There are many different hand-written methods for writing an estimate. Estimators develop codes that only they can understand (that is, if they can read their own writing). “Does that ‘r’ (on the estimate sheet) mean replace or repair? Or could it mean refinish? No, that ‘r’ means the ‘right’ side of the vehicle.”
Our facility has adopted a standardized form prepared by the DuPont™ Performance Alliance™ that collects all the required data for each estimate that is written. It is broken down so that a minimal amount of writing is required. (Just circle repair, refinish or the right side.) The pictures are no longer forgotten, nor is the license number missing. The form is easy to understand; if the estimator who wrote the estimate is gone for the day, any other person in the shop is able to interpret the standardized form. Differences are minimized, and results become consistent.
