When it comes to essential business services like Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) it’s tempting to stick with the familiar. But relying on trusted suppliers without shopping around could be costing you seriously big money. Our recent experience highlights just how much you could be saving by simply getting three like-for-like quotes.

Real Example: The Shocking Price Variation

We recently needed Fire Risk Assessments for a property. Here’s what happened:

·        Quote 1: £105 (excluding VAT) for a 6-bedroom HMO.

·        Quote 2: £400 (excluding VAT) for the same type of service.

Both quotes were for legally compliant assessments from reputable, established providers. The service offered in each was the same yet the price gap was almost £300 per property.

If you manage multiple properties, the savings multiply quickly: for 10 properties, that’s potentially £3,000 saved, with zero compromise on safety or compliance.

Why Bother with Three Quotes?

1. Price Differences Are Real

Our example proves that “standard industry rates” can actually vary wildly, even among trusted brands. You can’t spot a fair price without comparing.

2. Loyalty Shouldn’t Cost You

It’s easy to stick with a supplier you know, but that loyalty shouldn’t cost hundreds or thousands a year. When you have competitor quotes in hand, your usual supplier may even match the best price simply because you checked.

3. It’s Easy to Compare With a Virtual Assistant

Getting three quotes can feel like admin overhead but it doesn’t have to be. A skilled Virtual Assistant (VA) can handle all the back-and-forth: sending out standardized briefs, collecting responses, and putting together a clear, apples-to-apples comparison so you make the right call with minimal effort.

4. Compliance and Trust Stay Intact

The key: make sure you’re always comparing true like-for-like. Each provider must be reputable, properly accredited, and offer fully compliant service. Once you’ve verified this, there’s no reason to pay a higher fixed fee. It’s just smart business.

How to Get Accurate Like-for-Like Quotes

·        Give specifics: Always provide the same details (property size, type, location, and required service) to every supplier.

·        Ask about everything: Insist on a full, transparent quote with all costs up front.

·        Check credentials: Only deal with accredited, experienced providers.

·        Request sample reports: Make sure you’re happy with what you’ll actually receive.

Why Use a Virtual Assistant?

Chasing quotes, filling forms, and following up takes time you could spend growing your business. Handing this over to a VA means you get all the savings with none of the hassle. They know how to standardise information and spot hidden differences, making your comparison easy and reliable.

The Bottom Line: Make "Three Quotes" Your Norm

Three like-for-like quotes give you the power to make informed, cost-effective decisions across your portfolio or business. Our fire risk assessment example proves it: a simple check could mean big savings, every single time.

Don’t leave money on the table. Make getting three comparable quotes your go-to policy you’ll protect your budget and still get the top-quality compliance you need.