Published February 2, 2026
Free Estimates Aren't Free. Here's What They're Actually Costing You.
Free estimates aren't actually free. When you factor in mileage, labor, and lost time, estimates can cost contractors tens of thousands per year.
Most contractors treat estimates as part of doing business.
But estimates have a cost. Most businesses simply never calculate it.
The Numbers
The American Automobile Association estimates the true cost of operating a vehicle — including fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and insurance — at roughly $0.70 to $0.80 per mile.
Skilled trade labor runs roughly $25 to $35 per hour at median rates, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Put those together for a typical estimate:
- 20 miles of driving: about $15
- 1 hour of labor: about $30–$35
- administrative time: about $5–$10
- Total: roughly $50–$60 per estimate
- At 8 to 10 estimates per week, that's $20,000–$30,000 per year spent quoting work you haven't won yet.
Most Estimates Aren't Inspection Problems. They're Information Problems.
Many site visits happen because the contractor doesn't have enough information to quote confidently.
But a significant portion of estimates don't require an in-person inspection.
They require:
- good photos
- a clear scope description
- access details
What Changes When You Capture Better Information First
Contractors who collect structured job information early can quote many jobs remotely and reserve site visits for projects that truly require them.
Less windshield time.
Faster quotes.
More jobs completed per week.
QuoteTxt helps contractors capture scope, photos, measurements, and access details before they ever leave the shop.
Sources
American Automobile Association (AAA). Your Driving Costs.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.