Need Help!

[Hoodfella]

I got a call from a large grocery store chain that wants us to give them a quote on all of their stores for suppresion systems, fire extinguishers, hood cleaning, and exit lights/emergency lights. They have 103 stores that need serviced. Most all the stores have 1 hood in their deli and one in the bakery both 4 ft., 20-25 fire extinguishers, 15 emergency lights. All of the stores are set up in different regions with multiple stores in each. The farthest stores being from 275-335 miles away. My question is does anyone have any advise on how much to bid something like this. Usually they would get a break for giving us so many stores but with fuel prices, hotel cost, travel pay, etc. this is not very likely to happen. I know there was a post on here about fuel prices but if anyone has any advise on that too ( such as how much per mile etc.). I appreciate anyone's input/advise.

 

[cgibson]

I would first map them all and figure out a possible route for servicing them.
Calculate your prices based upon how many stores can be serviced on a given night.
On the ones that are really far, maybe you can lump several stores together over the course of 3-4 days. Add Hotel, expenses and a per diem for those stores.

The ones that are further away pay more. You might be able to come up with a flat price per store based upon the "region" they are in.

Don't worry too much about the "discount". Just figure out a price that is fair to you and to them. Leave room in your price to negotiate.

 

[dodsonish]

Dont' cut youself short is the best advice I can give. 103 stores should give you a couple of months worth of work annually. Two months is a long time to be kicking yourself in the butt for going too low.