Pro tip: I started charging a flat $75 diagnostic fee last month and it's cut my no-shows in half

I used to do free estimates, but after three no-call, no-shows in one week, I changed my policy. Now I tell people the $75 covers the first hour of diagnosis and gets applied to the final repair bill. Some clients think it's fair, saying it shows I'm serious and they're serious. Others get mad, saying they just want a quote and won't pay to get one. I'm in a smaller market, so word gets around fast. What's your take on diagnostic fees for residential calls?

3 comments

3 Comments

torres.blair5d ago

Used to be against it but after too many ghosted appointments I get it now.

davis.olivia5d ago

Honestly used to hate the idea, but seeing how it filters out the time wasters changed my mind.

thea6025d ago

Notice the same thing happening everywhere now - grocery stores charging for bags to cut down on people who grab them and don't buy anything, coffee shops requiring a card on file for orders over a certain amount. It is a small barrier that weeds out the folks who are not serious without bothering the ones who actually follow through. Works pretty well in my experience.