FAQ - Why is the HTA's Budget Estimator so popular?

1 - Fact: Integrators routinely "sticker shock" prospective clients, as most homeowners are unaware of realistic installed cost technology budgets. When prospective clients perceive the integrator may be overcharging, they shop around. As every good integrator knows, plenty of less qualified companies are ready to undercut you with inferior products and terrible installation and service quality.

2 - Fact: Asking a prospective client, "What's your budget?" does not go over well. See point #1 above. Since your clients likely have no idea of what their budget should be, you put them at a disadvantage, and making them uncomfortable is not a good way to start a new relationship. Show your prospective client a realistic installed cost range with the HTA's budget estimator, which may be embedded in your website. There are only 18 basic questions, which only take five minutes to complete. Viola...the budget is created organically with your client's input!

3 - Fact: Most integrators spend a lot of their time and staff time value-engineering proposals to bring pricing down. Save your and their time by using the HTA budget calculator to establish a realistic budget first. Once your prospective client learns a realistic budget range and you explain performance vs. price, you will have the information to get your first proposal right the first time.

4 - Education: Architects, builders, and designers sometimes call with scant information and want a rough technology estimate from you. That's impossible without basic information first, which the calculator is designed to collect. Refer them to the budget calculator (it can be embedded in your website), and in 5 minutes, they'll have their budget. They love this tool, and since it comes from a respected authority, they are confident in sharing the budget numbers with their clients.

5 - Result: Integrators who lead with the HTA's budget calculator prequalify clients quickly. Once prospective clients understand the budget ranges, they are less likely to shop around. This increases their sales closing ratio and makes the sales and design departments operate more efficiently.