I just sent out my first Quote as a business owner

4 points by Jbird2k 11 days ago | 4 comments

That’s right. I started a business. Installing Off-Grid solar. I think I’m an absolute crazy person to try this. However I’m still jittery from the adrenaline rush of hitting send on that first email. Quote #Q-2026-001.

Did I mark up product enough? Did I overcharge and come way above the competition? Does the customer trust me? Will I loose money and go bankrupt? These are the thoughts that run through your head.

Oh I should add I am a school teacher this is a side hustle. Something to keep me busy in the summer. I come from a family of contractors and builders. I’ve worked in various industries. I’m a blue collar kid who ended up teaching on the edge of civilization. A number of years ago I had a job designing and selling grid-tie PV solar. I reached out to some of my old contacts in the industry to get hooked up with a vendor and decided to go for it.

Anyway I’m just shouting into the void because I can. I also would love to hear any of your experiences with such endeavours.

AmazingEveryDay 11 days ago |

Congrats! Also your post got me to do a bit of researching, learned of the phrases 'phantom numbering / padded numbering'. Anyway hope it goes well for you. Solar seems more and more accessible, one of the few good things going in down in cost.

Jbird2k 11 days ago | |

I have noticed a significant increase in wattage of solar modules in the last six years. I have been out of the business for those years.

gus_massa 11 days ago |

Congratulation! Did you ask your family to make the quote or you already have done similar calculation in the past?

Jbird2k 10 days ago | |

I used to quote jobs when I worked for a different solar outfit. This was in a completely different part of my country and is a completely different market. I did the pricing myself yes.