How to Get Quotes for Home Services | Virtoly Guides

Step-by-step guide to getting home service quotes in Canada: describe your job, choose an order type, compare offers, and book on Virtoly. To get home service quotes, describe your job with photos and timing, choose an order type on Virtoly (standard, auction, or direct assign), then compare expert quotes by price, reviews, and availability. Accept the best offer to book with secure payment and documented communication.

How do you write a job post that gets better quotes?

The quality of your quotes depends on the quality of your post. Include the category and subcategory, your location, your preferred schedule, and — most importantly — photos of the work area or the problem. For repairs, a close-up plus a wider shot gives context. For projects, add measurements or approximate dimensions. State what 'done' looks like to you and any constraints (budget ceiling, must-finish-by date, access limits like stairs or parking). The more specific you are, the fewer clarifying messages experts need, and the more accurate and comparable their prices will be. A vague post attracts wide, padded estimates; a detailed one attracts tight, competitive quotes.

What are the different ways to receive quotes on Virtoly?

Virtoly offers three order types for different priorities. A standard order lets experts submit quotes that you compare freely on your own timeline — best when you want to weigh price against reviews and availability. An auction order collects competitive bids within a window you set, which is great when price is the priority and you want offers to sharpen against each other. A direct-assign order sends the job straight to a favorite expert, or to one whose published availability matches your schedule — ideal for repeat work or when you already know who you want. Choosing the right type up front shapes the kind of quotes you'll get and how quickly.

How long does it take to get quotes?

Response time depends on your category, location, and how many experts are active near you. In busy markets, first quotes often arrive within a few hours; quieter categories or smaller towns may take longer. Auction orders follow the duration you choose, so you control the window. You can speed things up by posting during business hours, adding clear photos, and setting a realistic schedule — jobs with same-day or unusual timing get fewer responses. If quotes are slow, consider widening your available dates or checking that your description isn't missing key details experts need to feel confident bidding.

How should you compare quotes fairly?

Resist the reflex to sort by lowest price only. Compare on four dimensions: total price (not hourly rate in isolation), the confirmed work slot versus your availability, recent reviews for similar jobs, and relevant verification badges. Make sure every quote covers the same scope — if one excludes materials or disposal and another includes them, they aren't really comparable until you normalize them. Use chat to close gaps before deciding. Often the best value isn't the cheapest bid but the one where price, timing, and track record all line up. There's no obligation to accept, so you can wait for more offers or decline without cost.

What happens after you accept a quote?

When you accept, payment is authorized through secure checkout and the booking is confirmed with your expert. Keep communication in the Virtoly chat so scheduling, access notes, and any changes stay documented. If you need to adjust the job after accepting, edit the order and notify the expert — they can update the quote if the change affects price or timing. After the work is finished and marked complete, there's a review window, and your card is charged per Virtoly's payment schedule. If anything doesn't match what was agreed, use Report a Problem within 24 hours so the platform can review the records and help resolve it.

Frequently asked questions

Is posting a job on Virtoly free?

Yes. Customers can post jobs and receive quotes without a posting fee. You pay when you accept a quote according to Virtoly checkout.

How long does it take to get quotes?

Timing varies by category and location. Active markets often receive first quotes within hours; auction orders follow your chosen duration.

Can I edit my job after posting?

Yes. If you edit an order that already has quotes, experts are notified and can update or confirm their offers.

What is an auction order?

Experts bid competitively during a window you set. When the auction ends, you see the top qualified bids and choose one to accept.

How many quotes should I compare?

Two or three is usually enough to gauge fair pricing without stalling. Compare on total price, timing, reviews, and badges — not the lowest number alone.

Do I have to accept a quote?

No. You can decline or wait for more quotes. There is no obligation until you accept an offer.

How do I start my first order?

Visit Services, pick a category, select a subcategory, and follow the order steps. You can create a free customer account along the way.