Should I give free estimates?
Short answer
If your trade does, yes. But charge for the second visit, the design, or any work that takes real time.
What to give away
A 15-minute look, a rough number, a same-day quote on standard work. That's marketing cost, not free labor.
What to charge for
Site surveys longer than 30 minutes. Custom designs. Engineering calcs. Anything you'd send a junior person on. Make the fee credited back if they book.
Ask your version of this question
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Now run it against your numbers.
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