Why "Call for Price" Is Still So Common
In an era of instant online pricing for nearly everything, a surprising number of services still hide behind "call for a quote." Movers, caterers, landscapers, custom manufacturers, wedding vendors, commercial services, and professional services all commonly refuse to list prices online. The reasons range from legitimate (every project is different) to strategic (they want to assess your budget before quoting).
The result is that getting a simple price quote for many services means making a phone call, describing your needs, fielding upsell attempts, and often scheduling an in-person consultation before receiving a number. For people comparing multiple vendors, this means repeating the same conversation three to five times, spending hours on the phone before even getting to the decision-making stage.
Here is how to get pricing information without the phone-call gauntlet, and when a call truly cannot be avoided.
Why Getting Quotes by Phone Takes So Long
- !Each vendor asks slightly different questions, requiring you to re-explain your needs every time
- !Sales-oriented vendors use the call to qualify leads and upsell
- !Comparing verbal quotes is nearly impossible without written documentation
- !Vendors may not give a final price on the first call, requiring follow-ups
- !Some businesses will not quote without an in-person assessment, adding scheduling calls
- !Phone quotes often differ from final invoices, leading to billing disputes
Ways to Get Price Quotes Without Calling
Online Quote Calculators
WorksSome businesses offer instant online estimates based on your inputs (moving companies, printing services, landscaping).
Estimates are ballpark figures, not binding quotes. Many calculators are lead-generation tools that require your phone number. Custom or unusual requests cannot be priced by calculators.
Email Quote Requests
WorksSend a detailed description of what you need to multiple vendors via email and request written quotes.
Response rates are low. Many businesses prioritize phone leads over email. Some respond with "call us to discuss." Getting comparable quotes via email requires sending very detailed initial requests.
Website Request Forms
LimitedFill out the vendor quote request form on their website with your project details.
Most forms are lead capture that result in a phone call, not a written quote. Your information may be shared with multiple vendors. Response quality varies from detailed quotes to generic sales pitches.
Thumbtack or Bark.com
WorksPost your project on a marketplace and receive quotes from interested vendors.
Quotes vary wildly in quality and detail. You may receive calls from vendors instead of written quotes. Some vendors quote low to win the project, then increase prices later. Not suitable for specialized or high-value services.
KallyAI Executive Assistant
WorksKallyAI calls vendors with a standardized set of questions, gets price quotes, and documents them in a comparable format.
Vendors who require in-person assessments before quoting will still need a site visit. KallyAI provides ballpark quotes that may change after detailed assessment.
Let KallyAI Collect Your Price Quotes
KallyAI calls multiple vendors with the same project description and standardized questions, so you get comparable quotes without spending hours on the phone.
Define your project clearly
Tell KallyAI exactly what you need, the scope, timeline, and any specific requirements. The more detail you provide, the more accurate the quotes will be.
List the vendors to contact
Provide the names and phone numbers of vendors you want quotes from, or tell KallyAI the type of service and your location to call local options.
KallyAI calls each vendor
The AI contacts each vendor with the same project description and asks standardized questions about pricing, timeline, included services, and warranty.
Comparable quotes compiled
You receive a side-by-side comparison of quotes including price ranges, what is included, timeline estimates, and any conditions or caveats each vendor mentioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do businesses make you call for pricing?
Custom services genuinely vary in price based on specific needs. But many businesses also use the call to assess your budget, build rapport, and upsell. By calling through KallyAI, you get the price without the sales pressure.
Are phone quotes accurate?
Phone quotes for services are typically estimates that can change after detailed assessment. They are useful for comparison shopping and setting budget expectations. Always request written quotes before committing to large projects.
How many quotes should I get?
Three to five quotes is standard for most services. This gives you enough data points to identify outliers and find fair market pricing.
Can KallyAI get written quotes from vendors?
KallyAI can request that vendors send written quotes via email or mail. The AI provides your email address so vendors can follow up with formal documentation.