saying "no" to quotes from builders

[ohmygoshandgolly]

We have had quotes from three local builders for a small project.

Having chosen the one builder we want to go with, what is the protocol for saying "no" to the others? Do we need to offer an explanation? Do I put it in writing or call them?

I would like to keep the other two's details on file for the future and would recommend them to friends so I don't want to annoy them by saying no. Is there a nice (and proper) way to do it?

Thanks!

I'd email them (because I'm too chicken to call) and would usually go with something like "Thank you for taking the time to provide a quote, however I just wanted to let you that we wont be proceeding with the work"

Thank you, that sounds perfect.

(I'm also too scared to call them!!)

You sound lovely, people just usually gon't get back to us, which is bloody rude considerin the time it takes to put quotes together. Saying that, most people get three quotes so i am never offended if folk don't want the work done. Id be happy with an email/text

Eek, sorry to be pedantic but I probably wouldn't say "we won't be proceeding wth the work" because you will, just not with them?

Possibly a "We've decided to proceed with an alternative company but thank you very much"?

If you really want to be nice you write back thanking them for the quote and te them the other prices you have been given. No names. It let's them judge the market and gives valuable feedback.

I have to do this over the next few days and it is making me feel miserable, especially as I know one of the builders personally and I think he might be offended. Ours is a big job though, so much more work has gone into providing the quotes.

I wouldn't give the other prices unless you have made your decision solely on price. Our decision is based on price and other considerations, so I don't want to get into discussions about how quotes can be reduced. In fact, I don't want to be getting into discussions at all!

I work in a business where we know most clients have to ask for three quotes, so we know before we write a proposal that there is a good chance we won't get the work. As a result we quote for far more jobs than we can actually do. So we are quite used to hearing 'thanks but no thanks'. It's nice to hear something vaguely flattering but clear like 'we really liked your proposal but this time have decided to go with an alternative supplier'.