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Kitchen Designer Etiquette Question

15 years ago

Do I tell a KD or cabinet maker up front I am getting several quotes? I'm asking because it seems like they spend a lot of time measuring and drawing up plans.

I did tell one cabinet maker I had someone out to measure already and he couldn't get off the phone fast enough.

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Comments (6)

lacuisine
15 years ago
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!
This is a competitive business. They will EXPECT you to ask several places. They should absolutely be aware that you ahve competitive bids.
If you don't feel comfortable , say something like, "Okay, I will get back to you just as soon as i have had the time to look at all my quotes".
Especially in this economic climate - you'd think people would try hard to get your business.
LC
Fori
15 years ago
Do let them know you're getting other quotes. But don't tell them you've already had someone out to measure though--all the guys I've had quotes from work up a quote based on your measurements and it's only after you get in serious with them that they actually leave their nest to measure for themselves. The guy who bolted after you mentioned that probably thought you already had someone picked out and he was just being used for negotiating price.

Maybe... :)
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felixnot
15 years ago
Yes, you should definitely tell anyone you may be doing business with what your process is.

If you are asking different companies to provide you with different designs, you should pay them for that service. It's not a commodity, and you definitely get what you pay for.

If you are looking for the price of cabinetry, you should hire a KD, or Architect to create a design for you, then price that plan with a number of vendors. If the idea is to price different cabinetry products, then don't hire a KD who is trying to sell you something. Use them for the expertise that they can provide.

If you know what you want, and can produce a plan your self, then you can give that scheme to various vendors your self.
katybuggs
Original Author
15 years ago
Ok, I thought I should, I was just baffled by the 2nd cabinet maker, he didn't seem that interested after I told him I already had a quote.

The first cabinet maker that came and measured is also a GC and wants me to hire him as a GC to change a window and install a door, put in the wood floors and do tile work in the BR (the floor/tile salesman said he has installers). No price from him yet and the cabinet plan was very simple.

I've also had someone from Medallion come, liked him, his work and price. Made a couple of changes and he's reworking it now to see the price difference. Medallion has a door I really like so I'd like to get one more medallion quote.

I also have an appt next week with a KD for Pac Crest and N Kelly. I'd also like to get one more quote for those two companies as I have a feeling they will come in high, it's from a trendy design center.

You're right about these economic times, we are retiring early as a life choice and trying to watching every penny.
weissman
15 years ago
Like any salesperson, they will try to qualify you. It takes them effort to put together a bid and if they think there's a low likelihood that they'll get the job, then they'll nobid it.
katybuggs
Original Author
15 years ago
Ok, that makes sense and seems fair.

I should have mentioned I have my layout and kitchen plan worked out already by someone I paid. I just need to pick out the cabinet company I want which seems to come down to the door style and wood species. Maybe the word kitchen designer was not the correct term. I can't believe how much there is to getting a new kitchen. I wish the house would have come with one!

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