I’m going to say something that not everyone agrees with: I don’t drive out to inspect jobs for free.

I had an agent question this the other day. The conversation changed pretty quickly once I explained that I charge for on-site inspections. It reminded me that a lot of people still expect tradespeople to give up their time, fuel and experience at no cost.

I understand why people ask. For years, “free quotes” have been common in the industry. But times have changed.

Fuel costs money. Time costs money. Running a business costs money. Every hour I’m driving across Adelaide is an hour I’m not helping an existing customer or completing work for someone who’s already booked me.

I also know my market. I’m not trying to be the cheapest glazier in Adelaide, and that’s by design. Customers shopping around for five free quotes are usually looking for the lowest price. That’s completely their choice, but it isn’t the market I built my business around.

Instead, I focus on customers who value experience, clear advice and getting the job diagnosed properly the first time.

That’s why I offer free online quotes whenever possible. If you can send me photos, measurements and your suburb, I’ll happily tell you whether I can help and provide pricing where I can.

If a job genuinely needs an inspection, I charge for my time to attend. That fee covers the travel, assessment and professional advice you receive on-site.

It won’t suit everyone, and that’s okay. Every business has to choose a model that works, and this is the one that’s worked well for Adelaide Glaziers.

I’d rather be upfront about it than promise something that simply isn’t sustainable.