How to request and review the best fencing quote for your horse property.   

Once you have chosen a few fencing options for your horse property, you identify the fencing suppliers. This is followed by checking if the product is in stock and what the lead time is. 

The next big step is to ask for a quote. But how? 

Simply put, a quote is a statement of the price at which a business will supply goods or services. When you accept a quote, you have formed a contract. It’s an extremely critical piece of document that defines your journey to achieve your dream fencing. To make sure you get your desired fencing at the best price, you should be extremely thorough while requesting, analysing and accepting the quote. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to our customers across Australia and New Zealand. We have years of experience and expertise creating fencing quotes for our clients and have learnt that when the best practices are followed the whole experience of buying is smooth, clear and beneficial for everyone.  

We believe that you should have all the information needed to make the decision that’s right for you, your property, your budget and your vision. In this article we will discuss the ideal process of getting a fencing quote, the best practices you should follow to receive the right estimate and most important of all why and how to get multiple quotes for your fencing project. 

In the end, even if it isn’t us you’re requesting a quote from, you will know all you need to do to get and choose the right fencing quote for your project and make the best use of your time, effort and money. 

How to get an accurate fencing quote? 

The process of getting a fencing quote for your project should be very simple.  

What’s critical is how detailed and accurate the information that you provide to the supplier is, based on which a quote is generated. The more information you will give, the more accurate the quote will be.  

Here are a few questions that you should provide answers to for getting a fencing quote 

Q1. What is your budget or how much you are expecting to pay? 

Once you’ve chosen the dream fencing for your horse property, the final decision will be driven by cost. It’s important to let your fencing supplier know the budget you’ve set aside for the fencing project and the maximum cost you’re willing to pay.  

Q2. How many metres of fencing do you need? 

Planning is a crucial step in your journey to achieving the right look, the right fencing, and the right quantity of material for your fencing project.  

To know the metres of fencing needed on your property, you can use our free interactive tool. It will let give you an estimate of the area and fencing materials required. This information will be really helpful for the fencing supplier to provide you with an accurate fencing quote. 

Q3. Do you want posts and gates included in the price? 

If you are looking to get posts or gates for your property, we always recommend including them while planning and designing your layout. Learn why it’s important to choose the right gates, and order and install them at the same time as the rest of your fencing.  

Let the fencing supplier know if you want the cost of posts and gates included in the fencing quote right at the beginning. 

Q4. Do you have a fencing contractor and want the cost to be included in our quote? 

In case you need a fencing contractor for your project speak to your supplier and they can connect you to the right installers available in your area. At Stock & Noble, we have a list of chosen fencing contractors and help our clients connect with the one ideal for their project.  

You can choose to request a separate quote and contract with the fencing contractor or opt for a quote from your fencing supplier where even the cost of installation is included, so you get a fair idea of the entire cost of your fencing project. 

 Q5. What is the deadline for your project? 

It’s always good to have a timeline to work on and know the approximate or final dates when you want to finish the project. If the fencing suppliers know the deadline is 2 months or 6 months they can help you plan and quote better for your chosen fencing. For example, some of your fencing material might not be available if you are working on a close timeline. This will change the cost as alternate materials will be included in your fencing quote. 

Checklist before you accept the fencing quote. 

When you’ve provided all the relevant and detailed information, the fencing supplier will send you a quote. There are a few things that you must check: 

1. The quotes should always be in writing not verbal.  

The fencing project is a long-drawn process and might go on for months. It’s important to have the conversations, quotes and discussions in writing so you can always refer back to them. Also remember once the quote is accepted, it’s a binding contract so always better to have all the details in writing. 

 2. The quotes should have all the key details related to your fencing project

Once you receive your fencing quote check if it has: 

• The details of the business 
• The details of the specifics of the fencing products 
• An outline of what the quote includes (make a note of what is not included). For example, we often quote the freight to be confirmed. 
• Expiry date. Sometimes due to price changes, some quotes are valid only for a specific time. (mostly 7 days) 
• Fittings are required to install your fencing. If you don’t understand then call your fencing company and get clarification as to what is and isn’t included. 

  3. Check the cost to be paid upfront.

Once quotes are accepted, customers are committed to purchasing at specified prices. You may be asked to pay a deposit to secure your quote.  

In some companies, you may have to pay the total price upfront. If you are not ready for your fencing but are happy with the price it would be best practice to accept the quote to save the possibility of a price increase or missing out on the product due to supply demand. 

4. Get a revised quote if the project changes

We understand that while you consider your purchase, new ideas and new fencing plans could crop up leading to reduced or additional requirements. If your project changes substantially, we recommend you get a revised quote, so there is no possibility of misunderstanding or not receiving the correct number of products. 

5. Read the terms and conditions thoroughly

Needless to say before accepting any fencing quote you must read the entire document and pay special attention to the terms and conditions. If something stands out, you must discuss it with your fencing supplier as soon as possible. 

6. Check for references from previous customers

Before you take the final call, it’s advisable to check the references and assess the quality of the work done by the supplier in the past. It will give you the required confidence to go ahead and accept the quote without any doubts. 

How many fencing quotes should you get and why? 

Once you’ve identified the fencing suppliers who have your chosen products, narrow down your search.   

You should get at least three quotes before making a decision.   

Remember that fencing prices can vary widely so it’s important to consider a number of options. You should compare each of these quotes based on the following factors. Focus not just on the price, but also on the quality.  

• Quality 
• Price
• Warranty 
• Time 
• Same meterage 

Two reasons why you must ask for multiple fencing quotes are: 

1. It will help you compare and understand the cost better:

Multiple quotes will give you enough exposure to comprehend the differences and what you are being charged for. Most importantly it is not just the amount of money involved that you need to know – it is what is included in the quotation and if there are any extra costs that you need to know about.  

2. Gives you more confidence to make the right choice: 

When you compare prices and products, you will have all the information needed. This will allow you to feel confident that you’re getting a good price and the best solution for your needs.   

Two things you should be wary of while checking the fencing quote 

1. Surprisingly low quote: 

An unusually low quote may mean you aren’t getting everything you need. Just be sure all the quotes are for the same materials and meterage so you have an accurate comparison. 

2. Cheaper isn’t always better: 

In some cases, the cheapest price isn’t the best option as you end up with a fence that isn’t what you envisioned. Also, you might have to replace it sooner than if you went with the more expensive option with the longer warranty. 

Ready to choose the best fencing quote for your horse property? 

You may be at the stage where you have chosen your fencing and are now in the process of asking suppliers for fencing quotes.  

Your next step is to get the right fencing quote for you. Giving detailed information will be your number 1 goal. From there you’re armed to check any fencing quote you receive for every important factor. And to really nail down the perfect one, of course, you’ll be asking for multiple quotes. 

You are now well equipped with all the tips and tricks to make sure your fencing quote is just right for you, your property, your budget and your vision. You are well-guarded against the most common mistakes that happen with fencing quotes and can choose the one that’s most comprehensive and addresses all your needs. 

Even after going through the entire checklist if the fencing quotes you receive end up exceeding your budget, don’t worry. You can still get the horse fencing you desire. There are a number of ways you can work around if your estimate is significantly higher than what you can or will be able to pay.  

If you want to learn more about the terms included in the fencing quote or wish to discuss any conditions, book a personalised consultation. One of our fencing experts will soon contact you and clear all your doubts to help you get the right fencing quote and your dream horse fencing.