u/Ok-Appearance5090

I recently switched from selling specialized construction services to working for a general contractor.

I did well selling specific services at several companies (flooring, bathrooms, and windows), but I’m finding full scale remodelingand GC projects to be a different challenge.

There have been quite a few jobs where it came down to us and one other company, and they got the job. I always ask for feedback, and the responses are usually one of two things: either the other company was significantly cheaper (a red flag many clients do not understand until it goes sideways for them), or they suggested an idea the homeowner loved. something I never knew was discussed until after they had already made their decision.

I’m always looking to improve, so I’d really appreciate some insight from those with experience.

What does your sales process look like from the first contact until the contract is signed?
If you’re primarily a salesperson and not a designer, has that ever been a disadvantage? How do you add value or help customers visualize ideas?
How do you structure your estimates? Do you use line items so customers can mix and match options?
Do you include renderings or design concepts with your proposals?
How do you decide which leads deserve the most time and effort?

I average 10–15 leads a week, so it’s tough to spend hours putting together every proposal.

Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

If anyone here works in sales for a small to mid-sized residential GC, could you give me a quick rundown of your responsibilities? I recently switched from flooring/tile sales to GC sales. I’m the company’s first salesperson—the owner handled sales before me. I’m 100% commission, get 10–15 leads a week, and have a company vehicle and gas card.

I put a lot of pressure on myself, and I’m honestly trying to figure out if I’m just not cut out for GC sales or if my role is different than what’s typical. I understand smaller companies require you to wear a lot of hats, but I feel like selling has become a small part of my job, even though it’s the most important.

This caught me off guard…the company only has a home improvement license (under $25k jobs), and I’ve now been tasked with studying for and obtaining the residential contractor license for jobs over $25k. I had no idea this would be part of the job, and it feels like a liability Is that normal?

Quoting is also incredibly inefficient. Every project is different. I usually have to coordinate with subs for pricing, often making 2–3 extra site visits because it’s the best way to communicate the scope. Many times I only get a labor price, so I’m also responsible for researching and pricing all the materials. I get zero to little help with pricing. Also, only 2-3 types of work have standardized pricing. Even somewhat simple estimates can take weeks to get out, which kills momentum. Should there have been training? Or is this normal??

Also I’m responsible for permits and paperwork for permits , samples, design, product selection, renderings, estimates, revisions, ordering materials, and coordinating delivery of materials after the sale. All while trying to sell and what goes along with that process.

How do other companies handle quoting such a wide variety of work? What does your day to day actually look like? I’d really appreciate any feedback. Maybe this is just how the industry works. maybe I’m taking on more than what’s typical. I’m honestly trying to figure that out.

I haven't found much information about residential contractor sales, so I'd appreciate some input.
I've been in sales for a while and recently made the jump from a flooring company to a residential general contractor. At my previous company, we had standardized pricing, reliable subs, and a clear handoff process once a job was sold. 
The company I'm with now is less than five years old but has built a strong reputation. My compensation is full commission (about 12% of total revenue) with a $150k/month quota. They also provide a vehicle and phone which is a huge plus
That said, there have been some unexpected challenges.

The leads are a mix of self generated and leads passed down from the owner. His leads are often sent via text with nothing more than a name, phone number, and address. That's fine. I can work a lead. The issue is that sometimes he's already been talking to the customer, discussing the project, or even provided pricing without telling me. I appreciate getting leads but it can create awkward conversations where I look unprepared right from the start. 

The bigger frustration is the quoting process. We don't have standardized pricing. For anything. I'm constantly reaching out to subcontractors for quotes/pricing. Sometimes multiple times a day. Some are difficult to reach, others stop responding. If we need a new sub, I'm expected to find and vet them myself. Keep in mind, we handle everything from roofing projects to full bathroom remodels, to masonry etc etc. Every estimate feels like starting from scratch.

Another challenge is that my boss often brings me to appointments and tells me to observe while he runs the meeting. He tends to make a lot of promises, or has ideas (different from mine), throws out ballpark pricing on the spot, and tells the customer they'll have a formal estimate within 24–48 hours. Then the project gets handed to me to figure out. In my opinion, it's not a great process and doesn't feel like effective training.
Once a job is sold, I'm also responsible for plans, permits, material ordering, scheduling subcontractors, and coordinating everything needed to get the project moving. 

I'm grateful for the opportunit  but this feels like much more than a sales role. It feels like I'm estimating, project managing, coordinating, and squeeze in sales responsibilities. 
IS this normal for a full commission GC sales position? Are the expectations unrealistic? I'm open to the possibility that I simply need to adapt and get better at managing the workload.

Thanks

I haven't found much information about residential contractor sales, so I'd appreciate some input.
I've been in sales for a while and recently made the jump from a flooring company to a residential general contractor. At my previous company, we had standardized pricing, reliable subs, and a clear handoff process once a job was sold. 
The company I'm with now is less than five years old but has built a strong reputation. My compensation is full commission (about 12% of total revenue) with a $150k/month quota. They also provide a vehicle and phone which is a huge plus
That said, there have been some unexpected challenges.

The leads are a mix of self generated and leads passed down from the owner. His leads are often sent via text with nothing more than a name, phone number, and address. That's fine. I can work a lead. The issue is that sometimes he's already been talking to the customer, discussing the project, or even provided pricing without telling me. I appreciate getting leads but it can create awkward conversations where I look unprepared right from the start. 

The bigger frustration is the quoting process. We don't have standardized pricing. For anything. I'm constantly reaching out to subcontractors for quotes/pricing. Sometimes multiple times a day. Some are difficult to reach, others stop responding. If we need a new sub, I'm expected to find and vet them myself. Keep in mind, we handle everything from roofing projects to full bathroom remodels, to masonry etc etc. Every estimate feels like starting from scratch.

Another challenge is that my boss often brings me to appointments and tells me to observe while he runs the meeting. He tends to make a lot of promises, or has ideas (different from mine), throws out ballpark pricing on the spot, and tells the customer they'll have a formal estimate within 24–48 hours. Then the project gets handed to me to figure out. In my opinion, it's not a great process and doesn't feel like effective training.
Once a job is sold, I'm also responsible for plans, permits, material ordering, scheduling subcontractors, and coordinating everything needed to get the project moving. 

I'm grateful for the opportunit  but this feels like much more than a sales role. It feels like I'm estimating, project managing, coordinating, and squeeze in sales responsibilities. 
IS this normal for a full commission GC sales position? Are the expectations unrealistic? I'm open to the possibility that I simply need to adapt and get better at managing the workload.

Thanks