sleep well. Pricing work competitively is a science, and an art. Quantities, measurements, and prices are forged together, usually under serious time constraints and at considerable cost to build business capital and personal wealth. The science is in the technique and data. The art is in the guile, craft, and experience of the canny (would be) estimator.

The skills required to be an estimator are usually founded in those who have progressed through structured electrical apprenticeship training. Although other non-electrically trained individuals can and do become proficient estimators.

Competitive, detailed estimating is a process centred on the financial interpretation of a clients defined requirements which results in a profitable outcome for the electrical contractor. The process, done correctly, is one that is systematic in its approach, accurate in its execution and clear in its outcome.

Overcoming lack of confidence, self-doubt, time constraints and degree of difficulty perceptions are the main barriers to the development estimating skills.  Training, practice, and mentoring are the foundations to counter the typical barriers to achieving proficiency in detailed electrical estimating techniques.

• Small enterprise owners who have relied on rough bidding techniques or looked to outside cost providers will benefit from ETT’s 1 day live online course. By becoming self-proficient in the discipline of detailed estimating, small enterprise owners can significantly improve market share, management of risk and profitability outcomes.
• Individual qualified electricians looking for career progression options would also do well to complete CPD studies and practice in estimating skills. Estimators produce the fuel on which the business engine of the enterprise is ultimately run.
• Others with analytical minds, good literacy, and numeracy skills and those who possess that all important “can do” attitude, will benefit and progress rapidly from a structured training course.

The potential to further develop business acumen, management and communication skills should also feature in the self-checklist of those who wish to benefit from ETT’s electrical estimating training

We will teach you the basis on which all successful, detailed estimating is established. At the end of the course, you will possess sufficient knowledge and skills to breakdown the confidence and ignorance barriers that have previously got in way.

A common saying derived from an African proverb begs the question, “How do you eat an elephant?” We all know the answer. The answer fits our task of helping you get to grips with the journey of becoming proficient in detailed electrical estimating.

This is a hands-on, live, interactive online course. You will be instructed on a step by step basis using typical documents, drawings, and foundational techniques like those used in the contemporary industry. We will provide you with everything you need to complete this course. All you have to do is register, log-on and learn.

There is no need to be in the dark. Know what your estimator knows, that way you will be better equipped to gauge the level of effort and risk that it takes to avoid a loss and make a profit.

Improved labour cost controls, better buying and the management of contract omissions and additions all flow from the details contained in the techniques of structured estimating. Master the techniques and you will master the contract.

Perhaps it’s time to step away from the tools and step into the commercial engine room of electrical contracting. If you are looking for a career progression pathway or an opportunity to hone and develop your analytical skills from outside the trade, then ETT’s Practical introduction to electrical estimating course is the perfect starting place.