Guide

5 Quoting Mistakes Plumbers Make (And the Fix)

Avoid these common quoting mistakes that cost Kiwi plumbers time and money.

AgentBuddy Team · AI office manager for NZ plumbers

1

Forgetting travel and callout fees

Many plumbers forget to include travel time or mileage, especially for rural jobs in places like Waikato or Canterbury. That eats into your profit. AgentBuddy can automatically add your set travel fees to every quote so you never miss a dollar.

2

Not accounting for materials markup

You might quote at cost or forget supplier delays on fittings like copper pipe or PEX. This squeezes your margin. AgentBuddy lets you preset markup percentages and add notes about availability, keeping quotes accurate.

3

Underestimating job complexity

A blocked drain can hide tree roots or collapsed pipes. A simple tap swap might reveal corroded valves. AgentBuddy helps you add contingency clauses or T&M options to protect against surprises.

4

Taking too long to send the quote

Homeowners in Auckland or Christchurch often get three quotes and go with the fastest reply. If you wait a day you lose the job. AgentBuddy turns a photo into a polished quote in seconds and sends it instantly.

5

Using messy handwritten quotes

Scrawled notes on a notepad look unprofessional and can lead to disputes. AgentBuddy generates clean digital quotes with your logo, GST breakdown, and payment terms that builders and insurers trust.

See what AgentBuddy could do for you

Answer 6 quick questions and see how many jobs and hours your admin is costing you.

Stop losing money on bad quotes. Try AgentBuddy free for two weeks and let AI handle your quoting, invoicing, and follow ups while you focus on the pipes.