I realize that many pest control operators have a dim view on quick inspections. I read and hear their comments on forums, at continuing education meetings or in magazines. I agree that $25.00 inspections lead to problems but even if you’re charging $250.00 and all you’re treating the wdo as is a sales lead then you are just as guilty as the quick hitter-it’s just that you’re getting a bigger price. I rarely sell a job at a wdo (on the spot). My job is to search for wood destroying organisms, that’s it. Do I give a price? Sure and a graph as well but a wdo inspection is not a lead as we traditionally think of. The homeowner didn’t invite you out for a price, in fact it’s almost always the BUYER who selects you and you work on their behalf and unless they have the buying power just who are you going to sell your service to?
I’ve worked in those firms who say the wdo is the best lead you can have because you’ve got the owner over a barrel if you find something. (and you WILL FIND something wink wink nod nod). One such firm even did the inspections for FREE and we were told to find something on every call. That’s not how I do business and that’s not what was expected when I was called out. It’s similar to getting an oil change at those quickie discount places which I simply hate. I got 2 new trucks this year and you’d have thought I bought lemons when I took em in for their first oil change. According to them my wipers were worn, filters shot and some sort of PVC valve had to be changed and these trucks had only 3 or 4000 miles on them. I didn’t come in for that, just change my oil! Even if these things were the case I detest being backed in a corner and pressured for something I may or may not need and it was obvious that 
my coming in for one service was just a way that they could get me to buy more. I’m not against upselling but don’t you think there’s a line there where it becomes bait and switch?
There are two crowds you can’t put me into when it comes to wdo inspections. #1 The 15 inspections per day group; Even though I don’t believe a wdo needs to take 2 hours to do I dang sure know you need time to look the place over. I’m just pretty good at what I do and don’t get swallowed up in all the possibilities of what is suppose to be a visual inspection. #2 The wdo lead gang who really don’t take the inspection seriously and use it as a vehicle to sell work and that is their number 1 goal of pulling into your drive.
Maybe I’m part of a 3rd group and I’ll betcha I’m not alone. I’m just an inspector who hates getting caught up in the drama of real estate sales and would rather do my job and quietly submit my report and see what happens. If need be I’m always available to explain my findings and even treatment options and price. This is the kind of inspector I think most people think they’re getting when they call on the service of a company. Too often however, I think they fear their just calling in a salesman.
