The problem
When an AC or furnace dies, the tech often quotes one replacement system, and the homeowner either takes it or shops around. A homeowner who would have paid for a quieter, more efficient heat pump never sees it. On 12 replacement quotes a month, if 1 or 2 homeowners chose an option worth $2,000£1,504€1,789A$2,887C$2,827 more when shown side by side, that's $2,000£1,504€1,789A$2,887C$2,827 to $4,000£3,008€3,579A$5,774C$5,654 of work a month not sold.
What the AI does
ServiceM8 can produce several quote options and send a link for the client to view and choose, on every plan. Its Proposals feature, on Growing and above, builds richer quotes with images and multiple-choice options. Its AI Quote & Invoice helper drafts the job description and billing items for you to check. The homeowner picks the option they want online, and the office schedules the install.
A worked example
A two-truck HVAC company in Atlanta runs about 120 jobs and quotes a month and quotes about 12 system replacements, each with one system at around $11,000£8,271€9,842A$15,880C$15,549. They move to ServiceM8 Growing and send every replacement quote as a proposal with three options: a standard split system, a higher-efficiency system and a variable-speed heat pump with a better warranty.
Before
12 replacement quotes a month with one system each
After
Three options with photos of the old equipment on every quote; 1 to 2 homeowners a month choose a system worth $2,000£1,504€1,789A$2,887C$2,827 more
What it's worth
About $600£451€537A$866C$848 to $1,200£902€1,074A$1,732C$1,696 a month in profit, at an assumed 30% margin on $2,000£1,504€1,789A$2,887C$2,827 to $4,000£3,008€3,579A$5,774C$5,654 of extra work (1 or 2 homeowners a month choosing a system worth $2,000£1,504€1,789A$2,887C$2,827 more). That is against $79£59€71A$114C$112 a month for ServiceM8 Growing, for any number of users.
How to set it up
- Choose ServiceM8 Growing ($79£59€71A$114C$112 a month for up to 150 jobs), the first plan with Proposals.
- Build a template for your common replacements with three options, each with equipment, efficiency rating, warranty and what's included, written in plain words.
- Add your company details and contractor license number to the template wherever your state requires them on bids and proposals.
- At the call, photograph the old equipment and data plate and add them to the proposal. Let the AI helper draft the description, then check every item and price yourself before sending.
- After two months, see which options homeowners chose and adjust the tiers.
What goes wrong
- Growing covers 150 jobs a month and every quote counts. Busier shops need Premium ($149£112€133A$215C$211 for 500 jobs).
- A person sizes the system and prices every proposal. Don't let an AI draft decide tonnage or equipment.
- Keep the cheapest option one you'd stand behind. A tier that's only there to make the others look good costs trust.
- Efficiency rebates and financing terms change. Don't put a rebate amount in a proposal unless you've checked the program's current rules.