I have been attempting to get some drywall repair done, since I had Permaseal out to do some work. I would prefer to not do it myself. I have done it in the past and I can do it, but others are far better.
But over half of the people I called demand a $100 fee just to come out and give me a quote. Since I had ridiculous quotes in the past for services, this is a non-starter. If they want $100 to quote, I know I am not going to like their quote.
In the past I attempted to get quotes from tuck pointers, they all demanded they get paid for a full wall and not for a single crack I needed done. All quotes were for $1,000 or more for this single crack. I finally got it done for $300. Only the crack was done and they matched the cement. I was thrilled, still am.
So I am not interested in paying drywallers for outlandish quotes. The first call for a fee had the time to come out that day for the quote, and could start immediately. They may well have missed out on a job for the $100. Yes, I am that cheap.
In my practice, we meet with prospective clients for free, to see if we are a good fit. When I work with someone and like their work, and I am asked for a referral I refer those I know. That $100 fee is losing people business.