The cheapest number is tempting, especially when three businesses appear to offer the same job. But a service can cost more because it includes better materials, a clearer timeframe or more work. The Three-Quote Challenge lets a family or class practise comparing the whole offer without spending real money.
Use a fictional job such as painting a room, repairing a bicycle or setting up a small garden. Consumer Protection explains that an estimate is a best guess, while a quote is an offer for a specified price. That difference is the first clue in the activity.
Set up three fictional offers
Create three cards. Each card should show the work included, materials, timeframe, price type, and one question the customer still needs to ask. Keep the cards comparable: the same room, repair or service request should be described to each provider.
For example, Offer A might be a low estimate with a quick start but no materials list. Offer B might be a written quote with a slower start and named materials. Offer C might cost more but include a longer warranty or a detailed completion date. None is automatically the right answer.
Check the scope before the dollars
Ask what will actually be done. Does the price cover preparation, materials, delivery, clean-up and tax? If one offer leaves out a step, it is not a fair price comparison yet. Consumer Protection recommends asking for written details and giving providers as much information as possible so offers can be compared more accurately.
Label quote or estimate
Put a large “quote” or “estimate” label on each card. An estimate is not a fixed price. A quote is generally a confirmed price for the agreed scope, and extra work or a changed scope should be agreed before the price changes. In the activity, learners should circle the offer with the clearest price commitment and write one follow-up question for the others.
Compare more than price
Give each offer a simple score from one to three for scope clarity, timing, evidence of quality and price clarity. Do not add the scores into a pretend “best business” result unless the group explains its weighting. A low price may matter most to one household; a reliable date may matter most to another.
Finish with a decision note
Each learner completes the sentence: “I would ask ___ before choosing because ___.” A strong answer might request a written quote, ask what materials are included, or check when the work can begin. If a provider proposes extra work later, the fictional customer pauses and agrees the variation before it happens.
The activity teaches that comparing offers is a reasoning task. Price is part of the decision, but a number without a clear scope can create a bigger surprise later.
Sources and further reading
Consumer Protection: Quotes and estimates; Consumer Protection: Repair damage after normal use.
FAQs
What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?
An estimate is a best guess of cost. A quote is an offer for a specified price and scope, subject to the terms of the agreement.
Why should the service scope be compared first?
Two prices cannot be compared fairly if the offers include different work, materials or timeframes.
Should the cheapest offer always win?
No. Consider scope, timing, quality clues, price clarity and the priorities of the person making the decision.
What should I ask if a quote is vague?
Ask what work, materials, timing and other costs are included, and request the answer in writing.
Can a service price change after a quote?
It may change if the customer agrees to extra work or the scope changes. Ask before agreeing to any variation.
Can we do this challenge without contacting real businesses?
Yes. Fictional cards or anonymised examples let learners practise comparison without sharing personal projects or making requests.
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