Problems with Internet Quotes for Fence Installation

Why Fully Virtual Fence Estimates Do Not Work

1. Slopes and Changes in Grade

Flat yards are rare. While to an untrained eye, it may look flat, to a qualified professional, there is always a slope. GPS imagery lacks precise slope data. Since we create custom fences, our sales consultants are required to measure slopes.

Because we are fence fabricators (not drop shippers), we can build gates to accommodate your precise slope.

On a 5-degree slope, a standard square gate might create an unsightly gap and ugly top line.
When a yard slopes, most fence components need significant modifications. For instance, if a vinyl sideline slopes greater than 7 degrees, longer fence pickets are mitered to embed 1.5″ into the top and bottom rails.

Other fence companies who provide online quotations drop-ship standard material to the client’s yard. The subcontractor attempts to install the fence, but too short pickets prevent them from installing it correctly. As a result, they will snip the corners of the pickets and install it anyhow. When the first windstorm comes along, it blows out the pickets.

If your quote does not adequately address your slope, you are unlikely to receive a quality fence installation and a durable, long-lasting fence.

2. Actual Precise Measurements

Breaking the fence company mold, at Superior Fence & Rail, we value and respect your time. To provide an exceptional experience, we attempt to minimize the disruption of your schedule. To accomplish this feat, we have built a concise process from the first call to the sales consultation and through installation and follow-ups. A precise measurement is a decisive component of the streamlined process.

Customer-provided GPS readings are rarely reliable. While there are many pricey measurement tools on the market, our sales people prefer a 300′ tape. Inches matter in the fencing industry. On installation day, our trucks must have the right materials to properly complete the work.

In the fencing industry (especially with internet quotations), fence companies often drop-ship material to your home. Later, a subcontractor installs it (sometimes without warning). The subcontractor tries to erect a fence but may run out of material due to inaccurate dimensions. The subcontractor leaves the customer with an incomplete fence and returns weeks or months later to finish. Some companies will even attempt to bill the customer for the additional material.

Measuring tapes and hammers are not the only tools crucial to what we do. We have gone to great lengths to design sophisticated software that generates the correct bill of materials. This ensures our fence installation crews have everything they need on installation day. Our sales consultants need to measure your property to generate this accurate material list. They will note obstacles around your property, such as pool plumbing, large trees or vegetation, and concrete footers that could impact measurements.

If your fence quote was not measured by an expert sales representative who walked the yard, the chances are that installation will not go well.

3. Yard Challenges

Every yard offers unique features and challenges—some bigger than others. Trees, roots, irrigation systems, drainpipes, pool plumbing, footers, neighbor fences, shale, rock, and countless other obstacles can impact fence installation and cost. Superior Fence & Rail’s sales specialists tackle these issues during consultations. We help homeowners solve backyard problems so we can plan for enough labor, tools, and materials.

Most internet quotations force the subcontractor to think out a solution on the fly. Subcontractors paid by the foot, or the project are encouraged to take shortcuts. This might lead to a poor-quality installation, especially in challenging yards.

Internet quotes cannot predict and plan for these problems. If your quotation wasn’t provided by a salesperson who walked the yard, your fence installation might not go smoothly.

4. Expert Advice

Did you know that we regularly install over 1,000 different types of fences? You are not alone! Most people don’t know about the vast array of our fence products and services. New and innovative items are constantly being introduced. Within the variety of fence types, varying grades are offered. Many of Superior Fence & Rail’s product lines have a “plus” series. Plus, products are a step up from the standard product line, which usually includes features and benefits that are better than the standard product line.

Online competitors usually provide the cheapest products since they can’t exhibit product, service, and value distinctions. They’re competing on price and price alone, so they provide their lowest-priced goods. We believe it is a mistake and a disservice to make assumptions about what our prospective clients want, need, and deserve.

Customized Quote for a Custom Fence Installation

At Superior Fence & Rail, we ask many questions to truly understand your needs. Then we offer a range of fence products that fit those needs. We feel that it is crucial to provide our customers with ALL the great options for their property so they can make an informed decision.

Our sales consultants are fence experts! We dedicate a full hour to each and every consultation. This allows you to ask a trained professional for fence advice, product recommendations, and installation methods.

If you received an internet quote for a fence installation project, you may not have been informed of all the best fencing options for your property.

5. Fully Qualified Fence Quotes

What does “white vinyl fence” mean? When it comes to getting an accurate quote for your fence installation project, the quote must be specific. Clients MUST know exactly what they are getting.

At Superior Fence & Rail, you get a fully qualified quote and each profile is specified and transposed onto the contract. Our customers know exactly what they are buying.

Many of our competitors will simply say “white vinyl fence” as an example. But what does that even mean? Are the posts 6’ or 8’ on center? Are they using a short 8’ post or a 9’ post? Are they using a 6” T&G picket or a cheap 11.3” picket? Is the rail a cheap 1.5×5.5 rip rail or are they using a proper 1.75 x 6 slot rail? All of these cut corners increase their profit while simultaneously depleting the quality and value of your fence.

If your online fence quote is vague – you can bet there is a reason. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting before you hire a fence installation company.

6. Do We Measure Up

Companies make promises – it is a natural part of the sales process. How can you know whether the company will deliver? Our sales consultants at Superior Fence & Rail essentially interview for five jobs every day, five days a week, 52 weeks a year. To be hired, we need to:

• Respond to quote requests within 24 hours.
• Be on time for the consultation.
• Provide expert advice and product recommendations.
• Provide an estimate at the time of consultation.

Once hired, we must do what we say we are going to do and do it on time. We ask for feedback after each job, which is why we have over 8,000 5-star ratings.
Few companies can match our capabilities (if any). Most companies don’t return calls, and many competitors miss appointments. Those who do cannot give quick or accurate quotes. Internet quotes solve this difficulty for our rivals. Phone or internet quotes prevent customers from evaluating and interviewing the company.

You wouldn’t hire a late or absent candidate, right? Would you employ someone without interviewing them? To gain your business, we need a good interview. That starts by showing up on time for the appointment!

If you received an internet quote, how do you REALLY know who you are working with and if they will deliver on their promises?

For the best quality fence products, installation, and first-class customer service, call our team today to request an appointment. Our expert team will visit your home and property at a time that is convenient for you. We will take accurate measurements, provide advice and recommendations, and deliver a precise quote for your fence before we leave your home.