Can we talk about whether shops should charge for estimates or eat the time?

Daniel Henderson · 2026-09-19T19:05:03.423508+00:00

Back in March a guy brought a 2018 F-150 into our shop in Reno with front end damage, and I spent 45 minutes writing up a full estimate for him. He took the paperwork, said thanks, and I found out two weeks later he had the work done at a shop across town that gave him a free look. Half our crew says estimates are just cost of doing business, but the other half wants to start charging $50 and credit it toward the repair if they book. So which way are you all leaning, eat the time or put a price on it?

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Can we talk about whether shops should charge for estimates or eat the time? | Auto Body Repairers - Talk Freely