There are a few instant quote and estimate tools for roofing websites now. They look similar in a demo, but they differ in ways that matter once real homeowners use them. These are the questions worth asking of any of them, Firstprice included.
1. Where do the prices come from?
This matters more than anything else. A tool that uses national averages or someone else’s figures will show prices you don’t charge, and you’ll spend the first call explaining why. Look for one that builds every figure only from your rates, per m² for each covering, plus your own allowances and minimum job.
2. Does it show a range, and say what it is?
A single exact figure online invites arguments. A range, worded clearly as a guide that a survey confirms, sets the right expectation and protects you when the roof turns out to need more.
3. What happens with awkward jobs?
Ask what it does when someone mentions asbestos, a listed building or structural damage. The right answer is that it doesn’t guess: it tells them a survey is needed and passes the enquiry to you.
4. Can it price the extras people actually mention?
Chimney stacks, roof windows and awkward access change the price. Homeowners describe them in their own words, so check the tool can pick them up and price them from your allowances, not ignore them.
5. Do you choose when the price is shown?
Some companies want homeowners to see a figure first; others want contact details first. The best tools let you choose, ideally separately for repairs, replacements and new roofs.
6. What exactly do you receive?
An enquiry should give you the homeowner’s name and contact details, the type of job, roof shape, covering, size, their notes and the figure they were shown. Without the figure, you’re starting the call blind.
7. Does it work on your website and on phones?
Most people looking for a roofing company are on a phone. Try the demo on yours. Then check it fits your website builder, whether that’s WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Webflow or a site your designer built, and that it carries your name and colours rather than someone else’s branding.
8. How is the roof size worked out?
A size slider is simple and works everywhere. Satellite measuring is convenient for homeowners, but check how the tool does it and that the map imagery is licensed for that use. Either way, someone unsure of their roof size should still be able to send you the enquiry rather than get a guessed price.
9. Is it checked before it goes live?
Ask whether the set-up includes running your past quotes through it. Ten real jobs priced side by side will show you straight away whether the ranges are right.
10. Privacy, cookies and data
The tool collects personal details on your behalf, so you’ll need it covered in your privacy notice. Ask where enquiries are sent and stored, whether it sets cookies or tracks visitors, and who else sees the data.
11. Changing your rates later
Prices move. Check how a rate change is made, how quickly it takes effect and whether anyone has to edit your website to do it.
12. Cost and commitment
Ask about any set-up fee, the monthly cost, the minimum term and what happens to your enquiries if you stop. A tool that pays for itself with one extra job a year is easy to justify, but only if it brings genuine enquiries.